Grace Jones

Introduction:

Grace Jones is a multi-talented Jamaican- American lady who has made a mark as a:

• Supermodel
• Actress
• Singer
• Songwriter.

As a model and fashion icon, Grace Jones reinforced the idea that “black is beautiful”.

Background Information of Grace Jones:

• Grace Jones was born on May 19, 1948 in Spanish Town, Jamaica.
• Jones birth name is Grace Mendoza.
• Grace Jones family moved to Syracuse, New York while she was still in her teens.
• Jones studied theatre at the Syracuse University in New York.
• After a series of failed relationships, Grace Jones married a bodyguard who she later divorces.
• Grace Jones has a son with Jean-Paul Goude- her one time beau.
• In 1996, Grace Jones married a man who was 3 decades younger than her.
• Since 2007, Jones has been living in Tivoli Gardens.

Career of Grace Jones:

• Before Grace Jones stepped into movies and music, Grace was already a successful model in Paris.
• Grace Jones androgynous looks and figure made her a gay- cult icon in America.
• Jones subsequently earned the title “Queen of Gay Discos”.
• Grace association with Island Records led to a series of hit disco albums and singles, some of which include:

1. Portfolio (1977)
2. Fame (1978)
3. 3.Muse (1979)

Grace Jones constantly renewed her singing style and some of her New Wave music include:

1. Warm Leatherette (1980)
2. Nightclubbing (1981)
3. Slave to the Rhythm (1985)
4. Bulletproof Heart (1989)

Along with Jones music, she also overhauled her appearance and looks frequently which gave her a new identity in the industry.

• "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)", "Love on Top of Love", "Killer Kiss" are among her chart topping creations.
• As a contralto vocalist, Jones sings in monotones as well as soprano mode.
• Grace Jones has a well-developed vocal range and versatile style.
• Her live concerts were marked by outrageous costumes and iconic style statements.
• Grace Jones sang the OST for a television series- “The Avengers” in 1998.
• In 2000, Grace came out with another hit song “The Perfect Crime”.
• Jones performed stage shows and concerts with Pavarotti to support the cause of Angolan refugees in Zambia.
• After a hiatus from music, she hit back with “Slave to the Rhythm” in 2004.
• In 2006, she also walked the ramp for Diesel as a celebrity model.
• Grace Jones first proper movie role was in “Conan the Destroyer” (1984)
• She also acted in a James Bond movie “A View to Kill” in 1985.
• Her other movies include “Vamp” (1986), “Boomerang” (1992) and “Wolf Girl” (2001).

Grace Jones also appeared on various television shows and series like:

1. A One Man Show (1982)
2. Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special (1988)
3. Wolf Girl (2001)
4. Shaka Zulu: The Citadel (2001)
5. Hercules

Awards and honors to Grace Jones:

• Grace Jones Nominated by Saturn Awards for Best Supporting Actress for “Conan the Destroyer” in 1985.
• Jones Nominated by Saturn Awards for Best Supporting Actress for “A View to Kill” in 1986.
• Grace Nominated by Saturn Awards for Best Supporting Actress for “Vamp” in 1987.
• Grammy Awards nomination for Best Long Form Music Video for her One Man Show in 1984.
• MTV Video Music Award nomination for Best Female Video for "Slave to the Rhythm" in 1986.