Joss Stone
A voice of raw, soulful power that crashed into the pop landscape, reintroducing the warmth of classic R&B to a new generation.
Born 1987 (age 39)·English singer, songwriter, and actress·Birthday: April 11·Millennials
Biography
Joss Stone released 'The Soul Sessions' in 2003 as a teenager from the English countryside. That debut was a bold statement—a collection of covers recorded live in the studio, its crackling, organic sound a direct rebuke to polished pop. It went platinum and announced a true vocal phenomenon. She followed it with original material on 'Mind Body & Soul,' which debuted at number one in the UK. Born in 1987, she fought label battles, explored reggae and funk, and performed barefoot. Beyond music, she co-founded the SuperHeavy collective and advocated for human rights. Her instrument remained a constant—a soaring, emotive force that filled stadiums and intimate venues with equal ease.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Joss was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Joss Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Joss's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Her debut album 'The Soul Sessions' went multi-platinum and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2004.
- Became the youngest British female artist to top the UK Albums Chart with her second album, 'Mind Body & Soul,' at age 17.
- Won a Grammy Award in 2007 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group for her collaboration with John Legend on "Family Affair."
- Has sold over 15 million albums worldwide, establishing her as one of the UK's best-selling soul artists.
Did You Know?
She auditioned for the BBC talent show 'Star for a Night' at age 13, performing Donna Summer's "On the Radio."
Stone is a trained practitioner in the spiritual discipline of Reiki.
She holds both British and American citizenship.
In 2012, she played the role of Anne of Cleves in the Showtime series 'The Tudors.'
“"I don't want to be a pop star. I want to be a singer."”
