About Jody Watley

Jody Watley is a Grammy Award winning innovative music maker, a style-forging pioneer in music, dance, video, fashion and style. With 32 Top Ten Singles and 13 No. 1 Singles in the Pop, R and B and Dance music genres over the past three decades including such classics as “Looking For A New Love,” "Don't You Want Me" and the groundbreaking collaboration with Eric B and Rakim “Friends” the first multi-format crossover single to blend Pop R&B/ and Hip-Hop Rap with the customized 16 bar verses specifically written for the song, and a subsequent popular format in commercial music. Watley remains one of MTV's most nominated artists for her fashion forward "Real Love" directed by Oscar nominee David Fincher. With a a Lifetime Achievement Award from Billboard Magazine, and countless accolades Jody has consistently broken new ground in music, video and fashion and is also one of the first artists in the modern era to be featured in trendsetting ad campaigns and cross marketing paving the way for a future generation of female artists. Visit her website for full bio http://www.jodywatley.net

Jody Watley In Chengdu.

My trip to Chengdu was awesome, another blessing of an experience for all of us. To perform as a part of the Night of Fortune GRAMMY All-stars Concert at Chengdu Stadium in front of 40,000 fans left me speechless – until the Panda Tour which was the icing on the cake. I’m thankful to God for continuing to bless me to do what I love, on my own terms and to live a balanced life beyond ‘entertainment.’

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John "Havic" Gregory, Jody Watley, and Rosero McCoy Rehearsal Check Chengdu Stadium June 7, 2013

John “Havic” Gregory, Jody Watley, and Rosero McCoy Rehearsal Check Chengdu Stadium June 7, 2013

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Chengdu, Stadium as the fans were coming in.

Chengdu, Stadium as the fans were coming in.

With a staffer who wanted to give me flowers.

With a staffer who wanted to give me flowers.

At Sunshine Panda Nursery on the Panda Tour, Chengdu.

At Sunshine Panda Nursery on the Panda Tour, Chengdu.

Greeting Sign which also came with a beautiful flower bouquet. Chengdu

Greeting Sign which also came with a beautiful flower bouquet. Chengdu

With two of my favorite guys John  "Havic Gregory" and Rosero MCoy at after-party

With two of my favorite guys John “Havic Gregory” and Rosero MCoy at after-party

There were many Chinese CantoPop Stars a part of the "Night of Fortune" GRAMMY Superstars Concert.

There were many Chinese CantoPop Stars a part of the “Night of Fortune” GRAMMY Superstars Concert.

I loved this moment!

I loved this moment!

There was a great tribute to Michael Jackson with rare footage from the GRAMMY archives before the children came out for a dance tribute medley.

There was a great tribute to Michael Jackson with rare footage from the GRAMMY archives before the children came out for a dance tribute medley.

With lead Michael Jackson Tribute Performer. Chengdu Stadium.

With lead Michael Jackson Tribute Performer. Chengdu Stadium after the concert onstage in the rain!

Jody Watley (c) 2013 Chengdu, China

Jody Watley (c) 2013 Chengdu, China

More pics and video to come! In the meantime, you can read an article: HERE

NEW Art. Jody Watley By Garilyn Brune.

This Jody Watley art was posted on my Facebook page by a fan named Jeremy Morse. Jeremy and Garilyn expressed longtime appreciation and love of my music. Needless to say, I love this interpretation of my “Don’t You Want Me” cover image through the eyes of Garilyn Brune. It’s been added to my Gallery here on the site, which is a spotlight of Jody Watley art and moving images given to me by fans.

Simply Fabulous!

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Jody Watley. Nightlife Teaser Video.

I’ve been performing “Nightlife” live in concert for the past year or so. It’s been encouraging to see the positive reaction to Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky.” The fans have responded positively and dancing along to it as if it’s already a familiar tune which bodes well! This is a nod to my Shalamar disco funk (including guest vocals from one of Shalamar’s lead vocalists Gerald “Take That To The Bank” Brown)  past melded and updated into a distinctly modern Jody Watley funky soul dance jam.

Written by Jody Watley (Jody Watley Music, BMI), Julien and Raphael Aletti (Aletti Brothers) Produced by Count De Money and Jody Watley

Video Teaser by Ray Easmon.

French Horn Rebellion featuring Jody Watley and Young Empire Billboard Video Debut

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This is a sweet video, lots of fun and although the 80′s get a bad rap at times, that era marked the end of innocence and clean pop fun to me with regard to music culture and video to a degree. The same applies to writers who don’t a lot of research and totally marginalize who I am as an artist. I mean – at the least I’m a Grammy winner, and a known pioneer and trendsetter in music, video, dance and style. Of course when I read how the writer described me in his piece, I had to shake my head..and it’s Billboard, who also honored me with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Dance Music! My  creative output has continued well into this era – 00′s. My last #1 single, was my last release in 2007, giving my a chart history that began as a solo artist in 1987 and continues to evolve. Prior going solo, I was an original member of Shalamar from 1977-1983. I’ve had hits in each decade and remain relevant and fresh – it just so happens I’m a legacy artist to boot, and not your average one I’d add. It gets frustrating at times when seeing writers not do their homework. – there’s more than one trendsetting woman artist who came out of that era..smaller budget and less controversy but still!

French Horn Rebellion chose to not appear as main characters and cast the video to tell the story of “Dancing Out.”  It’s all about unleashing the awkward person who lives in us all – and how dance can free you to simply let go – to be quirky, goofy, have a bit of fun and let your guard down for a little romance as well. Catch the Jody Watley sighting in the video – I adore it and the fact I can still sing in that pure childlike tone!

To see the video, click: Here

Panda Love. Jody Watley.

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Jody Watley, Chengdu Panda Tour inside “Sunshine Nursery House” (c) 2013

One of the most incredible experiences of my life was getting to hold a baby Panda while in Chengdu, not everyone who goes on the Panda Tour is allowed into the nursery. It was like holding a chubby toddler, with sticky fur that smelled of honey, eating bamboo like pieces of candy!

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Jody Watley. GRAMMY All-Star In Chengdu China

 

John "Havic" Gregory, Jody Watley, and Rosero McCoy Rehearsal Check Chengdu Stadium June 7, 2013

John “Havic” Gregory, Jody Watley, and Rosero McCoy Rehearsal Check Chengdu Stadium June 7, 2013

 

Jody Watley in Chengdu performed in front of 40,000 at the Sports Stadium and broadcast audience of over 100 million in unprecedented concert for China in dazzling GRAMMY All-Star’s Concert on June 8, 2013 at the close of the Fortune Global Forum held during the week: Read Article : HERE

French Horn Rebellion featuring Jody Watley and Young Empire on Popservations

From Popservations:

Jody Watley Back To Dancing With French Horn Rebellion.

When something works the first time around, you’d be foolish not to try it again. Sure, lightning rarely strikes twice, but sometimes it does.

French Horn Rebellion must like those odds because they’ve rung up Jody Watley again, a quite wise move by Robert and David Perlick-Molinari. Having joined forces with the legendary pop/R&B diva for last winter’s sparkling “Cold Enough,” their new collaboration, “Dancing Out,” is even better. Read more and listen : HERE

 

NEW Music – French Horn Rebellion featuring Jody Watley and Young Empire

Via IndieShuffle, Jason Grishkoff

“Dancing Out” French Horn Rebellion featuring Jody Watley and Young Empire

My lord, if this isn’t the most-upbeat piece of indie pop I’ve heard in a while! With “Dancing Out,” French Horn Rebellion have crafted an infectious number that stays true to its name (my feet are still tapping as I write this). Read More and Listen:  Here