Joss Stone

Joss Stone is a British soul singer who burst onto the international music scene as a teenager and quickly established herself as one of the most talented vocalists of her generation. Born in Dover, Kent, and raised in Ashill, Devon, she developed a passion for soul and R&B music at a young age, inspired by artists like Aretha Franklin and Dusty Springfield. At just 13, she won a talent contest on the BBC show “Star for a Night,” and by 14, she had signed a recording contract. Her debut album, “The Soul Sessions” (2003), released when she was just 16, featured covers of classic soul songs and debuted at number four on the UK Albums Chart.

Her second album, “Mind Body & Soul” (2004), showcased her original songwriting and debuted at number one in the UK. The album produced the hit single “You Had Me” and earned Stone a Brit Award for Best Female Solo Artist and a Grammy nomination. At 17, she became one of the youngest artists to top the UK album chart. Her powerful, mature vocal style — often compared to classic soul singers decades her senior — set her apart from other pop artists of the era. She went on to release several more albums, including “Introducing Joss Stone” (2007) and “Colour Me Free!” (2009).

Beyond her solo career, Stone has collaborated with a remarkable range of artists, from Jeff Beck and Herbie Hancock to Mick Jagger and Common. She won a Grammy Award in 2011 for her collaboration with Herbie Hancock and others. She also explored acting, voicing characters in animated shows and appearing in the television series “The Tudors” as Anne of Cleves. Her ambitious “Total World Tour” project saw her perform in every country in the world, a journey that took several years and reflected her adventurous spirit and love of global cultures.

Stone has settled in the Bahamas and continues to make music on her own terms, prioritizing artistic freedom over commercial pressure. Her 2021 album “Never Forget My Love,” produced with Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, was well received by critics. While she may have stepped back from the mainstream spotlight, her vocal talent, extensive catalog, and ongoing touring ensure she remains a significant figure in contemporary soul music with a comfortable fortune built over two decades of professional music-making.