“We’ve been in the background, singing and looking sexy, but we can really sing. “There are still people who need to be convinced that we’re the real thing,” said McDuffie, the senior group member. The album sold quietly and the single was largely overlooked.īut the Mary Jane Girls have finally begun to pick up some attention and respect thanks to “In My House,” a buoyant disco single from the group’s second album, “Only Four You.” The single is in the national Top 10 and has helped this album go gold faster than the first. They were always sex objects first and singers second.Įven a 1983 best-selling debut album didn’t make much difference even though the Motown LP went gold (500,000 copies sold) and featured “All Night Long,” a smoldering jazz/funk piece that was one of that year’s best singles. But not too many people ever took them seriously. Joanne (JoJo) McDuffie, Candice (Candy) Ghant, Kim (Maxi) Wuletich and Yvette (Corvette) Marine are the opening act for James’ tawdry R&B revues and sing backup vocals during his performances. Some cattily call them the singing sexpots, or James’ girl toys. The Mary Jane Girls, backup singers for R&B /funk star Rick James, have a raunchy reputation.

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