Jody Watley. Let’s Dance Vol. 1 T-shirt – Make it Your Own!
Jody Watley’s latest album Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats energy isn’t just an album—it’s a mindset and a mantra to keep it moving. From adding to your playlists to your personal style statements, celebrate the spirit of Let’s Dance Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats) in your own way.
The official collection is all about expressing your connection to the music, showing support for Grammy winning Icon Jody Watley and her sustained independence 40 plus years as a solo artist and entrepreneur—navigating the dance of life, perseverance and business.
Wear it. Share it. Dress it up or down!
Jody Watley – Let’s Dance Unisex T. Dress it Up or Down. Make it Your Own.
And if you haven’t yet—press play, add 2025’s #1 iTunes and Amazon Music UK Dance Electronica Album Let’s Dance Volume 1 – Hit Them Beats, released via her Avitone label celebrating the 30th Anniversary of forming the label; to your playlist. Keep the music in motion.
Just Push Play for a Non Stop Mix. Jody Watley “Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats”
Explore the lasting impact of Jody Watley’s Video Classics, Vol. 1 (1991), the RIAA Gold-certified music video collection that helped redefine the MTV era. From groundbreaking visuals and high-fashion imagery to iconic hits like “Looking for a New Love” and “Friends,” discover how Watley became a pioneering force in music video history and visual storytelling.
Long before visual albums became the norm, Jody Watley was setting the standard.
Jody Watley helped transform the intersection of music and fashion with Video Classics, Vol. 1. This retrospective highlights the cultural significance, visual artistry, and enduring influence of one of the first major music video compilations released by a Black female artist.
Jody Watley: Video Classics Vol. 1 (1991) is an RIAA Gold Certified music video compilation, groundbreaking as one of the first by a Black female artist.
Released via MCA Records on VHS and Laser Disc, it featured music videos from her early multiplatinum solo albums, including iconic hits like “Looking For A New Love” “Friends” featuring Eric B & Rakim, and the 6 time MTV VMA nominated video “Real Love” alongside insightful interviews discussing her visual style and video inspirations specific to each director and filming on location in London, England and Paris, France.
Tracks Included: “Looking for a New Love,” “Still a Thrill,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Some Kind of Lover,” “Most of All,” “Real Love,” and “Friends”.
Impact: Validated Watley as a visual innovator in the MTV era and highlighted her collaborations with directors.
Significance: Showcased her transition from Shalamar to a pioneering solo dance-pop artist with high-fashion imagery.
Jody Watley is a GRAMMY-winning artist, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, and global style icon.
Named Best New Artist in 1988, she ranks among Billboard’s Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, with six Top 10 Hot 100 hits – including iconic hits “Looking For A New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” featuring Eric B. & Rakim, and “Real Love” and more.
She’s also earned seven No. 1 Dance hits, two No. 1 R&B singles, and success across R&B, pop, dance, electronica, and jazz—building a genre-spanning catalog that continues to evolve.
A true visionary in music and fashion, Watley broke barriers for Black women globally—becoming the first artist and woman of color to appear on the cover of a Japanese fashion magazine, and among the first artists to merge music, branding, and lifestyle with her Dance To Fitness movement.
Recognized by Vogue, People, and Harper’s Bazaar, her influence extends beyond music through iconic campaigns for GAP, LA Eyeworks, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Her honors include Black Music Honors’ Crossover Music Icon Award, induction into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, and multiple nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV VMAs and NAACP Image Awards.
A pioneer of independence, she founded her own label, Avitone, in 1995—well ahead of today’s artist-owned movement.
Decades into her career, Jody Watley continues to thrive with critically acclaimed, chart-topping releases. Her latest album, Let’s Dance Vol. 1, reached No. 1 on iTunes Dance and Amazon UK charts.
Her influence endures—timeless, trailblazing, and still setting her own standard – authentically, independently.
Step into the rhythm and celebrate the iconic style, music, and legacy of Jody Watley with the official Let’s Dance merchandise collection.
