Aretha, Tina and Gladys may have earned a place on Rolling Stone’s list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time but when it comes to creating a persona that we won’t forget there is no one like Grace Jones. While Rihanna and other so-called tastemakers employ a cadre of stylists to help create their look, Jones was the original collaborator. Her legendary  partnership with photographer and director Jean Paul Goude resulted in a persona like no other.

Jones is now 60 so there are lots of people who didn’t get to see her in her prime. So the only recollection they have of her may be her hilarious turn as Strange´ in “Boomerang”. That was, of course, a over-the-top carricature of Jones at her artistic height but it doesn’t give her credit for the creative energy and imagination she brought to the music scene during her reign. As more of a performer than a song stylist or singer, she always knew how to give a show. Jones also wasn’t the Hollywood idea of beauty. With her dark skin, full lips and short natural hair she personified black beauty in a new and very striking way. And as a former model she knew a thing or two about setting herself apart with her attire. Whether she was pushing androgyny or was overtly sexy, she made it hard to look away.

Now, Jones has just completed filming a  documentary with director Sophie Fiennes which will fill us in on what she’s been doing the past couple of years. We’ll probably have to wait until next year to see the film. It certainly it promises to be entertaining. In the meantime, we can check out her new CD entitled Hurricane which was released earlier this month to decent reviews. You’ll see that she’s still making music and videos that capture your attention.

Check out her newish video Corporate Cannibal below as well as one of her signature performances: