From Disney darling to R&B Powerhouse, Coco Jones has proved that talent perseverance, and authenticity can outlast even the toughest industry setbacks. Once known for her bright smile, beautiful vocals and Disney Channel charm, the singer and actress has now redefined herself as one of the most soulful voices in contemporary R&B.
In 2010, the Tennessee native first caught the public’s eye on Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing, she was only 12 years old at the time! Her undeniable charisma and powerhouse vocals at such a young age, quickly made her a fan favorite. By 2012, Coco Jones starred in Let it Shine, alongside Tyler James Williams; in a breakout role that not only showcased her vocal ability but also her acting range. For many fans and viewers of Disney, she seemed destined to be Disney’s next big star, following in the footsteps of Selena Gomez & Demi Lovato.
Unfortunately, Coco Jones had to learn at young age how brutal this industry could be to young women. Because of the wider audience engagement and all over hype around Let it Shine, Disney’s Hollywood Records decided to bring Coco Jones on as a signed artist. After the hype had died down, it became more and more apparent that her sign on had been nothing more than a publicity stunt. Hollywood Record’s refused to promote or pay for any new music by Coco during this time. She released a single song “Holla at the DJ” during this time, which wasn’t well promoted because most executives didn’t believe it to be worth their time. To their surprise Coco’s single was loved by the Disney Channel audience and left them wanting more; however, Disney execs took this as a sign to drop Coco from the label altogether.
No matter how much the industry has tried to dim her light, Coco Jones shines brighter than ever. A few years after this whole ordeal, Coco Jones starting rebuilding her career from the ground up. She turned to social media, where her candor about colorism, industry rejection, and self-worth resonated with fans who had grown up watching her. Her transparency became part of her artistry.
In 2022, she took on the role of Hilary Banks in Peacock’s Bel-Air, a reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Coco Jones immediately emulated the confidence and charm of the original Hillary Banks character while bringing in her own opulence. That same year, she released her debut EP What I Didn’t Tell You, led by the viral hit “ICU”. The song’s emotional depth and vocals drew comparisons from fans to many R&B greats like Brandy, solidifying her as a serious actress and artist, no more a former child star.
Coco Jones’ rise symbolized a broader cultural shift in how Black female artists are reclaiming their narratives. She isn’t rushing to fit into a pop mold or chasing trends, she has carved out her own path. She’s making music true to herself, music that feels timeless and rooted in emotion. Her growing list of accolades, including a 2024 Grammy win for Best R&B Performance, only confirms what so many have known about her all along; Coco Jones was never a one-hit wonder, she was a powerhouse waiting for her moment.