Joss Stone

Discovering the Soulful Voice of Joss Stone

‘I kind of clicked into soul music more than anything else because of the vocals. You’ve got to have good vocals to sing soul music and I always liked it ever since I was little.’ These words from Joss Stone herself paint a picture of her journey into the world of soul, a genre that has become synonymous with her unique sound.

The Early Years: A Star is Born

Joss Stone’s story began in 1987 when she was just a little girl with a passion for music. Her early talent caught the attention of producers Andy Dean and Ben Wolfe, who saw potential in her soulful voice. It wasn’t long before Joss found herself on stage, performing at the BBC Television talent show Star for a Night. Can you imagine how thrilling it must have been to hear your own voice resonate through the auditorium? That moment marked the beginning of what would become an illustrious career.

The Soul Sessions: A Breakthrough

With her debut album, ‘The Soul Sessions,’ Joss Stone made waves in 2003. This album not only reached the top five on the UK Albums Chart but also earned a spot in the top forty of the US Billboard 200 chart. The lead single, ‘Fell in Love with a Boy,’ became her first hit and climbed to number twenty on the UK Singles Chart. It’s hard not to wonder how many artists would have been content with such success early in their careers. But Joss Stone was just getting started.

From Soul Sessions to Mind Body & Soul

With ‘Mind Body & Soul,’ released in 2004, Joss took her career to new heights. This album debuted at number one in the UK and just missed the top ten on the US Billboard 200 chart. The lead single, ‘You Had Me,’ became her biggest hit yet, reaching number nine in the UK. It’s a testament to her talent that she could continue to grow and evolve as an artist.

Collaborations and Controversies

Joss Stone has never shied away from collaboration or controversy. From working with artists like Melissa Etheridge, John Legend, and Santana to performing at the Super Bowl XL pre-game ceremonies, she’s always been willing to take on new challenges. Her 2007 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals was just one of many highlights in her career. But perhaps most notably, Joss caused a stir during the 2007 BRIT Awards when she presented an award while speaking in an American accent. She defended herself, saying, ‘The words I say do not change. If the way that it sounds is skew-wiff and you don’t like it, don’t listen.’ It’s a reminder that authenticity should always come first.

Continuing the Journey

In 2014, Joss embarked on her Total World Tour, performing in as many countries as possible. Her latest album, ‘Never Forget My Love,’ was released in November 2021, and she celebrated the 20th anniversary of her career with a European tour to perform at summer festivals. It’s clear that Joss Stone is not just an artist; she’s a global ambassador for soul music.

Personal Life

Offstage, Joss has been equally busy. She began dating Beau Dozier in 2004 and co-wrote the song ‘Spoiled’ with him. The couple ended their relationship in November 2005 but not before leaving a lasting impact on her music. In 2016, she revealed she had been in a three-year relationship with SiChai, a music promoter. Joss Stone has also supported over 200 charities worldwide through the Joss Stone Foundation as she completed her world tour.

Award-Winning Career

Throughout her career, Joss Stone has won nine awards, including one Grammy Award and two Brit Awards. Her discography includes albums like ‘The Soul Sessions,’ ‘Mind Body & Soul,’ ‘Introducing Joss Stone,’ ‘Colour Me Free!,’ ‘LP1,’ and ‘Water for Your Soul.’ Tours include the Mind, Body & Soul Sessions Tour, Introducing Joss Stone World Tour, Colour Me Free! World Tour, LP1 World Tour, Total World Tour, 20 Years of Soul, and Ellipsis. It’s a testament to her talent that she has been able to maintain such a successful career for over two decades.

As we look back on Joss Stone’s journey, it’s clear that her soulful voice and unwavering dedication have made her one of the most respected artists in the industry. From her early days as a contestant on Star for a Night to her current status as a global icon, Joss has proven time and again that she is not just a singer but a true artist.