"Never say never" isn't just a catchphrase. But you can count on the fact that it's truly never too late to see your dreams fulfilled, as long as you're still breathing and willing to work hard and keep trying. Sharon Jones is the epitome of this truth we'd all do well to remember and teach our children. She's one of South Carolina's finest success stories, and as such, an amphitheater right here in our state has been renamed in her honor. You may not even have known that she's one of the celebrities with ties to South Carolina, because she spent most of her life in the New York area. However, she was born in Augusta, Georgia and lived in North Augusta, one of South Carolina's beautiful river towns, for the first few years of her life.
And North Augusta is proud to have been home for this late-blooming celebrity and her family during that time of her life, so much so that they renamed an outdoor amphitheater in her honor in 2020.
The city council held a vote in November 2020, and the decision was unanimous, making the amphitheater the first public place in the area named after a black citizen.
The idea began with Don Rhodes, a journalist who had befriended Jones over the years. She loved the area so much she would return regularly through the years to visit with family and to relax, often while fishing.
The Jones family lived close to where the amphitheater is. Sharon's sister, Willia Stringer, remembers them walking with their father down to the river when it was nothing but trees and the river.
It's a fitting place for honoring Sharon Jones, who had a unique gift for being able to lift a room when she walked in. She was always proud to get to perform with The Dap Kings in the area.
Having been a regular gospel singer in church, her break finally came in 1996 after appearing on a session backing the soul and deep funk legend, Lee Fields. Two other singers had been called to the session, too, but she was the only one who showed up!
After delivering an impressive performance, doors began to open for her. She went on to release her first record at age 40 and became the lead singer for The Dap Kings. She was nominated for the Best R&B Album Grammy award in 2014 and died in 2016 at age 60 after a battle with cancer.
Book this private cottage oasis with a pond and spend some time exploring the city!
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