If she is, I don't see it. It seems to me she is more a novelty act, kinda like Millie Jackson.

scriptgirl said:

Millie is NOT a novelty act. Grace either.

Grace is more artistic and not novelty (to me anyway).

They're not novelty artists (Grace and Millie), they just weren't mainstream acceptable. Nor would I think they would care, their music is great. Especially Grace's. You SHOULD check her out on YouTube and then try to purchase one of her albums.

I only like Pull up to my Bumper and Slave to the T=Rhythm by Grace

Yes, I do think she is a great singer. To me good singing doesn't always mean to have a wide range that is shown off at any given occasion. It can also be about dramatics, delivery, having a signature style. Grace Jones' singing always reminded me of those old chanteuses like Edith Piaf or Marlene Dietrich. She also knows how to steer the dramaturgy of the songs with her voice by speaking during the verses and then singing during the chorus.
I think it's more the songs than the vocals that can make her look like a novelty act (especially the period when she covered other artists).

scriptgirl said:

"Nightclubbing" (the song) is pure genius. I wasn't a fan of Grace's work until I got the Compass Point sessions album. After I really listened to an overview of her body of work, I then understood her appeal.


[Edited 4/7/10 13:39pm]

Novelty act?

JackieBlue said:

Whats up with the madness in the org lately?

1st Diana Ross was an old school Britney Spears(another orger) and now Millie and Grace are novelty acts

Novelty acts NEVER maintain a following,,,,and those ladies can stuff their bellys to the grave from their following. Please.

Maybe doing some research before calling anyone a "novelty act" might be useful. Grace Jones has been making music since the 1970's, and is still making music to this day

Grace jones released her debut album in 77, has released 10+ albums, and is still making music.....not bad 4 a novelty act.

Timmy84 said:

Grace Jones - Slave to the Rhythm - Live At Wembley Arena, 2004 (YouTube)

Please pardon my ignorance in posting such things with links and so forth; but if you search YouTube with the above narrative ... look out. Grace must have been 56 or so when this was shot - kickin' ass and LEAVING names. This performance was subtle and composed, powerful and transcendent. Don't nobody do it like Grace.

I think a lot of people around here are very young and not familiar with certain artists' bodies of work. To a newbie, someone like Grace or Millie could be mistaken for a "novelty" act, but once you do a little research, you'll find that these types of artists were very influential to modern day music.

If there would have been no Grace, we wouldn't have gotten many of the pop stars that are out today (Madonna included). Same can be said for Millie, if it weren't for her bold moves and statements, we wouldn't have gotten modern hip-hop.

^^^That and La Vie En Rose are two of my favorite vocal performances by her.
[Edited 4/7/10 14:16pm]

Look at this and tell me that people like Gaga and Madonna haven't borrowed from this.

daPrettyman said:

Well I must not be part of this generation 'cause I can clearly remember when Grace and Millie were big names. Especially Grace. I got introduced to Millie via my mom's tape of her greatest hits. And I was about 12.

daPrettyman said:

the visual image, definitely.

everybody's inspired by somebody or something.

Grace Jones, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Millie Jackson, etc. All great and nobody needs to even question their talent.
[Edited 4/7/10 14:45pm]

She's a very lovely woman!!!!

Wowugotit said:

I read your comment before you changed it.

scriptgirl said:

Grace Jones and Millie Jackson are two completely different artists. Nothing similar. Grace has a really good singing voice.

Novelty act? No way. Out there yes, but not a novelty act.

Great singer? She has a nice voice with the right material. But I'd classify her more as a great vocal stylist than a great singer. She excels with what she's got and she's got a lot, but it's more about the delivery than the technical skill with her.

To me she is. I love her voice.

NastradumasKid said:

I did too. But we'll leave it at that. I respect his decision to edit. Don't wanna cause another mini-war in here lol

Timmy84 said:

Yeah, true, but still it was so random.

ok-what is the diff between a stylist and a singer? School me, I'm willing to learn. And by novelty, I meant outside the mainstream.

scriptgirl said:

pretty sure we already had this conversation

errant said:

Does it matter?

Look beyond the clothes. The music is incredible. I not only think she has a very good voice but it's really how she delivers songs that is amazing. Her take on rock, soul and pop standards is incredible! Her original songs are fantastic as well. Her "Hurricane" album is maybe one of the best this decade. It was worth the wait.

scriptgirl said:

So are you saying anyone outside the mainstream is a novelty..or just Grace Jones?