Barefootin' (Published 2005) (2024)

Joss Stone did not win any of the three Grammy Awards, including best new artist, that she was nominated for this year. But Grammy officials say they believethat she achieved at least one distinction at last month's awards show: First Artist to Perform Barefoot. The 17-year-old Ms. Stone, who's known for going shoeless during her concerts, joins a tradition of powerful female singers who prefer to barefoot it.

LINDA RONSTADT Why: "I have extra bones in my feet. I'm a mutant. So no shoes were really comfortable except for cowboy boots or sneakers. And who could afford more than one or two pairs of shoes in those days?" Footnote: The original barefoot pop singer, Ms. Ronstadt began singing without shoes in the 1960's with the group Stone Poneys. She said she was surprised by the attention that her bare feet received at the time: "I was just hopelessly naïve enough to think that if I went on television without shoes on, that the person that I was talking to wouldn't bring it up. But that's the only reason I was ever actually discovered on television. You would not have heard of me."

BJORK Why: "So there is shorter distance to the ground. Then I can reach higher notes." Footnote: The Icelandic chanteuse says she never worries about the stage being cold.

PATTI LaBELLE Why: She's just more comfortable barefoot, a representative said. Footnote: Style is still important: she often takes the stage in fashionable shoes and removes them during the show.

DEANA CARTER Why: "The Bible says that one of the most humbling things is to have your bare feet washed. It's very humbling and keeps me grounded." Footnote: Having stepped on "spit, gum, grease, oil and tacks," the country star now has her tour manager check the stage before shows. Also, "I make sure I get great pedicures and use mostly black or white nail polish."

JOSS STONE Why: "Because I do not want to fall over and embarrass myself." At 5-foot-10, "I am tall enough already." Footnote: "Once I had to sing with a piece of glass in my foot on 'The Late Late Show.' I had to stand on the side of my foot the whole time I was singing." JOE BRESCIA