Official Website: www.jodywatley.net
Label: www.avitone.net
Publicity: Mitch Schneider Organzation
IT'S THE JOURNEY - NOT THE DESTINATION!!!!
Thank you for visiting my page. I appreciate your longtime support, especially
those open enough to continue this musical journey with me as my music has
evolved over the years.
A few of my favorite quotes:
"Those who say it can't be done, are generally interrupted by those doing it!"
- James Baldwin
"Be an authentic person. Say and do what you think, and do what you say."
-Premenanda
"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels.
Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass. - Maya Angelou
"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow may not come. Today is a gift, and that is why
it is called 'The Present'.
"Don't get angry at things that won't matter at the end of the day"
"Give your children presence - not presents."
"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything" Malcolm X
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."
-Alice Walker
"Be the change you wish to see in the world.."- Gandhi
Current Favorite Book:
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
BIO :
Jody Watley - Born January 30 in Chicago, Illinois.
She’s an innovative music maker, a style-forging pioneer: since the mid-90s, Grammy-winning multi-talented Jody Watley has led the way as an entrepreneur working in the independent music world as one of the few already-established female best-selling artists to produce, create and own her recordings.
With an amazing 32 Top Ten Singles and 13 No. 1 Singles in the R&B, pop and dance music genres over the past three decades – including such classics as “Looking For A New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me” and her groundbreaking collaboration with Eric B and Rakim on “Friends” which was one of the first to feature an R&B pop singer with a rapper incorporating the 16 bar verse/bridge. The formula would become a mainstay of the music business. Jody has consistently broken new ground in music, video and fashion: her 2006 album “The Makeover” benefited from an exclusive collaboration with the Virgin Megastore Music Chain that debuted as the No 1 nationwide store best-seller and No. 3 track on iTunes Electronic Chart, to many she is considered an Icon.
James T. Jones of USA Today wrote in 1995 that Jody Watley introduced high fashion to music videos. Known for combining beauty and her own personal style style as integral aspects of her career as a recording artist and dynamic live performer, Jody’s list of accomplishments and achievements is indeed impressive: she's received Billboard Magazine's 'Lifetime Achievement Award', nominations for the MTV VMA's, NAACP Image Awards and American Music Awards. Watley's video "Real Love" remains one of MTV's most nominated for a female artist.
She’s been featured in VOGUE, ITALIAN VOGUE (including 2008's Historic "The Black Issue), Harper's Bazaar, Rolling Stone, Essence and has been named one of America's Most Beautiful People by People Magazine. The first black woman to appear on a Japanese fashion magazine cover (specifically Japan's most elite, SPUR), Jody has performed by special invitation at The White House, participated in Bob Geldof's historic "Do They Know It's Christmas" recording session and video, Force of Nature’s Tsunami Relief in Malaysia as well as working on one of the first global HIV/AIDS awareness projects, “Red Hot and Blue” for which she performed the Cole Porter jazz classic “After You Who”. Watley continues to work with charities promoting tolerance, as well as prevention and care for those living with HIV and AIDS.
Beyonce Knowles and Destiny's Child recorded one of Jody’s compositions “Sweet Sixteen” on their best-selling “Writings on The Wall' album and Jody’s special guest appearances have included work with Roy Ayers, 4Hero, Rahsaan Patterson and George Michael. An update of the Shalamar hit “For The Lover In You” by Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds featured Jody and LL Cool J .
As she continues to explore new ways to share her music, Jody acknowledges fellow modern-day entrepreneurs such as Russell Simmons, Sean (Puff Daddy) Combs and Jay-Z (“for their work as an artists, label executives, clothing ventures marketing savvy and philanthropy”) “These guys make me want to grow Avitone into a diverse empire!"
Entrepreneur, label owner, recording artist, producer, songwriter and performer, Jody Watley celebrates three decades in the world of entertainment carving her own destiny, very much her own woman, truly an inspiration for artists of today and beyond.
