History of Grace Jones in Timeline

Grace Jones is a multifaceted Jamaican artist recognized as a singer, songwriter, model, and actress. Starting her career in New York and Paris, she achieved prominence as a model, collaborating with esteemed fashion houses like Yves St. Laurent and Kenzo, and gracing the covers of Elle and Vogue. Jones worked with notable photographers such as Jean-Paul Goude, Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, and Hans Feurer, gaining recognition for her striking androgynous look and commanding presence.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1925: Robert W. Jones Born

In 1925, Robert W. Jones, Grace Jones's father, was born.

1927: Marjorie Williams Born

In 1927, Marjorie Williams, Grace Jones's mother, was born.

May 1948: Grace Jones Born

In May 1948, Grace Beverly Jones was born in Jamaica. She is known as a singer, songwriter, model, and actress.

1948: Birth of Grace Jones

In 1948, Grace Jones was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, to Marjorie and Robert W. Jones.

1952: Conflicting Birth Year

Some sources say Grace Jones was born in 1952, while other sources say she was born in 1948.

1956: Father Establishes Ministry

In 1956, Grace Jones's father established his ministry, the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, in Lyncourt, Salina, New York.

1970: Move to Paris

In 1970, Grace Jones moved to Paris and signed on as a model. The Parisian fashion scene was receptive to Jones's unusual, androgynous, bold, dark-skinned appearance.

1973: Appearance on Album Cover

In 1973, Grace Jones appeared on the cover of a reissue of Billy Paul's 1970 album Ebony Woman.

1976: Role in Colt 38 Special Squad

In 1976, Grace Jones had a role as a club singer in the Italian film Colt 38 Special Squad and also recorded a song called "Again and Again" that was featured in the film.

1977: Release of Portfolio Album

In 1977, Grace Jones released her debut album Portfolio, which was produced by Tom Moulton and featured both covers and original songs. The album included Jones's first club hit, "I Need a Man".

1977: Music Career Launch with Island Records

In 1977, Grace Jones started her music career after signing a record deal with Island Records, quickly becoming a prominent figure in New York City's Studio 54 disco scene.

1977: Jean-Paul Goude and Grace Jones Start Dating

In 1977, Jean-Paul Goude and Grace Jones start dating and Goude saw Jones as his muse, declaring she was "beautiful and grotesque at the same time."

1978: Release of Fame Album

In 1978, Grace Jones released Fame, which was a follow-up to her album Portfolio. In North American club scene, Fame was a hit album and the "Do or Die"/"Pride"/"Fame" side reached top 10 on both the US Hot Dance Club Play and Canadian Dance/Urban charts.

1978: Artwork published in New York magazine

In 1978, the artwork "Nigger Arabesque" was originally published in New York magazine and later used as a backdrop for Grace Jones's music video for "La Vie en rose".

1978: Original release of Victim by Candi Staton

In 1978, the song Victim was originally released by Candi Staton.

November 1979: Birth of Son Paulo

On November 12, 1979, Grace Jones had her son, Paulo, with longtime collaborator Jean-Paul Goude.

1980: Release of Warm Leatherette

In 1980, Grace Jones released the album Warm Leatherette, which was backed by the Jamaica rhythm section duo Sly and Robbie. This album and subsequent music during this era was described as a new wave hybrid of reggae, funk, pop, and rock.

1981: Collaboration with Jean-Paul Goude

By 1981, Grace Jones began collaborating with photographer and graphic designer Jean-Paul Goude, with whom she also had a relationship.

1981: Release of Nightclubbing Album

In 1981, Grace Jones released Nightclubbing, an album featuring covers of songs and original tracks co-written by Jones. The album became her highest-ranking record on the US Billboard mainstream albums and R&B charts.

1982: Recording Living My Life Album

In 1982, Grace Jones recorded Living My Life in Nassau, Bahamas. This album marked her final contribution to the Compass Point trilogy, featuring mostly original songs and a notable cover art by Jones/Goude collaboration.

