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A View To A Kill

Source: Keith Hamshere / Getty

Grace Jones turns 70-years old today! Yes, Seven – Zero.  She’s been in the game nearly 40 years, but it’s odd that an icon like her doesn’t get the credit she deserves. The supermodel, singer/songwriter/producer/actress has always been in a league of her own, way before it was “cool” to be avant-garde. Back in March, Jones completely stole the moment during Paris Fashion Week at the Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya show. The bold beauty rocked glittering gold bodysuit with a pair of red leather thigh-high boots and appeared to have more energy than some of the models three times younger than her.

Ms. Jones was born in Jamaica in the ’40s and rose to fame in the ’70s due to her success as a model turned singer. In 1977, she scored a record deal with Island Records and became the face of New York City’s studio 54 disco scene. But her evolution as an entertainer didn’t stop there. After releasing many chart topping albums in the 80’s, Ms. Jones went on to try her hand in film.  She was featured in a few low-budget American films during the early 1980s — but in 1984, she made her first mainstream appearance as Zula in the fantasy-action film Conan the Destroyer alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sarah Douglas.

Following that breakout role, she made a splash in the 1985 James Bond movie A View to a Kill as May Day. But no matter what role she had or what job she did, Grace Jones remained her confident, eccentric self through it all. Unapologetically.

“If you are a fan of doing the unexpected, and I am, then it is an advantage to be highly skilled at changing your mind. If you do not want to limit yourself, then be prepared to change your mind—often.”

The “I’ll Never Write My Memoirs” author has the self-assurance and fortitude the most of us only aspire to have — especially women of color.

“What are the chances of a female president being elected? The men-only corporate reaction is: What about the tampons?Will she bleed everywhere? What if she gets pregnant? What if she is going through menopause? What if she’s been through menopause and is therefore old and used up? It’s the same old caveman shit, a power thing.”

As with many things when it comes to being a Black woman in America, folks went from making fun of her looks to totally jacking her style — all the way down to the haircut. Ms. Jones has inspired most of the stars we call our faves today, and In honor of the queen’ check out these celebs that were visibly inspired by her style.

1. Nicki Minaj

The video for Nicki Minaj’s track No Frauds, featuring Drake and Lil Wayne Source:WENN

2. Lady Gaga

59th GRAMMY Awards - Arrivals Source:Getty

3. Dawn Richard

Source:Instagram

4. Teyana Taylor

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5. Kelis

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6. Amber Rose

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7. Queen Grace

Photo of Grace JONES Source:Getty

8. Dawn Richard

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