Coco Jones: A Rising R&B Star Shining Bright
If her near-lifelong career is any indication, Coco Jones has put in the work. Hailing from Tennessee, Jones began her musical journey as a child, singing Whitney Houston covers at talent shows in Nashville. Her talent caught the attention of Disney, and she soon rose as a Disney star in the 2012 film 'Let It Shine.' However, after parting ways with Disney's record label, Jones took control of her own career, releasing music independently before signing with High Standardz/Def Jam in 2022.
Since then, Coco Jones has reemerged as an R&B sensation, making waves with her breakthrough EP, 'What I Didn't Tell You,' and its soulful single, 'ICU.' Her talent and hard work have led her to a whirlwind of success, including a sold-out international tour and a role on Peacock's hit series, 'Bel-Air.' Furthermore, Jones has recently been nominated for a staggering five Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Best New Artist category.
When asked about her reaction to the nominations, Jones recalls a funny and surreal experience. She was on a plane, asleep, when her phone started buzzing with messages of congratulations. It wasn't until she landed and could speak to people that she learned about her five Grammy nominations. The news completely blew her away, and she found it hard to put into words the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment.
With her Grammy nominations, Coco Jones has been propelled into the spotlight, and the aftermath has been nothing short of wild. One particular moment stands out in her mind - performing sold-out shows in Europe and witnessing audiences sing along to her lyrics, even though they didn't speak English. This experience was not only mind-blowing but also incredibly inspiring for Jones.
Although Jones has been working in the industry since she was a child, being nominated for Best New Artist feels like a fresh start for her. She acknowledges her preparedness but emphasizes that she's a new person now. Jones wants to shed any preconceived notions that she is solely the girl from Disney and to reintroduce herself to the world. Yet, she also acknowledges a sense of déjà vu, as she navigates the different facets of her career - from acting to singing and dancing - just as she did in her Disney days.
Growing up in Nashville, Jones found herself immersed in a country music scene that taught her valuable lessons about performing and songwriting. Despite not pursuing country music as her genre of choice, Jones appreciates the strong lyrics and successful country artists she encountered. She now draws inspiration from these artists as she forges her path in R&B music.
Jones is open to exploring various genres and admits that she can see herself venturing into country music someday. She believes in extending her musical reach and embracing diverse styles. After all, her overarching goal is to bring audiences powerful and memorable music that transcends genre boundaries.
'What I Didn't Tell You' is the project that propelled Coco Jones into the spotlight, marking a rebirth and reintroduction of her musical identity. Jones strategically crafted this EP to cut through the noise and resonate with her existing fanbase while also attracting new listeners. With the support of her team, she found the right combination of elements that represented her as an artist and captured her true essence.
When questioned about her choice to release an EP rather than a debut album, Jones explains that she wanted to continue learning and growing as a creative. Releasing an album at that point would have felt premature. She appreciates having a supportive team at Def Jam and High Standardz that allows her to take her time and nurture her craft. Jones recognizes the importance of not rushing things and prioritizes honing her skills and building her fanbase organically.
When listening to Coco Jones' music, it becomes evident that she is a student of R&B. She pays homage to iconic R&B legends by incorporating elements such as a sample from SWV's 'Rain' and references to Ginuwine's 'Pony.' This musical foundation comes from Jones listening to powerhouse singers like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Cece Winans as a child. These inspirational figures taught her the power and emotional impact that music can have.
One of Coco Jones' biggest hits, 'ICU,' showcases her ability to create a powerful song with universal appeal. Although she believed in the song's potential to connect with people, she was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming response it received. Jones attributes the success to the song's inherent emotional power, which resonated with her and her audience on a profound level.
Throughout her career, Coco Jones has encountered ups and downs. However, she remains determined and unfazed, firmly believing that anything worth attaining will require effort and sacrifice. She acknowledges the discomfort, uncertainty, and challenges that come with the industry but finds the payoff to be well worth it. Jones embraces the crazy journey, knowing that it is essential to achieving her dreams.
In the midst of her busy schedule, Jones prioritizes balance by occasionally taking breaks. She understands the importance of stepping back and living life to have experiences to draw inspiration from. Additionally, these breaks allow her to maintain the quality and intensity of her work, ensuring that she can give her all in every endeavor.
Fans and social media have expressed a desire to see Coco Jones play Tiana in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney's 'The Princess and the Frog.' Jones enthusiastically expresses her interest in the role, recognizing the significance it holds for young black women. Representing Tiana would be historic and a chance to inspire others, just as she was inspired by Tiana's animated representation. The opportunity would also serve as a remarkable full-circle moment for Jones.
As for her upcoming album, Coco Jones is always thinking about it and is inspired by her just-concluded tour. She promises that her music will defy expectations, as she constantly challenges herself to try different concepts and sounds. Jones is competitive and aims to deliver an album that pushes boundaries and showcases her growth as an artist.
Looking ahead, Coco Jones is excited to see how the Grammys unfold, hoping that one of the awards will find its place at her mother's house. Beyond that, she plans to continue growing, dreaming bigger, and setting strict goals for herself. This year represents a time for her to evolve, turn new dreams into reality, and keep pushing herself to new heights.
Coco Jones' journey from a young girl singing cover songs to a Grammy-nominated R&B artist is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and unyielding ambition. Her story is one of resilience in the face of adversity and a reminder that hard work and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements. As Coco Jones continues to make her mark in the music industry, her star will undoubtedly shine brighter and inspire aspiring artists around the world.
