Coco Jones
Jones in 2022
Jones in 2022
Background information
Birth nameCourtney Michaela Jones[1]
Born (1998-01-04) January 4, 1998 (age 26)
Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
OriginLebanon, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actress
DiscographyCoco Jones discography
Years active2006–present
Labels
Parent
Websitetherealcocojones.com

Courtney Michaela "Coco" Jones (born January 4, 1998) is an American singer-songwriter and actress. In 2022, Jones signed to Def Jam Recordings and received success in her recording career with her single "ICU". The song entered the Billboard Hot 100, received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance. The award was among five total nominations she received at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, for which she was also nominated for Best New Artist. Her other accolades include a BET Award and an NAACP Image Award. She returned to acting as a starring role in the Peacock series Bel-Air (2022–present).


Raised in Lebanon, Tennessee, she began auditioning in Nashville as a child to pursue a career in entertainment. She first gained attention after being featured on Radio Disney's Next Big Thing (2010–11). Jones then starred in the Disney Channel film Let It Shine (2012), as well as the sitcom Good Luck Charlie (2012–13). After her departure from Disney, Jones began releasing singles and EPs by 2014.

Early life

Jones was born on January 4, 1998,[3][4] in Columbia, South Carolina,[3] but raised in Lebanon, Tennessee, a small town near Nashville, to former NFL player Mike Jones and session vocalist Javonda Jones.[5] Her brother, Mike Jones Jr., is a current Atlanta Falcons linebacker.[6] Her first stage performance was at the age of six when she performed "America the Beautiful" at her kindergarten graduation. At the age of nine, she met with the casting heads for Disney. After that, she became an actor and songwriter for the company. In 2006, she competed on Radio Disney, where she became known for her song "Real You".[5]

Career

2006–13: Disney and Hollywood Records

Jones in 2012

In 2011, she guest-starred on Disney Channel's television series So Random!.[7] In 2009, she was chosen to perform live on "The Most Talented Kids" episode of the Maury Povich Show. In 2010, Jones was the runner up during season 3 of Radio Disney's The Next Big Thing singing competition.[8] Shortly after, she released her debut project Coco Jones, and began a concert tour revolving around the theme of anti-bullying called UBU-Stop the Bullying.[8][9]

In June 2012, Jones played the lead role of Roxie in the television Disney movie, Let It Shine.[10] The movie was the most watched Disney Channel Original Movie and most watched movie of the year for kids and tweens in 2012.[11][7] Jones and the other main cast of Let It Shine performed at the 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards Nominees Luncheon prior to the movie's release.[12]

Jones signed a record deal with Hollywood Records and began working with Grammy-nominated producer Rob Galbraith, co-writing and recording all-new original music.[5] Jones' debut single "Holla at the DJ" premiered on Radio Disney on December 6, 2012, with its release on iTunes the next day. The video for the track premiered on the Disney Channel on December 12, with a premiere on VEVO just afterwards.[13] Her extended play Made Of was released on March 12, 2013, and toured with Mindless Behavior later that year.[14] Jones performed with Mindless Behavior at Radio Disney's Radio Disney Music Awards, and took home an award for "Funniest Celebrity Take." Following the release of the EP, Jones worked in the studio with David Banner, Ester Dean, and Jukebox, with plans to release her debut album by August.[15]

2014–2022: Independent music, film and television roles

In January 2014, Jones was dropped from Hollywood Records. On August 29, 2014, Jones released a lyric video for her debut independent single, "Peppermint".[16] It was officially released on iTunes on September 4, 2014.[17]

Jones was featured in a Fanta commercial in July 2017.[18] Jones was featured in 1950s-era jazz film Flock of Four in April 2018.[19] In September of that year she released a song called "Just My Luck" along with its music video.[20][21] On September 3, 2019, Jones released a song called "Depressed". On September 20, 2019, she released an 8-track EP titled H.D.W.Y..[22]

In August 2020, it was announced Jones will appear in the upcoming holiday film White Elephant and horror film Vampires vs. the Bronx.[23][24]

In September 2020, Jones talked about her negative experiences in the industry with colorism. According to her, executives decided she was not marketable enough after featuring in Let It Shine.[25][26]

Later on in 2020, Jones released the single "Hollyweird" in November 2020.[27][28]

In September 2021, Jones was cast in Peacock's The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reimagining Bel-Air, portraying Hilary Banks. The show would eventually premiere in February 2022.[29]

