Joss Stone – Don’t Cha Wanna Ride

Biography by Andrew Leahey: British singer Joss Stone was only 16 years old when she appeared on the universal radar in 2003, armed with powerful vocals and a vintage, soul-based sound that belied her young age. Smartly aligning herself with a number of soul legends on her early records, Stone soon garnered a devoted audience at home and abroad, first for her reinterpretations of classic soul gems (The Soul Sessions) and, on future albums, for her songwriting chops and powerful delivery. Born Joscelyn Eve Stoker in 1987, Stone grew up mimicking the sounds of American soul and R&B icons, particularly the throaty stylings of Aretha Franklin. Her voice developed quickly, a maturation that earned her a first-place finish at a BBC singing competition in 2001. Stone was only 14 at the time, but a pair of local producers recognized her talent and contacted S-Curve CEO Steve Greenberg, who flew her to New York City for an audition. Stone wowed Greenberg with her rendition of Donna Summer’s “On the Radio,” and a record deal was quickly inked between both parties. With her parents’ permission, she dropped out of school, changed her original last name, and primed herself for a career in entertainment. R&B/soul pioneer Betty Wright joined Stone for her first recording, becoming an instant mentor to the young singer while also serving as her co-producer and backup vocalist. Little Beaver, Timmy Thomas, Angie Stone, and the Roots also assisted Stone during those studio sessions …