A Few Highlight References: (For Wiki Editors, Journalists, Haters, & Uninformed):
Johnson Publications (August 1978) "The Outrageous Waack Dancers", Ebony
pp. 64-68
Johnson Publications: (May 1, 1980) "Shalamar: Having Big Fun With Hot Hits"
Jet Magazine pp. 22-24
Anthony DeCurtis (June 18, 1987) , Jody Watley's New Love" Rolling Stone Magazine
p 23
Scavullo, Francesco. "Sultry Watley", Harper's Bazaar (Sept. 1988)
pp. 121-122
Anna McDowell, (Sept, 1989) "America's Ten Most Beautiful Women"
Jody Watley, Harpers Bazaar Magazine pp 180-184
Graham, Jefferson (January 26, 1990) "Jody Watley Makes a Stylish About Face"
USA Today p. 8D
Costa, Tony (May1990) "The 50 Most Beautiful People In The World", Jody Watley
http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20063273,00.html
Obrien, Patti (Sept. 1990) "Fashion Collection Italian Fashion Jody Watley",
Rolling Stone Magazine pp 9-15
Jones, James T. (July 17, 1995) "Jody Watley's High Voltage Rebound",
USA Today.
Hirshberg, Lynn (October 1991) "Jody Watley Soul Survivor", Vanity Fair p. 197
Light, Alan (November 1991) "Jody Watley Heart and Soul" Harper's Bazaar,
pp. 142-145
Berger, Arion (March 1992), "Soul Survivor Jody Watley", US Magazine pp. 52-56
Promis, Jose AllMusic Guide: "The Definitive Guide to Soul, Affairs of The Heart"
Jody Watley p. 736
Linden, Amy (November 8, 1993) Picks and Pans "Intimacy Jody Watley", People
Magazine.
[http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20106649,00.html]
J.R. Reynolds, (June 24, 1994) "Watley Takes Control of Her Own Destiny
With New Album on Her Own Avitone" , Billboard Magazine
Skrebneski, (1996) Saks Fifth Avenue Definitive Style Fall , Jody Watley pp 81-96
(Feb 21 1998) Jody Watley,
Comte, Michel (1979-1999) "Images from Italian Vogue, Jody Watley"
pp. 46-47 ISBN: 3-8238 0999-7
Michael Paoletta (February 22, 2003) "Watley Relaxes In The Setting Of The
Midnight Lounge", Billboard Magazine
Ritts, Herb (2006) GAP: Individuals "Portraits From GAP Collection"
"Jody Watley - 1989" Publisher. Melcher Media ISBN - 13: 978-1-595591-015-8
ISBN - 10 1-595591-015-8
William Jelani Cobb (2007) To The Break of Dawn: A Freestyle on
the Hip-Hop Aesthetic, "Eric B. and Rakim and Jody Watley "Friends"
p. 142 NYU Press 2007, ISBN 0814716709, 9780814716700
Hits Daily Double (Aug 15, 2008) "Mega Move: Jody Watley, The Makeover 1"
Hitsdailydouble.com
Jones, Alan (Dec. 1, 2008) Datafile Charts 'Watley and Rihanna Battle for 1"
Music Week UK p. 18
Mitchell, Gail (Oct. 13, 2009) Going Global, Jody Watley, Billboard Magazine p. 36
A Few Good Links:
"The Outrageous Waack Dancers:..