2022–present: Signing to Def Jam Recordings and What I Didn't Tell You

On March 20, 2022, Jones announced that she had signed a new artist deal with High Standardz and Def Jam Recordings.[30][31][32][33] Her major label debut single "Caliber" was released on March 25, 2022, and also served as the lead single for her major label debut EP What I Didn't Tell You.[34] After the release of the EP's second single "ICU", as well as the non-album Amazon Music exclusive single "Love is War", the EP was released on November 4, 2022.[35]

A month prior to the EP's release, Jones was featured on Babyface's ninth album Girls Night Out, contributing vocals to the song "Simple". A music video for the song was also released a week later on October 31.[36]

On January 20, 2023, Jones released the deluxe edition to her EP, which included "Simple" and 3 new tracks. Jones' single "ICU" reached No. 21 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart,[37] becoming her first Billboard entry. It later peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100. On February 10, Jones released "Love is War" on all streaming platforms, and four days later, released a Spotify-exclusive cover of "Until the End of Time" with Leon Thomas.

Artistry

Jones has cited her biggest musical influences as Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Brandy Norwood, Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Celine Dion, Etta James, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, CeCe Winans, and Mary J. Blige.[38][39][40][41][42]

Discography

Main article: Coco Jones discography

Extended plays

Filmography

Film and television roles
Year Title Role Notes
2011–12 So Random! Coco Blue Recurring role, 5 episodes
2012 Let It Shine Roxanne "Roxie" Andrews Television film
2012–13 Good Luck Charlie Kelsey Recurring role (seasons 3–4), 5 episodes
2014 The Exes Vanessa Episode: "Oh Brother Here Art Thou"
2016 Grandma's House Kimberley
2017 Flock of Four Ava Moore
2018 Five Points Jayla Recurring role
2020 Vampires vs. the Bronx Rita
2021–present T and Coco Herself/host YouTube series
2022–present Bel-Air Hillary Banks Main role

Awards and nominations

Year Organization Award Work Result Ref.
2022 Give Her FlowHERS Awards My Sister's Keeper Award Herself and Akira Akbar Won [43]
BET Awards Best Actress Bel-Air Nominated [44]
Soul Train Awards Best New Artist Herself Nominated [45]
2023 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding New Artist Won [46]
BET Awards Best New Artist
Soul Train Awards Best New Artist Won [47]
Best R&B/SOUL Female Artist Nominated
Album of the Year What I Didn't Tell You (Deluxe) Nominated
Song of the Year "ICU" Nominated
The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter's Award Nominated
Video of the Year Nominated
2024 Grammy Awards Best R&B Performance Won [48]
Best R&B Song Nominated
Best R&B Album What I Didn't Tell You (Deluxe) Nominated
Best Traditional R&B Performance "Simple" (with Babyface) Nominated
Best New Artist Herself Nominated
NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Soul/R&B Song "ICU" Remix (with Justin Timberlake) Pending [49]
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional) Pending

