Jody Watley Live On Air With Skip Murphy In The Afternoon.

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Jody Watley

Make sure to tune in to my interview with Skip Murphy in The Afternoon syndicated radio show broadcasting around the country – tomorrow May 16, 2013 at 5 PM. Skip Murphy took over the slot vacated by Michael Baisden.

UPCOMING:

Louisville, KY 4th Street Live – May 26, 2013 6 PM.

Chengdu, China – June 8, 2013

Essence Festival Mercedes Benz Superdome Superlounge – July 6, 2013

NEW MUSIC:

“NIGHTLIFE” the new single coming summer 2013, produced by Count De Money. Watley’s follow-up to her #1 Dance single “I Want Your Love” the seminole cover of the CHIC classic from 2006′s “The Makeover.” “NIGHTLIFE” is a guaranteed funky floor filler inspired by her disco funk days and current forays into modern soulful electronica written by Jody Watley and Count De Money with guest vocals by Gerald Brown, original Shalamar male lead vocalist “Take That To The Bank.”

Jody Watley Is Coming To Essence Fest.

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Jody Watley

With the backdrop and history of New Orleans as the backdrop amidst a variety of artists of various age demo’s; I’m so looking forward to being a part of this spectacular music and cultural event! Saturday night July 6, 2013 – it’s going down with my eclectic show of stylish funky pop soul in a concert of classic and dynamic hits (solo and Shalamar), a couple of critically acclaimed under the commercial radar gems, well new music and perhaps a surprise or two! To coincide with the performance I’ll be releasing two new singles titled ‘Nightlife’ Produced by the UK’s Count De Money and ‘The Dawn’ Produced by Mark de Clive-Lowe this summer. ‘Nightlife’ is a nod to my Shalamar / disco past though totally modern in approach – the groove never subsides. ‘Nightlife’ features vocal contributions by original Shalamar male lead Gerald Brown (Take That To The Bank) for added authenticity – if you loved Shalamar or music from that era – you will love ‘Nightlife.’ ‘The Dawn’ is another nod to my disco funk roots and written recalling my youth, while appreciating the me of now and adding those elements. This is the type of real dance music that not unlike what Daft Punk is being heralded for. Traditionally, other’s doing music rooted in soul, disco and funk receive more accolades however it’s not really about that – in the end for me my music always comes from a place of passion, joy and love first to represent me at a particular time in my creative and artistic life.

http://www.essence.com/2013/04/30/jody-watleys-coming-essence-festival/

Photo: Jody Watley 2013 (c)

NEW Wattage. Soundcheckin’ In Tokyo

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Jody Watley

I’m behind on posting clips from my recent sold out shows in Japan at Billboard Live – so here goes. This year’s shows include a sizzling and funky Shalamar medley (of which I was an an original member – still unknown and a surprise to fans who only know my solo work). The reason I’ve worked to include a touch of Shalamar in my shows this time around beyond the theme is more classic hits and beyond – is they fit perfectly with the dance funk hints of disco soul found on a few songs on my forthcoming new album tentatively titled “CHAMELEON” (originally conceived because I’ve always changed and adapted but never tried to blend in) though lately leaning heavily on “My Corner of The Universe”; which is what I continue to carve out through my music and what I hope everyone is able to do joyfully as I do with your own lives.

Greetings From Japan – With Love.

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Jody Watley

The shows in Tokyo at Billboard Live were a smashing success, packing the house and having the fans dancing in the aisles, singing, and love One of the Billboard Live staff said to me of all of the artists who perform there – I seem to have the most special connection to the fans, which made me feel very happy and appreciative. One person told me seeing me live and hearing my songs makes them feel strong and motivated again – that’s the power of music. Real love indeed!

We arrived in Osaka yesterday April 12 – and woke up to a 6.0 earthquake this morning. Thank God we’re all OK though I’m reading about ongoing threats from North Korea to Tokyo and of course America about nuclear attacks – which make me very pensive and sad to consider that these leaders have so much power to destroy at their fingertips. Let’s send heaps of prayers, meditation (if you do that as well) and overall positive energy into the universe.

Blessings and love to everyone – for now I’ll focus on the the escape and good feelings music provides globally. More pics and video highlights to come! Billboard Live Osaka – get ready for a night to remember!

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Adorable! Photo: Jody Watley Music (c) All Rights Reserved.

NEW Video Post! Dance Rehearsal.

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Jody Watley

We’re off to Japan for concerts at Billboard Live in Tokyo and Osaka tomorrow – a trip my band and I always look forward to! I had fun with Rosero, Havic and new understudy Eric McCoy – son of Rosero. Eric told me before joining us onstage in Oakland he had been waiting to dance onstage with me since he was little and his Dad brought him to our show in Las Vegas. His revelation and quiet dream was priceless, very sweet and a joy to know that it had come to fruition as I had no idea! We’ve added a Shalamar medley to the show with some nice dance breaks. It’s always tricky when I’ve included Shalamar songs because the majority of Jody Watley fans still don’t connect with that part of my repertoire resulting in mild crickets – to this day people will say they never knew I was in a group. In the early days of my solo career I really went out of my way to establish myself as a separate and distinct entity – and succeeded. Because some of my upcoming new music has a soul disco funk vibe I’ve decided to try a new approach to incorporating a few Shalamar songs in the mix.