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/access/55973019.html?dids=55973019:55973019&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+26%2C+1990&author=Jefferson+Graham&pub=USA+TODAY+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Jody+Watley+makes+a+stylish+about-face&pqatl=google
USA Today: Jody Watley Makes a Stylish About Face"
http://books.google.com/books?id=Sc0DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA4&dq=the+waack+dancers+ebony+magazinev=onepage&q=the%20waack%20dancers%20ebony%20magazine&f=false
Jody Watley: White House Visit
http://books.google.com/books?id=38IDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA6&dq=jody+watley++white+house+jet&lr=v=onepage&q=&f=false
All Movie Guide Dance To Fitness:
http://www.allmovie.com/work/26269
Jody Watley: VIBE Magazine 'Domepiece" May 2003
http://books.google.com/books?id=1SYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA62&dq=Jody+Watley+dance+to+fitness&lr=&as_pt=MAGAZINESv=onepage&q=Jody%20Watley%20dance%20to%20fitness&f=false
From NYC Amsterdam News:
http://spizzyblog.com/2009/07/03/my-interview-with-jody-watley/
Concert Reviews: NYC 2008
http://www.soultracks.com/review-jody-watley-bbkings
http://www.bvnewswire.com/2009/08/03/jody-watley-still-a-thrill-and-showing-love-to-
all/
Billboard Singles Chart History:
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kifoxqr5ldde~T51
Two Recent Appreciation Blogs - (I am very grateful):
http://craigspoplife.blogspot.com/2009/07/jody-palooza-tribute-to-jody-watley.html
http://www.fashionstylebeauty.com/2009/07/daily-style-icon-jody-watley.html
Grammy Archives - 30th Annual Grammy Awards
MOST RECENT CHART NEWS 2008
"THE MAKEOVER" SINGLES:
2008 - NUMBER FIVE HOT DANCE CLUB PLAY - A BEAUTIFUL LIFE
2007 - NUMBER ONE HOT DANCE CLUB PLAY - I WANT YOUR LOVE
2006 - NUMBER TWO HOT DANCE CLUB PLAY - BORDERLINE
"I WANT YOUR LOVE" UK NEWS:
CLUB PLAY NUMBER ONE; COMMERCIAL CLUB POP PLAY NUMBER TWO.
JODY WATLEY NEWS JAN. 4, 2008
Jody Watley is Numero Uno in the Club Chart and
straight in at Number 2 in the Mainstream Chart
Commentary in Music Week
Alan Jones. Music Week. Dec. 01, 2008 Datafile: Charts p. 18
Rihanna wasn’t even born when Jody Watley was having hits
with Shalamar but the two fought out an epic battle at the top
of the Upfront and Commercial Pop charts this week.
It ends in an honourable draw, with I Want Your Love by Ms. Watley
exploding 27-1 on the Upfront Chart, while debuting at number two
on the Commercial Pop list. Meanwhile, Rihanna’s Don’t Stop The Music
holds at number two Upfront but jumps 5-1 on the Commercial Pop chart.
As a solo artist, Watley had consecutive number one club hits in
1987 with her first two singles, Looking For A New Love and
Don’t You Want Me. Rihanna was born months later, in February 1988.
Going back even further, Watley had her first hit as a member of
Shalamar in early 1979, with Take That To The Bank. In the chart
at the same time was the original version of her new hit, I Want Your
Love, as performed by the peerless Chic. In America, Watley’s
records are released on her own Avitone label, and I Want Your Love
topped the club chart last July.
JODY WATLEY - CELEBRATING THREE DECADES IN THE MIX!
TOP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. What have you been up to?
I suppose this means you didn't read anything on my page or listen
to any of the music!
My last full length was 'THE MAKEOVER', and you can find it on iTunes
and other digital outlets.
I've been writing new songs for my forthcoming new full length
which will be titled 'CHAMELEON', coming in 2010.
I have also been writing my memoirs, as well as a novel. When will they
be released? I have no time table, writing is a process.
Other than that - I have a life which has nothing to do with
my career. I am always busy! If you need more info of what I've been up to.
Please read my bio!
2. Where can I find your music?
iTunes and most all other digital outlets worldwide, amazon.com, target.com, emusic.com, giantstep.net, thumplay.com, etc. You can also find ringtones for my
music new and classic on various providers. It's 2007 and CD's are slowly becoming extinct. The music business is being remixed!!
That said you can also find my new music CD's at select indie music retailers
and The Virgin Megastore (US).
There are buy links on the page - slow down and take a look at everything I've
taken the time to post.
3. When will you have more concerts?
Public concert dates are always posted. If you don't see them - they aren't scheduled.
4. Why did you take down (fill in the blank) song?
I always rotate at the songs in my featured playlist.
Sometimes these songs will only be up a short time. I don't always post
bulletins, you have to visit the page regularly!
My primary reason to be on myspace is to promote my newer music,
and to create a network of exposure for this.
5. Why don't you post 'Looking For a New Love' it was my favorite song.
See the answer to Number 4. You can now add my music to your playlists,
from the new myspace music feature. If you are a true fan, I hope to
see my music included in your playlists, along with your other favorite artists.
