On August 11, 1965, Regina Jones, then a 22-year-old dispatcher for the Los Angeles Police Department, received the first 911 call related to the Watts Rebellion, a significant event highlighting police brutality. Encouraging her husband, a news anchor, to report on the uprising, she would later co-found the Soul newspaper with him, focusing on uplifting the Black community through music journalism.
The journey of Regina Jones is the central theme of the new documentary, “Who in the Hell is Regina Jones?” by filmmakers Billy Miossi and Soraya Sélène. The film chronicles her contributions to journalism and her coverage of iconic Black artists such as Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross, predating even influential publications like Rolling Stone. Using a rich array of photos, newspaper clippings, and diary entries, the documentary immerses viewers in Jones’ experiences and passion for storytelling.
“Everybody’s got a story, even if they’re not a celebrity,” Jones expressed. “You’ve just got to have that ability to get in and smell it, feel it and pull it out.”
From 1966 to 1982, Soul published a total of 372 issues that showcased the talents of soul, jazz, funk, gospel, and R&B musicians. However, due to marital strain and financial hardships, Jones pivoted her career to public relations, initially working for a record label before launching her own firm. The documentary also highlights her grandson Matthew’s efforts to digitize every edition of Soul, ensuring that its legacy endures. To date, with backing from institutions like Indiana University and UCLA, 136 issues are accessible online via subscription.
In an interview, Jones reflected on the therapeutic power of writing, mentioning that she has released dozens of journals. “Writing saved my soul,” she said, stressing her desire that her more personal writings don’t overshadow her artistic legacy. She reminisced about the unique access she had to artists like Aretha Franklin, emphasizing the intimate relationships she built that allowed for deeper storytelling.
Jones acknowledged the significant shifts in the media landscape, expressing discomfort with the current state of journalism. She emphasized the importance of interpersonal connections in an age dominated by technology, stating, “We’ve got all kinds of information everywhere… but we need human touch.”
As a seasoned storyteller, Jones encouraged aspiring journalists to explore and discover their passions rather than settle into conventional roles. “Figure out where you want to write and play. Don’t get stuck—play around while you’re young,” she advised.
“Who in the Hell is Regina Jones?” is set to premiere on February 16 at 8 p.m. EST across Dabl, Start TV, and Story Television networks, offering a timely look at Jones’ pioneering work and the evolution of journalism through her lens.