The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will host their 16th annual Women Behind The Music event, on Tuesday, November 12 in Los Angeles. This year, one of the women that ASCAP Rhythm & Soul celebrates is Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Coco Jones.
Raised in Nashville, TN by a mother who was also a singer, and a father who played in the NFL, Coco Jones began recording at the age of 9 and was called to acting—first as a recurring guest on Disney’s musical sketch comedy, So Random!. Since then, she has showcased her formidable acting skills playing Hilary Banks in Peacock’s Fresh Prince reboot, Bel-Air and Netflix’s Vampires vs. the Bronx. Being an actor has given Coco a unique empathy that she translates into music, as she has captivated the world with her timeless artistry, sensual voice and emotive songs to become R&B’s breakout artist. Signing with High Standardz/Def Jam in 2022, she released the EP What I Didn’t Tell You with the lead single “ICU,” which has been certified platinum. The sultry hit was lauded by fans and critics alike and peaked at #1 on the Billboard R&B Airplay chart, leading to Best New Artist wins at the BET Awards , The Soul Train Awards and NAACP Image Awards. In 2024, she was nominated for an impressive five Grammy Awards—including the coveted Best New Artist accolade— and won for Best R&B Performance for her song “ICU.” This next chapter finds the 26-year-old multihyphenate singer/songwriter and actress embarking on her new single, “Here We Go” and stepping into an era of empowerment and connection.
Women Behind the Music recognizes inspiring women in the music community, honoring songwriters, artists and executives including managers, attorneys, label executives and music publishers. These culture shifters impact and elevate the music industry and black music community.
Past ASCAP Women Behind the Music honorees include Grammy-winning singer-songwriters, Kandi Burruss and Kelly Rowland, Roc Nation Co-President Shari Bryant, Grammy-winning artist and songwriter Joelle James, Co-Head of A&R at Interscope Geffen Nicole Wyskoarko, hip-hop legends Salt-N-Pepa, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriters Summer Walker, Jazmine Sullivan, and Victoria Monét, legendary musician and singer Sheila E., Capitol Records Vice President of Artist Relations Brittney Davis, Atlantic Records Senior Director of A&R Sammye Scott, Grammy-winning production and songwriting duo Nova Wav, EVP and Head of Urban Music at Columbia Records Phylicia Fant, and more.