6. Do you keep in touch with Shalamar members?
No. We had some communication several years ago
(about the reunion they were doing) - but we are not friends or business
associates and therefore have little reason to stay in contact.
This does not mean we are enemies, so please don't turn this into something negative!
7. I've loved you since Shalamar - will you ever do a reunion? Why did the group
break up?
The reunion question is more about your memories, I understand that.
I don't see the point,though many groups do this.
The beauty of records is they live forever for you to revisit that moment in your life!!
You don't need a reunion to relive how the music makes YOU feel!!!!!!
That's the beauty of it all.
I'm not trying to recreate my past. Jody Watley is my thing - though Shalamar
is a special part of my past, of which I am extremely proud. It really is about
moving on. I left the group for various reasons which were very serious for
me. Leaving was the best thing I could have ever done for my life - and career.
8. Will you stop by my page and check out my music.
Yes - I always try to do this. I've discovered some terrific artists and DJ's here.
I've worked with a few already in this global community.
Check some of my fav's under my 'Influences'.
9. What is 'Avitone'? 'Avitone - fuels good music!"
We plan to develop the label as a home for like minded artists, producers
and remixers. Boutique style - never sacrificing quality. Music lovers -
are a different breed than popularity lovers in my view.
10. How did you end up on the show 'WORKOUT'?
My appearance on "WORKOUT' in 2006 wasn't planned though the timing
ended up being right. Doug Blaisdell had been my trainer for almost
8 years - initially, and we became good friends over time.
I did it because he asked me - and I thought - well why not!
As long as I don't have to live with anyone, eat bugs, or get voted off -
I figured -
it will be harmless. Bravo is a cool network - and I really enjoy 'Project Runway'.
So - off we went into our usual routine - only it was filmed. In the end
you really didn't get to see how hard Doug really trained me. Doug was also a
great spinning teacher and was one of the nicest
and most kind people I was blessed to know. Sadly, Doug passed away
January 22, 2007. He was loved by many and missed by all.
PLEASE DONATE TO THE DOUG BLASDELL OUTREACH PROGRAM. TO LEARN MORE VISIT:
WWW.DOUGLASBLASDELL.ORG --FOR MORE DETAILS.
Theres a lot of misinformation floating around about me, making me wonder - whose life is it anyway?!!! The best thing one can do, whether you're in the spotlight or not - is to write a book about your own life - who better to be the gatekeeper of your history..than you?!!
I've been slowly working on a book about my life, my journey thus far.
There isn't a timetable for it either, it's a process!
BIO IN MY OWN WORDS:
My name is Jody Watley. I was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 30 - if you're into astrology. Im an Aquarius! I grew up with my older brother.
My father was a minister and gospel DJ, my Mom was a fashion plate, secretary, singer and pianist and known to the church as Empress! I was known as Princess Jody - so I suppose you could say I had something to live up to!! My godfather was family friend and music legend Jackie Wilson, who would be the first person to bring me onstage.
Our family went through a lot of changes and did a lot of relocating across the country. Ive lived among other places, Chicago - (entered a Miss Black Teen Aged Illinois Pageant..won Best Smile!), Washington D.C (I was there when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and lived through my first riot) Kansas City, Missouri (I was the Queen of Southeast Junior High!)..Texas, Indiana, and Los Angeles (pre American Idol, and prior to my future singing career, I was a dancer on a once popular music show called 'Soul Train'. I was profiled as a part of the 'Outrageous Waack Dancers' in Ebony Magazine's 'The New Generation', where I was noted as one of the most popular on the show and recognized as a trendsetter for my style and dance moves incorporating fans (handheld Japanese style). I once gave dance lessons to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. I was destined to be a world traveler, and learned to adjust early, living out of a suitcase! I also learned to deflect people who said, you'll never make it!
My professional singing career began in 1977 - while still in high school - I became an original member of the group Shalamar - I departed - in 1984. If you want more on that - youll have to read my book whenever its published! But in all, a great learning experience. This is where I learned the ropes of performing live - and what to do if the power goes out and you have to sing accapella! This is also where I learned - youd better get your own lawyer before you sign any contracts!!! My resilience and self-belief also became strong during this time. The unexpected death of my father changed my life.
