Joscelyn Eve Stoker was born April 11, 1987, in Dover, Kent, England. Stone is one of four children to parents Richard Stoker and Wendy Stoker. Always displaying an affinity and talent for music, Stone grew up with a variety of musical influences from Aretha Franklin to Dusty Springfield.
It didn’t take long before Stone went from admirer to performer. At the young age of fourteen, she performed the Donna Summer classic "On the Radio" for the British television show Star for a Night. Realizing the greater potential and market in the United States, Stone flew into New York where she was promptly signed to S-Curve Records. By 2003, her debut album The Soul Sessions had hit the stands.
Collaborating with artists such as Angie Stone and The Roots, Stone’s album was an instant hit in her home country, reaching the top five. Her album was met with success in the States as well, breaking into the Billboard Top 40. The single "Fell in Love with a Boy," an homage to the White Stripe’s song "Fell in Love with a Girl" helped launch Stone into the limelight and establish her as the new soulful and innovative voice in the business. Her next single, "Super Duper Love," did not fare as well as the previous but still claimed considerable acclaim and airtime.
Stone followed this album with an even larger success, Mind, Body & Soul. Released in 2004, the album contained hits that finally landed her the coveted #1 spot on the UK charts. She also received many prestigious invitations to perform, including an invite to Band Aid 20 headed by Chris Martin of Coldplay and Bono of U2. Her hard work was rewarded in 2005 when she earned three separate Grammy nominations. Although she ultimately didn’t win any awards that night, she did give a memorable performance at the show with fellow singer Melissa Etheridge. In a tribute to the late great Janis Joplin, Stone performed with her trademark lack of shoes.
Throughout 2005 and 2006, Stone lent her vocal talents to several film soundtracks including Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Fantastic Four, and Chicken Little. She also made her acting debut in 2005 with a one-episode appearance on the musically minded television show American Dreams, opposite Tom Verica and Brittany Snow. Her first substantial role came a year later with the film Eragon, starring Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Djimon Hounsou, and Rachel Weisz.
Seamlessly transitioning from film back to music, Stone’s third album, Introducing Joss Stone, was released in March 2007. It featured collaborations with a wide variety of artists including Lauryn Hill and Common. Stone finally secured a Grammy in the same year.
Although young, Stone already has an impressive list of celebrity fans including Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie. She also solidified her status as a diva when she appeared on VH1 Divas alongside Patti LaBelle, Debbie Harry of Blondie fame, and Gladys Knight.
In addition to her vocals and acting prowess, Stone is also known for her devotion to vegetarianism.
YUDDY