1982: Release of Living My Life

In 1982, Grace Jones released the album Living My Life, which was backed by the Jamaica rhythm section duo Sly and Robbie. Her music during this era was described as a new wave hybrid of reggae, funk, pop, and rock.

1982: Nomination for Best Video Album at the Grammy Awards

In 1982, Grace Jones's music video collection A One Man Show, directed by Jean-Paul Goude, received a nomination for Best Video Album at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards.

1984: End of Jean-Paul Goude and Grace Jones Relationship

In 1984, Grace Jones and Jean-Paul Goude ended their dating relationship. Goude designed her album covers, directed her music videos, choreographed live performances, and helped develop her image during their relationship.

1984: Role in Conan the Destroyer

In 1984, Grace Jones appeared in Conan the Destroyer as Zula, marking her first mainstream acting role. She was later nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for this role.

November 1985: UK Albums Chart Success of Slave to the Rhythm

In November 1985, Slave to the Rhythm reached number 12 on the UK Albums Chart, becoming Grace Jones's second-highest-ranking album. She also earned an MTV Video Music Award nomination for the title track's music video.

1985: Dolph Lundgren in A View to a Kill

In 1985, Grace Jones helped her then-boyfriend Dolph Lundgren get a part as a KGB officer in the movie A View to a Kill.

1985: Release of Slave to the Rhythm Album

In 1985, Grace Jones released the album Slave to the Rhythm.

1985: Role in A View to a Kill and Featured on Arcadia song

In 1985, Grace Jones starred as May Day in the James Bond film A View to a Kill, earning a Saturn Award nomination. She was also featured on the Arcadia song "Election Day".

1986: Starring Role in Vamp

In 1986, Grace Jones starred as a vampire in the film Vamp, and she received a nomination for the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress.

1987: Death of Alex Sadkin

In 1987, Alex Sadkin, a member of Compass Point All Stars, died in a motor accident. The Grace Jones song "Well Well Well" was recorded in his memory.

1987: Appearances in Straight to Hell and Siesta

In 1987, Grace Jones appeared in two films, Straight to Hell, and Mary Lambert's Siesta, the latter of which garnered her a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Supporting Actress.

1989: Release of Bulletproof Heart album

In 1989, Grace Jones released the album Bulletproof Heart, produced by Chris Stanley, who also co-wrote and co-produced most of the songs. Robert Clivillés and David Cole of C+C Music Factory also produced some tracks on the album.

1990: Appearance in Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy Warhol

In 1990, Grace Jones appeared as herself in the documentary Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy Warhol.

1990: Relationship with Sven-Ole Thorsen

In 1990, Grace Jones started dating Danish actor and stuntman Sven-Ole Thorsen.

1992: Acting Role and Soundtrack Contribution in Boomerang

In 1992, Grace Jones acted in the Eddie Murphy film Boomerang and contributed to its soundtrack.

1992: Starring role in Boomerang and soundtrack contributions

In 1992, Grace Jones starred as Helen Strangé in the Eddie Murphy film Boomerang, and she contributed the song "7 Day Weekend" to its soundtrack. She also released two more soundtrack songs, "Evilmainya" for the film Freddie as F.R.O.7, and "Let Joy and Innocence Prevail" for the film Toys, all in 1992.

September 1993: Release of "Sex Drive" single

In September 1993, Grace Jones released "Sex Drive" as the first single from her electro album titled Black Marilyn.

1993: Unreleased track Volunteer

In 1993, Grace Jones recorded the track Volunteer, which features in her unreleased song "Clandestine Affair"

1994: Shelving of Black Marilyn album

In 1994, Grace Jones shelved her electro album titled Black Marilyn because she disliked the mixes presented by producers, whom she felt were primarily interested in sampling and had "minced" her vocals.

1995: Cancelled release of "Victim" with Tom Moulton

In 1995, Grace Jones reunited with Tom Moulton for a disco-house take on Candi Staton's 1978 song "Victim", however, the song's release was cancelled by Island Records.

