b. Grace Mendoza, 19 May 1948, Spanish Town, Jamaica, West Indies (1952 and 1954 have also been listed as her year of birth). Six feet of style, looks and attitude, Jones moved to New York City in 1964, then became a successful Paris model, appearing on the covers of Vogue, Elle and Der Stern. After a flirtation with acting, she made some unexceptional disco records that sold on the strength of her image and her explicit stage show. Both were carefully crafted by her boyfriend, French artist Jean-Paul Goude. Warm Leatherette marked a major stylistic development. Recorded at Compass Point, Nassau, it featured top Jamaican session men Sly And Robbie, new wave material and the half-spoken delivery style that became the Grace Jones trademark. Her first hit was a cover version of the Pretenders' "Private Life" which made the UK Top 20 in 1980. On Nightclubbing she turned her hand to writing, producing quality songs such as "Pull Up To The Bumper". In 1984 she diversified into movies, taking on Arnold Schwarzenegger in Conan The Destroyer. The following year she played alongside Roger Moore in the James Bond movie A View To A Kill. A return to the recording studios with writer/producer Trevor Horn (on his ZTT Records label) provided her with the UK number 12 hit single, "Slave To The Rhythm". An album of extended versions and megamixes also sold well. In 1986 the compilation Island Life was a big UK success, with "Pull Up To The Bumper" (number 12) and "Love Is The Drug" (number 35) reaching the UK charts the second time around. Subsequent releases struggled to retain this commercial ascendancy, and Jones slipped from view during the 90s. Although Chris Blackwell of Island Records had faith in her as a musical artist the public always saw her as a personality. Her striking looks, outspoken nature and media coverage buried her musical aspirations and talent.
Grace Jones
NME.com feature on Grace Jones including news, reviews, biography, youtube video, audio, concerts, tour dates, photos, pictures, commentary, album reviews and live reviews and cool facts.
Grace Jones News
Grace Jones documentary on the way
The singer/actress has been filmed for the past few years
- Nov 11, 2008
- 4 comments
Grace Jones to release first album in nearly two decades
Diva unleashes a 'Hurricance' this October
- Jun 30, 2008
Grace Jones YouTube Videos
Grace Jones - Corporate Cannibal (06:09)
New video from Grace Jones's forthcoming album 'Hurricane' released in October 2008
I've seen that face before... (04:16)
Grace Jones! Enough said. ... Grace Jones I've seen that face before Paradise Garage Studio 54
Grace Jones - Slave To The Rhythm: Video (04:47)
Music video by Grace Jones performing Slave To The Rhythm: Video (C) 1990 PolyGram Video International
Grace Jones Reviews
Secret Garden Party
Hidden away in the country with no corporate sponsors, this secret won't be staying under wraps. Secret Location Near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire (July 24-27)
- Aug 8, 2008
Grace Jones Discography
Grace Jones albums.
- Portfolio - 1977 (Island)
- Fame - 1978 (Island)
- Muse - 1979 (Island)
- Warm Leatherette - 1980 (Island)
- Nightclubbing - 1981 (Island)
- Living My Life - 1982 (Island)
- Slave To The Rhythm - 1985 (ZTT)
- Inside Story - 1986 (Manhattan)
- Bullet Proof Heart - 1990 (Capitol)








