Click to Read: http://www.afrobella.com/2012/05/18/jody-watley-on-life-music-beauty-billy-b-and-being-an-icon/

It was sad news to read Donna Summer has passed away. She is one of my music inspirations. As a dancer on Soul Train as a teen – I was there when she made her debut and subsequent return. All of the dancers were excited to see this mysterious woman with the sexy persona with music that made us dance. When her songs played, the Soul Train set or the clubs would fill with extra enthusiasm.

(dancing to her music in silver lame shorts)

(dancing to her music in white skinny pants)

Donna Summer’s double albums were and are unparalleled concept albums, few did them better male or female in any genre – her releases for me were events.  I couldn’t wait to see the cover art, read the liner notes and listen to the music. “Four Seasons Of Love” is one of my favorite albums. With the freestyle dance “Waacking”, a lot of us were hitting those Giorgio Moroder Donna Summer beats. This continues for the new young global set of kids learning and doing the dance – Donna Summer’s music is a must.

From my point of view she was an underrated singer and songwriter in the midst of her legendary career.

When I signed my solo deal with MCA, Jheryl Busby the executive who signed me, had worked with Donna Summer in promotions during her Casablanca years. When I started telling him my ideas and concepts, Jheryl totally understood and supported my vision. Why? In part because of his history with Donna and Casablanca. When he revealed his work with her, it made me feel at ease with him. In essence, she was indirectly a part of my decision to sign with MCA. We were connected through him.

Donna Summer’s music is a part of the soundtrack of my life along with millions of other’s around the world.  As a fellow veteran artist in this business and continued fan of her work I know that she continued to create quality music up through her last full length ‘Crayons’ and single ‘To Paris With Love’ a couple of years ago.

I love that quote by visionary entrepreneur Madame C.J. Walker. I was talking to my son yesterday having a great discussion on the take-away message from a classic book he’d read. In all things I believe there is a teachable moment or pearl of wisdom to be learned if simply a discovery about one’s self.

Reading this quote, my take-away is to never let anyone diminish you or attempt put a damper on your self-worth, dreams, goals or achievement. Never allow permission for that understanding the role of non-believers – it’s your life and not everyone will be on board with where you may aspire to go. Along the way to pursuing your whatever it is you strive for – expect obstacles which may come in the form of people and or barriers of many types (sexism, racism, ageism, classism, envy and so on). Overcome these things, learn from the experience or lessons and move on -most of all always give yourself the best chance to succeed!

I’m not a trained dancer, singer nor writer – I do them all from my soul with my own distinct feel and style much like an improvisational jazz musician. There is a joy in dancing no matter the style. I’ve always loved it and always will – watching and doing.

It’s so incredible to see ‘Waacking’ continue to grow with a younger generation around the world. You just search Youtube, ‘Waacking’  and you will find battles and performances going on globally; fused with other elements including Hip-Hop, Propeller (created by Princess ‘Lockeroo’ Samara Cohen), Voguing, Punking and so on.  The origins of ‘Waacking’ date back to the 70′s, my teen era. I was amongst a few girls who were doing it on the show; and was a member of dance troupe ‘The Outrageous Waack Dancers’, along with other Soul Train alums Tyrone Procter, Cleveland Moses Jr., and my former Shalamar colleague Jeffrey Daniel.

Jody Watley and “The Outrageous Waack Dancers”

Viva la dance!

Photo: Mike Ruiz

Looking forward to my just added “Special Guest” Appearance at Toronto’s “Freshfest Music Festival”, such a beautiful city. It will definitely be a party night full of hits with all of the artists on the bill.

http://freshmusicfest.com/

Much love and props given to Jody Watley. Click to read full article:

http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/interview-jody-watley

The show at Anthology was incredible full of beautiful loving people who helped set the mood for the energy of the night. My concert as promised was a music journey from Soul Train, Shalamar (I’ve included ‘A Night To Remember’ and ‘The Second Time Around’ in a funky medley)  also including CHIC’s classic ‘I Want Your Love’ which was my 13th #1 single back in 2007 from my The Makeover. The medley also includes ‘Your Love Keeps Working on Me’ and ‘I Want Your Love’ from ‘Affairs of The Heart’.There were plenty of hits and rarities and the new music preview from ‘Chameleon’; people are loving the new songs. ‘The Dawn’ which was already written as an homage to Soul Train and my years there is accompanied by a video montage of a teen-aged me and other highlights and ends in tribute and thanks to Don Cornelius. That night with the news of the passing of another television pioneer and icon Dick Clark – the song was also dedicated to him. Produced by Mark De Clive-Lowe it’s a funky tribute that already has fans dancing in the aisles.

The place I’m told has never grooved and rocked as it did April 18th. My band and I were full of gratitude.

After the show, I did a lengthy meet and greet talking to fans, taking photo’s and signing merchandise and a lot of classic vinyl.

For the meet and greet I wore a print jersey dress – and anyone who knows me knows this is rare because style wise I generally don’t like them..but style is also evolving and finding what works and owning that. I love this dress!

Whenever I do shows I take time to meet as many people as I can; if the circumstances are right with the location and venue. Online I exchange communication at my various networks such as Facebook and Twitter from time to time as often as I can finding that it’s appreciated very much. Yes, I’ve unfortunately had some fans go left and go off on me as well – but that’s another post; negativity is also a part of life and the journey but I’m always about positivity. I’ve come to the conclusion that those who lash out weren’t real supporters deep down in the first place and carry their own agenda.

Long before the internet, I would answer fan mail. Being a teen that wrote to a few of my favorite artists in hopes of getting a reply no doubt impacted me. Perhaps this is why it’s important to me or perhaps it’s the gene of my father who was a minister and was very much about the people. You just never know how kindness no matter how insignificant it may appear can impact someone elses day.

I’ve received so many thoughtful cards and gifts over the years and though I don’t want to become a subject on hoarders (smile), I do keep a lot of my favorites. People have shared their stories of how my music has touched their lives in some special way – this is such a gift and a reminder of the power of music. From last month’s shows in San Francisco I received this beautiful card which came with a fresh fragrant bouquet (two of my favorite things in the world) from from Tommy Daughtery who has always come out whenever I’ve performed or made an appearance there. His message was full of love, support and encouragement – we all need that from time to time. Exuding love and good vibes through my music has always been important.

Looking forward to the show and the meet and greet on Wednesday night afterwards at  Anthology in San Diego on the 18th.

Always love.