Sharon Jones (RIP: May 4, 1956-November 18, 2016) & The Dap-Kings performing at the 2007 Moers Festival. Photo Credit: Michael Hoefner
Sharon Jones sadly lost her fight with cancer on November 18th, 2016. After her death Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings posthumously released the album, Soul of a Woman (“Matter of Time” off of that album was one of the 50 Best Protest Songs of 2017). One of the songs recorded for that album session was “Tear It Down”, which didn’t make the cut, but it was released January 19th, 2018 in honor of the Women’s March that took place the day after. The tune is a funky old school throwback which also features timely lyrics.
Concerning the song, the following was posted on the YouTube page for the official video: “Sharon was always passionate about progressive political issues and was a vocal critic of Donald Trump’s plan to build a wall dividing two nations. In honor of the Women’s March tomorrow, please take a listen and, should you be so inclined, purchase the song at the Daptone Shop or on the band’s Bandcamp page at the price of your choosing, starting at $3. All proceeds from sales of “Tear It Down” will go to the National Immigration Law Center, a policy education, legal training and litigation support resource for immigrants.”
Even from the grave, Jones continues to be a powerful voice of social change.