Grace Jones
Who was Grace Jones?
Jamaican-born artist who became an international icon as a model, singer, and actress in the 1970s and 80s. She is known for her androgynous appearance and hits like "Pull Up to the Bumper."
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Grace Jones (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Grace Beverly Jones was born on May 19, 1948, in Spanish Town, Jamaica. She went on to attend Onondaga Community College and Syracuse University before starting a career that made her a unique figure in entertainment. Her first taste of success was in modeling, signing with Wilhelmina Models in New York. After moving to Paris, she worked with top fashion houses like Yves St. Laurent and Kenzo, and appeared on the covers of major magazines such as Elle and Vogue Hommes. Collaborating with renowned photographers like Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, and Hans Feurer, she became one of the leading Black models of the 1970s.
In 1977, Jones moved into music, signing with Island Records and becoming a key part of New York City's Studio 54 disco scene. She was called the "Disco Queen" in the media, with Jet magazine naming her "the greatest of them all" in 1979. Her music evolved in the early 1980s to a new wave style with influences from reggae, funk, post-punk, and pop. She frequently worked with graphic designer Jean-Paul Goude and the musicians Sly & Robbie, which shaped her artistic path.
Jones found significant commercial success with several hits on the UK Singles Chart, including "Private Life," "Pull Up to the Bumper," "Love Is the Drug," and "Slave to the Rhythm." Her albums Warm Leatherette (1980), Nightclubbing (1981), and Slave to the Rhythm (1985) were key in her music career. In 1982, she released A One Man Show, a collection of music videos directed by Goude, which was nominated for Best Video Album at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards.
She also ventured into acting, first appearing in independent films and then landing her first major role as Zula in Conan the Destroyer (1984). She later played the villain May Day in the James Bond film A View to a Kill (1985) and starred in Vamp. Known for her androgynous look and daring style, Jones was honored with the Order of Jamaica. Her impact has lasted for decades, with recent collaborations involving artists like Gorillaz, Janelle Monáe, and Beyoncé, the latter earning her another Grammy nomination for her work on the Renaissance album in 2022.
Before Fame
Growing up in Jamaica in the 1950s and 1960s, Jones experienced big cultural and political changes as the island moved toward independence in 1962. Her family background and early years in Spanish Town introduced her to the developing Jamaican music scene and cultural identity, which influenced her later artistic work. Moving to the United States to study at Onondaga Community College and Syracuse University was important for her transition into the New York modeling world.
In the 1970s, the fashion industry started to include more diversity, opening up opportunities for models who went against traditional beauty standards. Jones's unique look and striking features matched this shift, helping her to succeed in high-fashion modeling when the industry was beginning to include more Black models and unconventional aesthetics.
Key Achievements
- Became one of the most prominent Black fashion models of the 1970s working with Yves St. Laurent and Kenzo
- Achieved four Top 40 hits on the UK Singles Chart including "Pull Up to the Bumper" and "Slave to the Rhythm"
- Starred as villain May Day in the James Bond film A View to a Kill (1985)
- Received Grammy nominations including for her 2022 collaboration on Beyoncé's Renaissance album
- Awarded the Order of Jamaica for her contributions to entertainment and culture
Did You Know?
- 01.She was discovered by a modeling scout while walking down the street in New York City
- 02.Her iconic flat-top haircut was created by hairstylist Philip Treacy and became one of her most recognizable features
- 03.She performed at Studio 54's New Year's Eve party in 1977, emerging from a birthday cake
- 04.Her album covers often featured geometric and surreal artwork, particularly through her collaboration with Jean-Paul Goude
- 05.She turned down a role in The Matrix trilogy, with the character of Niobe eventually going to Jada Pinkett Smith
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Order of Jamaica | — | — |