References

  1. ^ "HEADLINE". ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
  2. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/artist/coco-jones-mn0002609645
  3. ^ a b "Coco Jones Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
  4. ^ "UPI Almanac for Friday, Jan. 4, 2019". United Press International. January 4, 2019. Archived from the original on January 5, 2019. Retrieved September 4, 2019. actor Coco Jones in 1998 (age 21)
  5. ^ a b c [1] Archived March 28, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Radio Disney. Accessed June 7, 2012.
  6. ^ "Professional counseling: Clemson has 6 players with NFL bloodlines".
  7. ^ a b TheJust. "Interview with Coco Jones". Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  8. ^ a b Caswell, Emily (November 15, 2012). "Coco Jones talks Silver Bells performance, Southern food and more". M Live.
  9. ^ Chappel, Ebony (August 1, 2013). "Disney star shows Indy what she's 'made of'". Indianapolis Recorder.
  10. ^ Tishgart, Sierra (June 11, 2012). "Actress Coco Jones on Disney Channel's Let It Shine". Teen Vogue.
  11. ^ "Disney Channel's 'Let It Shine' Divines 5.7 Million Viewers, Becomes #1 TV Movie of the Year with Kids and Tweens – Ratings – TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com". TVbytheNumbers. Archived from the original on June 19, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  12. ^ "Disney Stars perform at the 43rd Annual NAACP Luncheon". Los Angeles Sentinel. February 16, 2012.
  13. ^ "Disney Channel to Present World Premiere of Hollywood Records Recording of Artist Coco Jones' Music Video "Holla at the Dj"". Red Light Management. December 13, 2012.
  14. ^ Noorinejad, Florence. "New tunes: Check out what Coco Jones is Made Of". Girls Life.
  15. ^ Jackson, Ian (July 9, 2013). "Hollywood Records Artist Coco Jones Interviews With All Bay Music Magazine". Allbay Music.
  16. ^ ""Peppermint" – Coco Jones (Official Lyric Video)". YouTube. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  17. ^ "Coco's New Single 'Peppermint' Out Now!". Coco Jones. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  18. ^ "MyLifeAsEva, LaurDIY Named Faces Of Fanta's Massive Summer Campaign". Tube Filter. July 27, 2017. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  19. ^ Abele, Robert (April 12, 2018). "Review: Well-intended jazz drama 'Flock of Four' awkwardly addresses cultural appropriation". Los Angeles Times.
  20. ^ "Coco Jones Bares Her Heart & Soul In 'Just My Luck'". Soul Bounce. September 24, 2018.
  21. ^ "Coco Jones Talks Confidence and Self-Love On New Single, "Just My Luck"". Inquisitive Carter. October 3, 2018.
  22. ^ "Coco Jones Releases New EP "H.D.W.Y.": Streaming". PM Studio. October 2, 2019.
  23. ^ Keyes, Rob (September 9, 2020). "Vampires vs. the Bronx Comes to Netflix October 2nd". Screen Rant.
  24. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (August 26, 2020). "Taryn Manning Feels Entitled In Timely Thriller 'Karen'; Devin Druid, Carmela Zumbado And Matthew Hancock Celebrate The Holidays In 'White Elephant'". Deadline.
  25. ^ Jones, Coco (September 12, 2020). "What Really Happened". Youtube.
  26. ^ Jones, Monique (September 14, 2020). "Coco Jones Opens Up About Being Overlooked In Hollywood, Despite Early Disney Channel Fame". Shadow and Act.
  27. ^ Vargas, Steven (November 12, 2020). "Hollyweird: The Real Journey of Coco Jones". Ampersand LA.
  28. ^ Brissett, Danielle (November 5, 2020). "Coco Jones Releases New Song 'Hollyweird'". Rated R&B.
  29. ^ Samuel, Ruth (February 12, 2022). "'Bel-Air' Star Coco Jones Is Having Her Renaissance Moment". HuffPost. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  30. ^ "5 Things Bel-Air Star Coco Jones Can't Live Without". E! Online. February 15, 2022. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  31. ^ Inman, DeMicia (March 3, 2022). "Coco Jones Says New Music Is Coming As 'Bel-Air' Continues". VIBE.com. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  32. ^ Coco Jones Talks Signing To High Standardz / Def Jam Records, retrieved March 21, 2022
  33. ^ "'Bel-Air' Star Coco Jones Is Having Her Renaissance Moment". HuffPost. February 12, 2022. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  34. ^ Abraham, Mya (March 25, 2022). "Coco Jones, Mary J. Blige, Eli Derby And More Release New R&B Songs". VIBE.com. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  35. ^ "Coco Jones Shares Debut EP 'What I Didn't Tell You'". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  36. ^ Folk, Antwane (November 11, 2022). "Babyface Releases 'Simple' Video Featuring Coco Jones". Rated R&B.
  37. ^ "Coco Jones RnB HIPHOP AIRPLAY history". Billboard. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  38. ^ "About Coco Jones" (PDF). Rock the Red Kettle. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 17, 2021.
  39. ^ "CoCo Jones Sings For Patients In Studio!". Ryan Seacrest Foundation. August 8, 2013. Archived from the original on September 20, 2020. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  40. ^ "Meet Coco Jones". Girls' Life. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  41. ^ Hill, Jack W. (August 15, 2013). "Disney singer Coco Jones will splash into Hot Springs". Arkansas Online. Archived from the original on May 30, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  42. ^ Coco Jones Top 5 favorite R&B Singers #cocojones #brandy #jazminesullivan #aaliyah #beyoncé #rnb, retrieved February 23, 2023
  43. ^ Abraham, Mya (November 15, 2022). "Inside Femme It Forward's Inaugural 'Give Her FlowHERS' Gala". Vibe.
  44. ^ "BET Awards 2022 Nominees Announced". BET. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  45. ^ Ghosh, Sayantan (November 27, 2022). "BET Soul Train Awards 2022: Full List of Winners". The Teal Mango. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  46. ^ "2023 NAACP Image Awards Nominations: See the Full List | Entertainment Tonight". www.etonline.com. January 12, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  47. ^ "BET Soul Train Awards 2022: Full List of Winners". BET. November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  48. ^ "2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Nominees List". Grammy.com. November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  49. ^ "Nominees Announced for the 55th NAACP Image Awards". naacp.org. January 25, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2024.

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