In between leaving Shalamar, moving to London, finding my creative footing, trying out odd hairstyles as well as making a plan for my career - I also participated in one of musics historic moments, Band Aid -Do They Know Its Christmas organized by Sir Bob Geldof to aid in famine relief for Ethiopia. I was right there alongside, Bono, Sting, George Michael and Duran Duran, among others! I was also invited to appear at Live Aid -
but missed my flight, isnt that a bummer?!!
My highest professional accolade is winning a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1988. Other than writing or co writing all of my songs, Im extremely proud of this fact. The Grammy is like winning an Academy Award - and therefore - I insist that you remember - Im not just any artist - Im a Grammy Winning Artist!
I have had 6 Top Ten Hits (Looking For a New Love, Dont You Want Me, Some Kind of Lover, Real Love, Friends featuring Eric B. & Rakim, Everything) - 15 Top 40 R&B Hits (include the Top Ten list and add: Still a Thrill, Most of All, I Want You, Im The One You Need, When a Man Loves a Woman, Your Love Keeps Working on Me, Affection, Off the Hook,) (for some reason, people ignore my R&B chart history - as if it doesnt matter - I dont get that - Blues and Soul - or R&B Music have influenced all music genres throughout the history of music so I am proud of my R&B Hits along with the Pop and Dance )13 Dance Hits: add to the Top Ten listed above: Still a Thrill, Im The One You Need, Off The Hook, If Im Not in Love, and Looking For a New Love Remixes 2005, Borderline Remixes and I Want Your Love Remixes in 2007. A common misperception is that I stopped making music after my first CD in 87! Real Love, Friends and Everything were from my second CD (89-90), in case you were confused! In 2006, I released 'THE MAKEOVER' my 9th solo record, as an exclusive to Virgin Megastore chain.
"THE MAKEOVER' debuted at NUMBER ONE for Virgin Megastore Exclusive,
and remained in the Top Ten for weeks with little to zero commercial airplay.
Notably, 'THE MAKEOVER' debuted at NUMBER 3 on the iTunes
Electronic Albums Chart, and also remained in the Top Forty for quite
some time.
'THE MAKEOVER' had two singles released directed to the dance electronic
market. 'BORDERLINE' which sailed to NUMBER 2 and 'I WANT YOUR LOVE'
which became my 13th NUMBER ONE Single.
Hitsdailydouble.com wrote in August 2006:
MEGA-MOVE: In an example of one of those “new paradigm” concepts that are going around the biz these days, Virgin Megastore worked out an arrangement to be the exclusive terrestrial source for Jody Watley’s new album, “The Makeover,” and damned if the CD didn't debut as the chain's best-selling new release of the week...(8/15a)
I'm doing my thing in a new way!!
I have 2 Greatest Hits and 1 Extended Mix Compilation, and appear on
countless compilations.
When I signed to MCA in 1985 - I said I didn't want to be marketed like
other black artists.
I have never liked the concept of being placed in a box - creatively or otherwise.
I wanted to work with fashion photographers, do pictures that were classic and without the standard blue backdrop - common for R&B acts at the time other than Prince. I wanted to do my own styling, influenced by my love of glamour icons, classic screen sirens and urban styles I discovered while living in Europe. I wanted to create videos that reflected my sense of style and attitude. I would not be doing any choreography - as this was not my thing! I wanted to write my songs, have a point of view - and to reflect a bit of myself. Say what you want, but I created my own path. I was ahead of my time. I continue to chart my own course in this business. I said many years ago that though I was aware that people expected me to do the same thing over and over, I didn't want to be that type of artist.
Eventually, my quest for individuality alienated my record company and probably impeded my ascension to the ranks of mega stardom! I didn't aspire for mega. My intent, as I said in an interview with Billboard's J.R. Reynolds back in 1994, was to create lasting messages, and that's still my motivation today. My choices over the years clearly show this. In the midst of everything, Ive been invited to The White House by personal invitation of the then President of The United States - George H. Bush. Its not everyday that artists experience the secret service as well as having your own personal photo op with the head of a nation. I also participated in one of the first high profile music projects for AIDS awareness - Red, Hot & Blue.
