Gloria Jones

Gloria Jones is an American singer and songwriter best known for recording the original version of “Tainted Love” in 1964—a track that later became famously associated with Soft Cell’s 1981 cover. Before and beyond that cult-classic moment, she built a career as a vocalist and writer, including co-writing hits for other artists.

She also worked as a backing singer and collaborator in the UK rock scene, and is widely known for her personal and musical connection to Marc Bolan of T. Rex. Over the years, Jones has remained a name that pops up whenever ‘60s soul, Northern Soul favorites, and the long afterlife of “Tainted Love” are discussed.