Joi Marshall: Life After Jade
- How do you feel the industry has changed since you entered it in the early 1990s? Do you think there's any room for girl/guy groups to make a presence in the industry today?
I think that the business is better in that the internet allows people to have a career whether they have a deal or not. I believe there is room for anybody who is good and who has the right machine to push them.
- Do you know what the other members of Jade are up to? Communicate at all?
Yes, we communicate frequently. Tonya has an interior design firm and is doing quite well. She had a degree in interior and architectural design before she joined Jade, so she's happily working on her other love. Di is on the road with Rod Stewart singing in his band and she is working on a solo project.
- And of course, I have to ask as many visitors would kill me if I didn't. Is there any chance that we might see a resurrection of Jade or to see you join another girl group?
I would never join another group and there is always a chance that we will record again. We love each other and support each other. If the right situation comes about, there is always a possiblity.
- Moving away from the present now and back to the 90s, how did you first get involved with the group Jade?
I am the original member of a group Jade that included Joi, Angie, and Debbie. So Jade used to be JAD. When Angie and Debbie were dropped from the label, Tonya and DI were introduced to me by Vassal Benford, who produced our first album, and ICON Entertainment, who introduced us to Cassandra Mills at Giant Records.
- What musical experience did you have before joining the group?
I've been singin since I was 5 years old in school, the neighborhood and in bands in Chicago.
- What are some interesting experiences from your time with the group Jade?
Travelling and meeting people we admired like, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross and Sting. I want to write a song with Sting so baaad! The whole experience of fame is interesting.
- Everyone obviously knows Don't Walk Away, but if you had to pick a few of the other tracks by Jade, what would be your favorite songs you worked on?
5,4,3,2 is a favorite. We wrote that one along with Mark and Cory. I have many, Don't Ask My Neighbor, Blessed, Everyday of the Week, Mr. Do Right and more. I like a lot of our songs.
- And of course, as a site dedicated to the 90s, I have to ask. What are some of your favorite songs from 90s R&B music?
I like SWV's 'Weak' and TLC's Waterfalls, Silk's 'Freaky with You' God there were so many good songs from the 90's. All of Brandy's album, Faith Evans, Silk, Shai, H=town, Naughty by Nature, I mean really...Jade was blessed to come out alongside some great artists.
- Thanks a lot for your time Joi, I wish you the best of luck in all that you do.
Thank you it was my pleasure.