Ive worked with one of the best composers of all time Henry Mancini - the song was for a terrible movie - but hey - I worked with Henry Mancini and Marilyn and Edgar Bergman, who have written Academy Award songs for Barbara Streisand! One of the songs I wrote Sweet Sixteen was recorded by Destinys Child, and Ive also appeared on Broadway in the hit musical GREASE! These things never come up in interviews. Either people just like asking the same questions or they just dont do enough research! The Paul Anka penned, Frank Sinatra song My Way -- well that should be my theme song!
Superstar female artists such as Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul (known for mega hits and stellar precision choreography) and Madonna (mega hits marketed with controversy, sexual and religious innuendo) .. came from a different place, though we were occasionally lumped together inexplicably. If anything, I was more akin to the hip cousin. or the off beat sister! Im sure you knew girls like me in schoolcouldnt quite figure us out!! Someone told me once - Youre too cool to be mega I can totally live with that!! Vanity Fair wrote in 1990 ..her knack for reinvention has always complimented her music.., I would say this is a fair assessment!
Subsequently, and unheard of at the time (late 80s - early 90s) - I was courted and featured in such publications as Harpers Bazaar, VOGUE, and Rolling Stone. I also appeared in a fabulous ad campaign for GAP - an 18 page layout in the prestigious Saks Fifth Avenue Fall Catalogue, and named one of People Magazines 50 Most Beautiful People! Not bad for a shy girl - off camera! My father always said Id be a star - I wish he could have lived to see it all unfold. Singer, songwriter, producer, model, entrepreneur and mother of two well-adjusted kids!
Beyond my music, I've made an impact in pop culture and represented the future possibilities of an artist - a black one at that - with regard to the relationship between music and fashion. Everytime I see Beyonce on the cover of a fashion magazine, I smile!
When I was being courted to even do the layouts - I had to pay my own way!!
Internationally, I was the first black woman and artist to launch a major fashion magazine SPUR in Japan! I'm proud of this too!
You can also add my ..1 workout video Dance to Fitness to my list of achievements. Im not tooting my own horn - I can hear some of the haters now - but, I'm just pointing out overlooked facts. There are so many black artists, historically; who dont get their props - I feel like recording artist/label owner/producer Kanye West right now - but hey - someone has to speak the truth. Why do you think Michael Jackson had to name himself King of Pop - he had sold more records than any artist and changed the face of music video - but the media was still talking about Elvis! Im being tongue in cheek - but its the truth!! I digress-
One of my music heroines is Grace Jones. Appearing at music shows during the 80s - I always wanted to see what she was wearing - avant-garde and distinctly Grace - this is what I wanted. A lot of people just didnt get it - I loved it!!! So when you talk about my influences - Grace Jones is up there with Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, CHIC, The Carpenters, Diana Ross ,Berry Gordy,Richard Branson and Steve Jobs just a few names - of people I find inspirationalright along aside my parents.
My music has charted, as its evolved, throughout the 80s, 90s and 00s! So, if you dont want to be on the receiving end of a cold hard stare - please dont refer to me as 80s diva- I've moved on, and so should you! Though, some projects may not have achieved commercial success, as the landscape of radio and record corporations changed. My quest for artistic growth has continued to blossom! Call It a constant music makeover.. my metaphor for improvement.
In recent years I have worked with some of the best of the club and
underground music scene - Kind Britt, Ron Trent, Masters at Work (Louie Vega
and Kenny Dope) ,DJ Spinna, Chris Brann, 4Hero, Mark de Clive Lowe. In 2009 my Avitone label signed a distritribution deal with London based ADA-Global.
This is an excerpt from an interview I did in 1987 for Tower Records Pulse -
Though the statuesque singer knows what she wants and is happy with the way her debut album came, shes not ready to rule out growth or innovation I change a lot, and I go from different moods and I want to keep exploring them she explains. My perspective now is that whether Im mega famous or nobody tomorrow, Ill be happy because at least Im free to be me without any repercussions or preconceptions..its a relief and a chance to really grow and find out who I am.. -
I would proudly say today ...I have remained true to myself.