Rosero is currently very busy with Disney’s “Shake It Up” and other countless shows and artists as a choreographer as well as the perfectly chiseled John ‘Havic’ Gregory. Anytime they can be a part of the concerts is always extra special and we have a lot of fun with great chemistry on and off the stage.

Upcoming Concerts / Appearances:

BILLBOARD LIVE Tokyo – April 10-11, 2013

BILLBOARD LIVE Osaka – April 13, 2013

BROOKLYN BOWL, NY – April 19, 2013 –Special Guest with French Horn Rebellion

CHURCH, Los Angeles – April 27, 2013 –Special Guest with Mark de Clive Lowe

ESSENCE FEST Mercedes Benz Superdome – July 6, 2013

A Selection of Candids from Inaugural The Soul Train Cruise

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Jody Watley

I just wanted to share a few photo’s from the Soul Train Cruise. I’ll be creating a gallery at my Facebook Page as well. Make sure to visit http://www.soultraincruise.com to learn more about the next cruise coming up in October 2013 and beyond.

The morning of cruise at hotel in FT. Lauderdale, Florida before going to board ship. Wearing a pair of my favorite sunglasses “Chelsea” from Oliver Peoples.

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Jody Watley ready to board Holland America’s Westerdam ship. Lightweight wool turtleneck with dolman sleeves from Zara and vintage Commes des Garcons belt.

I snapped this photo of a German couple during the mandatory safety drill.

As the sail away party was just getting started I snapped a photo with this couple Genevieve and her husband DJ Skelly – after they took one with me.

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Jody Watley in San Juan, Puerto Rico – one of the port stops on the cruise. Read my style post about this top!

After my beauty seminar which was packed with some wonderful women. I spoke on beauty from the inside out – we had a great time. One lady even left her beauty treatment in progess (in plastic cap and white robe) to attend – that’s love!

Van and I found a really cool restaurant in San Juan and were drawn in by the house music and ambience. These ladies from the cruise also came in.

Jody Watley and DJ Biz Markie on Lido Deck.

George Duke, Jeffrey Osbourne, Jody Watley and Tony Cornelius before Don Cornelius Tribute which I was the host.

I snapped this photo while on the elevator on T-Shirt Day of someone who had done a fun shirt – there were so many of them.

Pictured with former Soul Train dancers Cheryl Song (known as the Asian girl by many) and Derek Fleming who taught some classes on ship. I hosted their Q&A panel.

Make no mistake – Don Cornelius created a GLOBAL presence – this family came from Great Britain. There were people from around the world on the ship – enjoying the music, dancing and the spirit of Soul Train.

With Eric Seats Drummer for Patti Labelle

With Eric Seats Songwriter, Producer and Drummer for Patti Labelle

Last day of cruise on Half Moon Cay. Pictured at the staff bar-b-que with bartender chef Bryce husband of one of Centric’s execs Kim, and Van Roy my friend and owner of Bailey’s in Marksville, Louisiana and part time staff at Avid.

Pictured with a couple cutie pies from Centric film crew.

Majestic!

Nothing like watching a pure sunset or sunrise.

Servin’ hair and face – nature’s wind machine at sea!

Jody Watley. LIVE At Yoshi’s Oakland.

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Jody Watley LIVE at Yoshi’s Oakland

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Jody Watley

My band and I will be rocking the house in our first appearance – for one night only; Saturday March 23, 2013, 2 shows at 8 PM and 10 PM.

You don’t want to miss it! “A Saturday Night Experience of Sophisticated Funk – Greatest Hits, Rare Grooves and Beyond!” There will be a new music preview as well.

Get your tickets Now!: Purchase – HERE

This is what it looked like when we did Yoshi’s San Francisco nearly years ago.

Jody Watley Beauty Evolution On HuffPostStyle

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Jody Watley

“Name drop Jody Watley in a conversation, and it’s only a matter of minutes before someone busts out into a rendition of “Looking for a New Love” and shows off their hottest ’80s dance moves. With her seductive voice and style, Watley had the power to get everybody moving…” Read and VIEW FULL Post and Gallery Here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/30/jody-watley-hair-photos_n_2574005.html

Remembering Don Cornelius.

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Jody Watley

This is a repost of the blog I wrote shortly after Don’s tragic death a year ago today. He’s gone but will never be forgotten – my life and journey will always be connected to Soul Train and Don Cornelius.

Read the post here:

http://jodywatley.net/2012/02/01/jody-watley-in-celebration-of-don-cornelius/