In the early 1970s, Jones was at the center of the "payola" scandal, where she was accused—but eventually found not guilty—of offering sexual favors to BBC disc jockeys to gain airplay for her records. However, in 1973, she was sentenced to seven years in prison for controlling a prostitution ring and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
: Often compared to Mae West, her performances featured a "burlesque camp" style and a defiant attitude that resonated with the burgeoning punk movement. The Sex Scandal and Imprisonment
: While in prison, she befriended the "Moors murderer" Myra Hindley. Jones initially campaigned for Hindley’s release but later developed a deep hatred for her, eventually detailing their relationship in the 1993 biography The Devil and Miss Jones . Influence on Punk Rock janie jones
: In 1983, she collaborated with members of The Clash and The Blockheads to record the single "House of the Ju-Ju Queen," released under the name Janie Jones & The Lash.
Despite her criminal conviction, Jones became a "cause célèbre" for the punk generation, who viewed her as a victim of a hypocritical legal system. In the early 1970s, Jones was at the
: Following her release in 1977, Joe Strummer, who was reportedly smitten with her, wrote the song "Janie Jones" in her honor.
Janie Jones (born Marion Mitchell in 1937 or 1941) is a former British pop singer and cabaret artist who became one of London's most notorious figures of the 1960s and 70s. While she had minor success as a singer, she is most famous for her involvement in high-profile sex scandals and for being the namesake of the opening track on The Clash’s 1977 debut album . Rise to Notoriety and Musical Career The Sex Scandal and Imprisonment : While in
: Her biggest musical achievement was the 1966 novelty hit "Witches Brew," which peaked at number 46 on the UK Singles Chart.
