Danniebelle's ministry was dedicated to winning souls to Jesus. She had a special gift. Not only did she play and sing beautifully, but she was so "down to earth" that people couldn't help but feel comfortable around her.
She was often compared to Roberta Flack because of her intimate style of singing and songwriting. Many times while performing, she said she was simply serenading the Father. We all had the privilege to take a seat and listen; we would then be ushered into His Spirit by this great woman of God.
Growing up the fourth of eight children in Pittsburgh, PA, Danniebelle learned to play piano at the age of three. She confessed Christ at an early age. To advance her passion for spreading the Gospel through song, she enlisted the vocal talents of her two younger sisters and formed the trio, The Jones Sisters.
In 1969, she formed a group called The Danniebelles. The group went on tour overseas. This promoted the growth and the popularity of The Danniebelles beyond expectations. They were able to record an album and minister to thousands while touring with the World Crusade Ministries.
A few years later, Danniebelle joined her favorite Gospel group, Andraé Crouch and the Disciples. She was featured on such classic Gospel recordings as "Take Me Back" and "Soon and Very Soon."
Danniebelle sang and recorded several solo albums that spanned the next 2 and a half decades. She has traveled worldwide. Using her own personal trials as an example, she spread the love of Jesus Christ. Although she composed and arranged music, she found great fulfillment in being a lyricist. She is admired for having set biblical passages to music.
In 1995, Danniebelle began her biggest personal battle yet. Being an insulin dependent diabetic for a number of years, she was also under treatment for hypertension. Surviving a mastectomy due to breast cancer, left leg amputation below the knee, and a host of other health related issues, Danniebelle's faith in God increased daily.
She passed on peacefully leaving a wonderful legacy. Danniebelle's earthly presence will be missed, but her legacy will live on in all of us.
