Like pop music icon Madonna, singer, model and actress Grace Jones has reinvented herself more than once.
In the beginning, a record deal with Island Records in 1977, she started her musical career with disco club hits that attracted a large gay following.
That changed into a new wave style in the 1980s when she started working with producers Alex Sadkin and Chris Blackwell. She wanted a dramatically new sound and an even more dramatic change in visual attire. Out came the severe androgynous look with a square-cut boxy bob and angular, padded clothes to match that is still her trademark today. Standing at almost five foot 11 inches tall, Jones had no difficulties emulating a masculine appeal despite her feminine qualities.
Her influence on other artists was apparent at the time of her visual unveiling. Annie Lennox, the lead singer of the 1980s popular band the Eurythmics was often compared to her, especially when she cut her hair to look identical to Jones' style. Fans followed the trend as well.
Stylist Jean-Paul Goude was said to be responsible for Jones' makeover. Jones eventually married Goude and had son Apollo with him. Before they got together, Jones could be seen with kick boxer Dolph Lundgren who became a Hollywood icon when he starred as the contender in the fourth version of Rocky. As of August 2006, Jones was said to be engaged to Ivor Guest, a royal viscount from England.
To date, the contralto vocalist continues to perform in numerous different venues. In November 2004, she sang her hit Slave to the Rhythm at a tribute concert for Trevor Horn. Two years later, she was the celebrity runway model for Diesel's show in New York City.
On October 20, 2006, the 3-CD box set Ultimate Collection was released in Europe by the CCM label, in a limited edition.