November 1996: Release of "Love Bites" for Vampire Week

In November 1996, Grace Jones released "Love Bites", an up-tempo electronic track, as a non-label promo-only single to promote the Sci-Fi Channel's Vampire Week.

1996: Marriage to Atila Altaunbay

In 1996, Grace Jones married Atila Altaunbay, a Muslim from Turkey.

June 1998: Cancellation of Force of Nature album

In June 1998, Grace Jones was scheduled to release an album titled Force of Nature, on which she worked with trip hop musician Tricky. However, the release was cancelled due to a disagreement between the two.

1998: Release of Private Life: The Compass Point Sessions Compilation

In 1998, the compilation album Private Life: The Compass Point Sessions was released, featuring session outtakes including "Man Around the House" and a cover of "Ring of Fire".

1999: Appearance in Beastmaster television series

In 1999, Grace Jones appeared in an episode of the Beastmaster television series as the Umpatra Warrior.

1999: Ranked on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll

In 1999, Grace Jones was ranked 82nd on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll.

2000: Collaboration with Lil' Kim on "Revolution"

In 2000, Grace Jones collaborated with rapper Lil' Kim, appearing on the song "Revolution" from her album The Notorious K.I.M..

2001: Appearance in Wolf Girl

In 2001, Grace Jones appeared in the film Wolf Girl alongside Tim Curry.

2001: Starring role in Wolf Girl (Blood Moon)

In 2001, Grace Jones starred in the film Wolf Girl (also known as Blood Moon), as an intersex circus performer named Christoph/Christine.

2002: Performance at Pavarotti and Friends concert

In 2002, Grace Jones joined Luciano Pavarotti on stage for his annual Pavarotti and Friends fundraiser concert to support the United Nations refugee agency's programs for Angolan refugees in Zambia.

November 2004: Performance at Trevor Horn tribute concert

In November 2004, Grace Jones sang "Slave to the Rhythm" at a tribute concert for record producer Trevor Horn at London's Wembley Arena.

2004: Clandestine Affair appeared on bootleg

In 2004, Clandestine Affair, a song from Grace Jones, appeared on a bootleg 12".

2007: Open Relationship with Sven-Ole Thorsen

As of 2007, Grace Jones was in an open relationship with Danish actor and stuntman Sven-Ole Thorsen.

May 2008: Death of Robert W. Jones

On May 7, 2008, Grace Jones's father, Bishop Robert W. Jones, passed away. Their relationship had been strained due to his religious beliefs about singing.

June 2008: Performance at Massive Attack's Meltdown festival

On June 19, 2008, Grace Jones performed at Massive Attack's Meltdown festival in London, premiering four new songs from her upcoming album and the music video for "Corporate Cannibal."

November 2008: Release of Hurricane album

On November 3, 2008, Grace Jones's album, Hurricane, was released on Wall of Sound in the United Kingdom.

2008: Honored with a Q Idol Award

In 2008, Grace Jones was honored with a Q Idol Award.

2008: Death of Robert W. Jones

In 2008, Robert W. Jones, Grace Jones's father, passed away.

2009: Collaboration with Chris Cunningham and Brigitte Fontaine

In 2009, Chris Cunningham created a fashion shoot for Dazed & Confused using Grace Jones as a model, creating "Nubian versions" of Rubber Johnny. Jones also worked with Brigitte Fontaine on a duet named "Soufi" from Fontaine's album Prohibition.

2009: Leak of "Volunteer" track

In 2009, the track "Volunteer", recorded during the Black Marilyn sessions, was leaked.

March 2010: Performance at Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Viewing Party

In March 2010, Grace Jones performed for guests at the 18th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Viewing Party, which raised US$3.7 million. A budget DVD version of A One Man Show was released as Grace Jones – Live in Concert.

September 2011: Release of Hurricane – Dub album

On September 5, 2011, Grace Jones released a dub version of the album, Hurricane – Dub. The dub versions were made by Ivor Guest, with contributions from Adam Green, Frank Byng, Robert Logan and Ben Cowan.