LAWEEKLY 1996
Jody Watley at The House of Blues-
The same people who scoffed at and dismissed Jody Watley when she won The Grammy Award for Best New Artist more than 10 years ago have probably never noted the growth shes demonstrated as a singer, songwriter and performer--and as a trendsetter. At the root of both her music and persona has always been the idea of the strong woman--feminine, cool, and resilient. Over the years that ideas manifested in a variety of ways. but whether tackling Cole Porters After You, jazzing up her signature hit Looking For a New Love, starting her own label (which released her last album of new material Affection, Watleys career risk taking has garnered fewer props than some people get just for changing the color of their hair. No matter, shes turned into a dazzling entertainer. With a new greatest hits disc in stores, and a voice thats better than ever, shell hit the stage in a celebration of a homegirl made good -(Ernest Hardy)
USA Today - March 5, 1996
'Few singers fired up the disco like singer Jody Watley, who set trends in fashion and music...'
Rap Pages - July 1998
'After 20 years of unleashing number one singles, selling millions of albums and transforming 80's fashion trends, Jody Watley has dominion over the experienced..'
Associated Press - March 2003
'Jody Watley is an artist who has sucessfully updated her material over the
years and charted her direction as an artist..'
Blues and Soul UK in 2003:
Whilst career longevity might be a foreign concept to a lot of artists, some endure the highs and lows and remain staples in the music industry throughout the decades. Grammy winning artist Jody Watley, via a reputation forged both as a part of Shalamar and as a solo artist is a prime example of such prolonged occupational stamina..
Those who exist to focus on whos hot and whos not - according to million dollar promotional budgets, marketing tools, and sensationalism, its simply an attempt to diminish and marginalize people. Theres a difference between being an artist and being a pop star. The Blues and Soul quote sums it up for me - my dream was to have a career - and this is what I will continue to do - while turning my goals into realityand living up to the promise of the true power of music.
1. Jody Watley - Jody Watley
2. Larger Than Life
3. Affairs of the Heart
4. Intimacy
5. Affection
6.* Flower
7. Saturday Night Experience featuring Jody Watley Vol. 1
8. Midnight Lounge
9. The Makeover
Copyright 2008 Avitone Recordings Avid Music Inc. All Rights Reserved.
its good to say hi to you here on myspace again that's where we have connected for the first time...
My love for you and your music has grown even more since that day... your kind words and support is always appericiated you are one amazing lady can't wait for "chameleon" in 2010
To the one & only ms jody watley.The black pearl of creative music the black butterfly of real african american beauty.And the unique flower that continues to grow show & give her endless gifts & talents to the world.For all to see hear and experience.A natural at being who she is while confident & comfotable in her own skin.The many doors you have opened for other artist boldly.The respect you have faught for & earned.The sweat and tears you have cried where the breakthrough that led to your drive.To never give up to still love forgive & make the best out of what some see as the worst.And yet find the strength to still run the race that has been placed before you.And win ms jody watley you are an inspiration a woman of class that can't be matched.There is only one ms jody watley & you will allways be one of the greatest vocalist artist producer writer dancer aranger etc .That this world has ever seen you have inspired me in so many ways and this is my heart to you in words .I luv you ms watley
i think you are amazing gorgeous timeless innovative you can never be duplicated,glad your back we want you we need you on the music scene add some flavor and creativity i appreciate how you know how to make sexy look good and not raunchy you are my idle such style flair ultimate diva thank you jody tbaby39
Im really feeing that version of waiting i vain,what a lovely twist ,smooth.luv it keep it coming girl wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and im sure we are thankful every second of our lives not just one day muuuuah.
"Reach" Max Sanna feat. Jody Watley is the max! , esp. the soulcast mix, its the max. Go Jody! The "pan-oramic Jody Watley harmonic vocal" so super! on the Ace Love Mix too. May you have major success!
Hey Jody I heard a rumor that you're going to be touring with Expose' and Taylor Dayne next year. Is it true? OMG if it is I can't wait. I tried tweeting you but I just don't get the tweeter..LOL...Ernie
Hey Miss J., hope you don't mind me using your album cover for my profile. I love your new album immensely! A job welllllll done!!! :) Have a good one,
