The 10 Most Exciting Artists Right Now

SHARON JONES AND THE DAP-KINGS

Who They Are Hipsters might recognize the funk-soul Dap-Kings from their work on Amy Winehouse's Back to Black album. Less savory types might recognize vocalist Jones, 51, from New York's Rikers Island prison, where she worked as a corrections officer before joining the group — which on Oct. 2 will release their third disc, 100 Days, 100 Nights.

Why They're Exciting The nine-piece is so committed to their chilled-out Motown vibe that they recorded 100 Days in analog. Perhaps this retroness is a nod to Jones making up for lost time. ''I didn't [get booked] in the '70s and '80s because they told me I was too dark-skinned, too short,'' says the Georgia-raised singer. ''I was born in the '50s, in the South. The KKK burned a cross in my grandfather's yard. But I figured one day people would accept me for who I am.'' — Adrienne Day

EW.com Exclusive ''It Hurts to Be Alone'' (to hear it, use the player below)