Coco Jones stands out as a uniquely gifted artist in the entertainment industry. Having launched her career as a child star, she appeared in Disney's "Let It Shine," “Radio Disney's Next Big," and “Good Luck Charlie," where her remarkable talent quickly captured audiences. Today, Jones shines in her role as Hillary Banks on the critically acclaimed Peacock drama "Bel-Air," which is eagerly anticipating the release of its third season this fall.

In addition to her acting prowess, Jones has made her mark as a singer/songwriter. She earned a Grammy Award in 2023 for Best R&B Performance with her sultry hit single “ICU,” featured on her well-received EP "What I Didn’t Tell You."

Jones recently shared insights in an interview with BET.com about her early passion for singing, which she nurtured in her hometown of Nashville. She credits the vibrant music scene there as the foundational launching pad for her success.

“I feel like regardless of where I lived, the desire was always in me and my fire was fueled once I started doing talent competitions and little kid plays at my school. I was like, “Oh, this hits way more than sports” because I was playing basketball at the time,” Jones recalled. “I'm grateful for Nashville because even though it was the home of a genre of music that I didn’t see myself in, there still were so many music opportunities.”

“I sang with super bluegrass musicians at these cafes where I was the only little Black girl, singing down,” she laughed. “I worked with a producer who met me through a talent show and he worked with me for free for like three years because he believed in me. I learned so much there because it was still the home of country music but there was still enough room for me to get my foot in the door.”

Eventually, Jones became a star as a recurring guest on Disney’s musical sketch comedy “So Random!” and, in 2012, as the golden-voiced love interest in the network’s TV movie “Let It Shine.” She shared how she overcame the obstacles of transitioning from being a child star to evolving into adulthood.

Related: Art of the Come Up With Coco Jones

“I think the biggest challenge was growing up in front of the camera because, as a child actor, you're this cute little thing. Then as you get older, you're a teen, a young woman, and a grown woman,” she said. “It's like, where do you fit? What do you audition for? What roles do you connect with? How do you present yourself when you attend these auditions as a Black girl? How do you do your hair? What do you wear? How much skin do you show? Figuring out how to navigate that as a woman growing up was hard.”

Following her Disney years, Jones hit a dry spell, but she became a viral sensation on TikTok for her incredible rendition of classic songs. Her talent was discovered, leading her to an audition for Bel-Air, an opportunity she would never have expected.

“Honestly, acting was a tangible job that I could apply for because I did not know how to apply to be a singer. I felt that singing was number one, but acting was always tangible. When I auditioned for Bel-Air, I was an independent artist making TikTok singing covers. I had just recently got acting management so that was my first time having an adult manager since I was 16.” Jones explained. 

“I was at the time very apprehensive because I thought a reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was doing the same thing. I was like, “Hillary didn't look anything like me. So why would I do that?” I didn't understand, and I was grateful for my manager at the time who pushed me to do that audition,” she continued. “When I found out that I booked it, I was like, “Okay, I'm employed, and music will go wherever it goes.” TikTok led me to the eyes of some executives. I started getting meetings again, and people wanted to manage me on the music side. So it worked out that way.”

All of Jones’ work is paying off.  “ICU” was certified platinum, earning her a Grammy Award. 

“I was super emotional. It all hit me when I was taking the pictures with the award. Because I thought back to the beginning, to my lowest moments, and I was just so grateful that I didn't walk away when it was easier to walk away. It’s also inspirational and now I can dream bigger with less limitations on myself. It’s like God was saying, “Girl, this is your reality. You won a Grammy. Own this reality, own your life, own your accomplishments, and now dream even bigger.”

For her latest endeavor, Jones released her latest track, “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” on May 3rd as the first single from her long-awaited debut album Produced by Cardiak, who masterfully samples the Lenny Williams classic “Cause I Love You,” and also made popular by Twista on “Overnight CelebrityJ,” Jones’ powerful vocal performance explores the ups and downs of love. She detailed the creative process of the song.

“Of course, I was familiar with Lenny Williams’ original song, and the Twista sample of it. but I was happy that it wasn't in the front of my mind. I'm really good at hearing something and learning how it goes, you know, I don't like to listen to demos too much because I don’t want the track to be an imitation.”

Without question, Jones's best is yet to come. In the upcoming years, you can expect her to share all of her gifts as an artist with the world. As she reflected on her journey, she expressed her gratitude for all the success she’s enjoying in her thriving acting and singing careers.

“Sometimes it's very surreal when I think about how my life has played out and I'm super grateful for both,” she said. “I feel like acting and my music are separate. After dropping my EP, being on tour, and learning so much as an adult artist, I feel like acting and my music are very separate intentions.”