D.C. honors pioneering R&B group the Jewels with ‘The Jewels Way’

The group formed at Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1958 and went on to record, tour with James Brown and build a career spanning more than six decades.

Washington, D.C., is honoring the Jewels, a pioneering R&B girl group formed by four high school students in 1958, with a commemorative street sign and tribute event celebrating their decades-long contribution to music.

On Thursday, Oct. 29, the city will unveil a street sign reading “The Jewels Way” on 13th Street NW outside Theodore Roosevelt High School, where the group’s original members first sang together. A tribute event featuring music, guest speakers and a documentary screening will follow inside the school’s auditorium. The recognition celebrates a group whose career spanned more than six decades and helped establish its place in Washington’s musical history.

The Jewels began in 1958 when Sandra Bears, Grace Ruffin, Margie Clarke and Carrie Mingo formed a singing group while attending Theodore Roosevelt High School, according to Washington City Paper. Initially known as the Impalas, the group also performed under names including the Renaults and the Four Jewels before settling on the Jewels.

Their early musical journey included singing in school choirs and recording songs at a basement studio belonging to rock and roll pioneer Bo Diddley. The group also backed Diddley on his track “Bo Diddley Is a Lover.” In 1964, the Jewels released “Opportunity,” an R&B record that reached No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for 12 weeks. Their success opened doors to larger audiences, including opportunities to tour with James Brown and provide backing vocals on several of his recordings.

For Bears, now 82, the group’s years performing with Brown remain among the most memorable experiences of her life. She recalled playing prestigious venues, including the Hollywood Bowl and Madison Square Garden, and receiving enthusiastic responses from audiences. “We sang together for over 60 years,” she told Washington City Paper. “I started when I was 14. Today I am 82 years old and to have made that part of my life so memorable is important.”