Mary Jane Girls
The Mary Jane Girls were an American R&B, soul, funk, and disco girl group formed in 1979 in Los Angeles, California. They gained fame as protégées of musician Rick James and disbanded in 1987.
Rick James initially conceived the project as a solo effort for backup singer Joanne "JoJo" McDuffie, developing tracks with her and session vocalists the Water Sisters. Motown Records signed them as a full group after a misunderstanding, leading James to assemble McDuffie with Cheryl "Cheri" Wells (Bailey), Candice "Candi" Ghant, and Kimberly "Maxi" Wuletich. The members adopted distinct personas: JoJo as sexy and streetwise, Cheri as a valley girl, Candi as a vamp, and Maxi as a dominatri.x
Their self-titled debut, Mary Jane Girls, arrived in 1983 on Gordy Records, peaking at #56 on the Billboard 200 and #6 on R&B charts. Hits included "Candy Man," "All Night Long" (later featured in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City), "Boys," and "Jealousy"; studio vocals were mainly McDuffie and the Waters sisters. Live shows featured James's Stone City Band as backing.
Cheri Wells exited before the 1985 follow-up Only Four You, replaced by Yvette "Corvette" Marine (daughter of singer Pattie Brooks). The album's lead single "In My House" became their biggest hit, reaching #7 on the Hot 100 and #3 on R&B charts. They were inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2019.
A third album was recorded but shelved until its 2014 release in a Rick James retrospective. The group dissolved in 1987 amid James's personal struggles.
Mary Jane Girls
A1 Candy Man
Lead Vocals – JoJo
4:30
A2 Boys
Lead Vocals – Mary Jane Girls
5:34
A3 Prove It
Lead Vocals – Mary Jane Girls
Vocals – Rick James
4:28
A4 Jealousy
Lead Vocals – Cheri
3:28
**Cool Out Side**
B1 You Are My Heaven
Lead Vocals – Candi, JoJo, Mary Jane Girls
3:14
B2 On The Inside
Lead Vocals – JoJo
3:55
B3 All Night Long
Lead Vocals – JoJo
5:34
B4 Musical Love
Lead Vocals – JoJo, Mary Jane Girls
5:07
Written by [All Songs], Arranged by, Producer – Rick James
Label: Gordy – 6040GL
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Funk, Disco
The 1983 self-titled debut album by the Mary Jane Girls, produced by Rick James, is a critically acclaimed (5/5 stars from AllMusic) cornerstone of 80s funk and R&B, featuring hits like "All Night Long," "Candy Man," and "Boys". The album is praised for its immaculate production, JoJo McDuffie’s lead vocals, and a "freaky" funk sound.
Rick James’s production is described as "immaculate" and "pure, synth-heavy funk". JoJo McDuffie receives praise for her versatile range and vocal performances.
The album features lean, stripped-down backings and a "clubby" 80s groove. Critics often note its "immaculate" production, particularly the prominent drums and infectious synth-pop elements.
Standout Tracks:
"All Night Long": Often cited as the sexiest song in funk history, this track is praised for Joanne "JoJo" McDuffie’s sultry vocals and its smooth, nocturnal vibe.
"Candy Man": A high-energy "party track" that became one of their defining hits.
"Boys": A playful, rhythmic anthem that solidified their status on the R&B charts.
The album is considered an essential, must-listen classic of the genre. While some critics feel the lyrics can occasionally be "stale" or the songs a bit long, the general consensus is that it is a "must-listen" for any fan of 80s R&B.