2011: Parody in Nicki Minaj's "Stupid Hoe" music video

In 2011, Nicki Minaj parodied the "Nigger Arabesque" image from 1978 in her music video for "Stupid Hoe", mimicking Grace Jones's pose.

2011: Fame Re-release

In 2011, the album Fame by Grace Jones was re-released and remastered by Gold Legion on CD.

April 2012: Performance at Inspiration Gala in São Paulo

In April 2012, Grace Jones joined Deborah Harry, Bebel Gilberto, and Sharon Stone at the Inspiration Gala in São Paulo, Brazil, raising $1.3 million for amfAR. Jones closed the evening with a performance of "La Vie en Rose" and "Pull Up to the Bumper".

October 2012: North American show at Roseland Ballroom

On October 27, 2012, Grace Jones performed her only North American show of 2012, a performance at New York City's Roseland Ballroom. She also presented Sir Tom Jones with her underwear at the GQ Men of the Year award ceremony.

2012: Goude Discusses "French Correction"

In 2012, Jean-Paul Goude discussed his technique of "French correction", where he chopped up and rearranged photos to distort and elongate limbs. Goude stated he was always searching for equilibrium, symmetry, and rhythm in an image.

March 2013: Listed as one of the 50 best-dressed over 50 by The Guardian

In March 2013, Grace Jones was listed as one of the 50 best-dressed over 50 by The Guardian, highlighting her striking visuals and influence on fashion and other artists.

2013: "Love Bites" still unavailable commercially

As of 2013, the 1996 track, "Love Bites", which Grace Jones recorded, had not been made commercially available.

2013: Bishop Noel Jones on Preachers of LA

In 2013, Grace Jones's brother, Bishop Noel Jones, starred on the reality show Preachers of LA.

April 2014: Release of deluxe edition of Nightclubbing album

On April 28, 2014, Universal Music Group released a deluxe edition of Grace Jones's Nightclubbing album as a two-disc set and Blu-ray audio. The set contains most of the 12" mixes of singles from that album, plus two previously unreleased tracks from the Nightclubbing sessions, including a cover of the Gary Numan track "Me! I Disconnect from You".

October 2014: Contribution to The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 soundtrack

In October 2014, it was announced that Grace Jones contributed a song, "Original Beast", to the soundtrack of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1.

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September 2015: Release of memoir I'll Never Write My Memoirs

On September 29, 2015, Grace Jones's memoir entitled I'll Never Write My Memoirs was released.

2015: Publication of "I'll Never Write My Memoirs"

In her 2015 memoir, "I'll Never Write My Memoirs", Grace Jones clarified that she was only ever married to Atila Altaunbay, disputing rumors of a marriage to Chris Stanley.

2016: Ranked on Billboard as a Top Dance Club Artist

In 2016, Billboard ranked Grace Jones as the 40th greatest dance club artist of all time.

2017: Collaboration with Gorillaz on "Charger"

In 2017, Grace Jones collaborated with British virtual band Gorillaz, appearing on the song "Charger" from their fifth studio album Humanz.

2017: Death of Marjorie Williams

In 2017, Marjorie (née Williams), Grace Jones's mother, passed away.

October 2018: Receiving the Order of Jamaica

In October 2018, Grace Jones received the Order of Jamaica from the Jamaican government.

2020: Appointment as Meltdown Festival curator (rescheduled)

Grace Jones had been announced as the curator for the 2020 Meltdown Festival, but it was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Art Exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary

In 2020, the first art exhibition centered around Grace Jones was presented at Nottingham Contemporary in the United Kingdom. The exhibition aimed to represent a multi-faceted pop culture icon and reformulate an alternative image of Grace Jones, avoiding clichés.

June 2022: Curator of Meltdown Festival

In June 2022, Grace Jones served as curator of the 27th edition of the Meltdown Festival. During her show that closed the festival, Jones announced that a brand new 'African hybrid' record was in production, and previewed "The Sun Shines in Wartime" (or "Sunshine In Wartime) and "Blacker Than Black" (or "Born Black") from the album.