The inspirations of Grace Jones, one of pop music's greatest chameleons
- Text by Gabriela Helfet
Grace Jones was born into a strict, religious family in Jamaica in 1948 – a time when artistic expression, style experimentation and gender fluidity was absolutely not an option. Somehow from this rigid upbringing, sprang a woman who was, and continues to be, one of the most unique figures in pop.
Often criticised for performing covers, and not writing her own songs, what’s most inspiring about Jones is the ability to take music, even well-known tracks, and turn them into her own wholly distinct sound. No small feat when the music was written by the likes of Smokey Robinson, Tom Petty and Roxy Music. From reggae to disco, funk to soul, R’n’B to New Wave, the beauty of Grace Jones is she’s no singer. Jones is a performer from the same cloth as the likes of David Bowie, an experimenter.
Following the reissue of her fourth album, Warm Leatherette, Classic Album Sundays assembled Horse Meat Disco’s Luke Howard, alongside original ‘Blitz Kid’ and writer Princess Julia, to delve into the inspirations and influences of one of pop’s greatest shape-shifters. What followed was a primer on why, 36 years later, the album is as relevant as ever.
You can listen back to the full talk on Grace Jones over at Classic Album Sundays.
To anyone who ever felt like an outcast: Jones’ Warm Leatherette is proof that you should embrace your inner freak flag and let it fly, even if people don’t ‘get’ what you’re doing.
The remastered edition of Warm Leatherette is out now on Universal. Find out more about Classic Album Sundays’ future events worldwide.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
The utopic vision of Black liberation in ’60s & ’70s jazz
Freedom, Rhythm & Sound — As Pan-African optimism spread across the world in the postcolonial era, Black-led record labels gave artists space to express themselves away from the mainstream. A new book collates 500 groundbreaking albums and their covers.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Analogue Appreciation: Wesley Joseph
Forever Ends Someday — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. Today, visual and sonic shapeshifter Wesley Joseph.
Written by: Wesley Joseph
The Strokes condemn US imperialism in Coachella set
Oblivius — The band finished their performance at the festival’s second weekend with a montage of bombings in Gaza and Iran, along with images of world leaders that the CIA has been accused of overthrowing over the past century.
Written by: Noah Petersons
The heady bliss of Glastonbury Festival after the music
Not Done Yet — While the weekend’s headliners and stacked line-ups usually draws the majority of the attention, much of its magic occurs after the music stops. Mischa Haller’s new photobook captures the euphoria and endless possibilities of Glasto’s “in between” moments.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The cathartic roar of Vietnam’s hardcore punk scene
Going hardcore in Saigon — In a country that has gradually opened up in recent decades, a burgeoning youth movement is creating an outlet for youth frustration and anxiety. Frank L’Opez reports from the country’s biggest city’s underground.
Written by: Frank L’Opez
The rise of anywhere and everywhere radio
Cooking up broadcasts — From a London rickshaw to a shipping container in Ukraine, independent stations are redefining what a studio looks and feels like. Bella Koopman speaks to DIY station founders to find out more.
Written by: Bella Koopman
