The Mary Jane Girls were a dynamic American R&B, soul, funk, and disco girl group formed in 1979 in Los Angeles, California. Conceived by legendary musician Rick James, the group originally began as a solo project for vocalist Joanne “JoJo” McDuffie, but evolved into a full ensemble after a misunderstanding with Motown Records led James to present them as a group. The lineup included McDuffie as the lead singer, with Cheryl “Cheri” Bailey, Candice “Candi” Ghant, Kimberly “Maxi” Wuletich, and later Yvette “Corvette” Marine rounding out the group. Known for their provocative style and infectious hits like “In My House,” “All Night Long,” and “Candy Man,” the Mary Jane Girls blended sultry vocals with slick production, all under James’s creative direction. Though McDuffie handled most of the studio vocals, the group’s image and live performances were a key part of their appeal. They released two albums in the 1980s and recorded a third that was shelved until 2014. Despite disbanding in 1987, their legacy endures, with their music continuing to influence and resonate across generations