Grace Jones

About Grace Jones

Grace Beverly Jones is a multifaceted Jamaican talent, known for her contributions as a singer, songwriter, model, and actress. Her journey into the spotlight began in the fashion world, first in New York and then in Paris, where she graced the runways for esteemed designers like Yves St. Laurent and Kenzo, and graced the covers of prominent magazines such as Elle and Vogue. She forged significant creative partnerships with photographers including Jean-Paul Goude, Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, and Hans Feurer, developing a signature look characterized by its androgynous style and striking features.

Transitioning to music in 1977, Jones secured a recording contract with Island Records. She quickly became a notable presence in New York City's vibrant disco scene, particularly around the legendary Studio 54. By the early 1980s, her musical direction evolved to embrace a new wave sound, incorporating elements of reggae, funk, post-punk, and pop. This period saw her collaborating extensively with graphic designer Jean-Paul Goude and the renowned musical duo Sly & Robbie. Her singles "Private Life," "Pull Up to the Bumper," "I've Seen That Face Before," and "Slave to the Rhythm" all achieved Top 40 status on the UK Singles Chart. In 1982, she released the visually acclaimed music video compilation A One Man Show, directed by Goude, which garnered her a nomination for Best Video Album at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards. Her most celebrated albums include Warm Leatherette (1980), Nightclubbing (1981), and Slave to the Rhythm (1985).

As an actress, Jones initially appeared in independent films before securing her first major role as Zula in the 1984 fantasy-action film Conan the Destroyer, alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sarah Douglas. She followed this with a memorable turn as May Day in the 1985 James Bond film A View to a Kill and a starring role as a vampire in Vamp (1986). These performances each earned her nominations for the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress. In 1992, Jones contributed to the soundtrack and appeared in Eddie Murphy's film Boomerang, and in 2001, she acted opposite Tim Curry in Wolf Girl. Her influence was recognized by VH1, ranking her 82nd on their 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll in 1999. In 2008, she received a Q Idol Award. Jones played a significant role in shaping the cross-dressing movement of the 1980s and has been cited as a source of inspiration for numerous artists, including Annie Lennox, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Solange Knowles, Lorde, Roisin Murphy, Brazilian Girls, Nile Rodgers, Santigold, and Basement Jaxx. Billboard acknowledged her impact by ranking her as