Grace Jones (born 19 May 1948) is a Jamaican-American supermodel, singer, songwriter, record producer and actress. Born in Jamaica, she moved when she was 13, along with her siblings, to live with her parents in Syracuse, New York. Jones began her modelling career in New York state….then in Paris….while working for fashion houses such as Yves St. Laurent and Kenzo….and appearing on the covers of Elle and Vogue. She worked with photographers such as Jean-Paul Goude, Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin and Hans Feurer….and became known for her distinctive androgynous appearance and bold features.
Jones embarked on a music career beginning in 1977….while securing a record deal with Island Records….and initially becoming a star of New York City’s Studio 54 disco scene. In the early 1980’s, she moved toward a new wave style that drew on reggae, funk, post-punk and pop music….while frequently collaborating with both the graphic designer Jean-Paul Goude and the musical duo Sly & Robbie. Her most popular albums include Warm Leatherette (1980), Nightclubbing (1981) and Slave to the Rhythm (1985). She scored Top 40 entries on the UK Singles Chart with “Pull Up to the Bumper”, “I’ve Seen That Face Before”, “Private Life” and “Slave to the Rhythm”. In 1982, she released the music video collection A One Man Show…which was directed by Goude.
In 1999, Jones ranked 82nd on VH1’s 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll….and in 2008, she was honored with a Q Idol Award…..as Jones influenced the cross-dressing movement of the 1980’s….and has been an inspiration for artists including Annie Lennox, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Lorde, Róisín Murphy, Brazilian Girls, Nile Rodgers, Santigold, and Basement Jaxx.