Inspired by the energy of the #1 Dance / Electronic iTunes Album Let’s Dance Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats), this exclusive merch drop is designed for fans who live for timeless grooves, bold fashion, and authentic artistry.
From statement pieces to everyday essentials, each item reflects the spirit of independence, creativity, and evolution that defines Jody Watley’s enduring influence.
✨ Whether you’re updating your wardrobe or looking for the perfect fan collectible—this is your moment.
Jody Watley is a Best New Artist GRAMMY®️ award winner, 3 x Solo Nominee, Multiple -platinum selling singer /songwriter/producer with a diverse ongoing music discography spanning decades.
R&B / Pop / Dance /House Music/ Downtempo Electronica / Jazz – 80s, 90s, 2000s.
Jody Watley recognized as a style icon (VOGUE, People Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar +more) ranked by Billboard as one of the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time, Top 100 Black Solo Artists Of All Time. Crossover Music Icon from Black Music Honors 2017, Inductee in Women’s Songwriter Hall of Fame + more.
As a solo artist, Jody Watley has amassed 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles including Iconic chart toppers “Looking For A New Love” (#1 R&B), “Don’t You Want Me”, “Real Love” (#1 R&B) and the groundbreaking R&B/Rap collaboration “Friends” featuring Eric B. and Rakim. 6 Top 10 Hot 100 Singles, 7 # 1 Dance Singles, which led to a Billboard Magazine Dance Chart Lifetime Achievement Award; 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and platinum albums in the USA, Canada and Asia, a million selling fitness video and video compilation, groundbreaking ad campaigns + more.
Add a 2007 Billboard Dance Lifetime Achievement Award with 7 #1 Dance Singles, 2017 recipient of the Black Music Honors Crossover Music Icon Award and nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Awards and Soul Train Awards.
A visionary and trailblazer, she set the blueprint for the independent artist movement by launching her own label, Avitone, in 1995—decades before it became a trend. A former member of the R&B group Shalamar (1978-1983) , a participant in the historic Band Aid recording of “Do They Know It’s Christmas” in 1984: Jody Watley’s solo career continues to thrive with critically acclaimed and chart-topping releases.
Jody Watley. All Rights Reserved 2026 Avid Music Inc
Jody Watley shares a special Wattage Thoughts message this Easter Sunday—reflecting on renewal, spring cleaning, and the importance of decluttering your life, not just your home. 🌸✨ Watch NEW Youtube Video Short: Here
A reminder that growth begins within—clear the space, reset your energy, and move forward with purpose, faith, and gratitude.
Celebrate the season of renewal with inspiration from Jody Watley
Jody Watley is a Best New Artist GRAMMY®️ award winner, 3 x Solo Nominee, Multiple -platinum selling singer /songwriter/producer with a diverse ongoing music discography spanning decades.
R&B / Pop / Dance /House Music/ Downtempo Electronica / Jazz – 80s, 90s, 2000s.
Jody Watley recognized as a style icon (VOGUE, People Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar +more) ranked by Billboard as one of the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time, Top 100 Black Solo Artists Of All Time. Crossover Music Icon from Black Music Honors 2017, Inductee in Women’s Songwriter Hall of Fame + more.
As a solo artist, Jody Watley has amassed 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles including iconic chart toppers “Looking For A New Love”, “Don’t You Want Me”, “Real Love” and the groundbreaking R&B/Rap collaboration “Friends” featuring Eric B. and Rakim. 6 Top 10 Hot 100 Singles, 13 # 1 Dance Singles, which led to a Billboard Magazine Dance Chart Lifetime Achievement Award; 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and platinum albums in the USA, Canada and Asia, a million selling fitness video and video compilation.
2007 Billboard Dance Lifetime Achievement, 2017 recipient of the Black Music Honors Crossover Music Icon Award and nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Awards and Soul Train Awards.
A visionary and trailblazer, she set the blueprint for the independent artist movement by launching her own label, Avitone, in 1995—decades before it became a trend. Her solo career continues to thrive with critically acclaimed and chart-topping releases including 2025’s “Let’s Dance Vol. 1 Hit Them Beats” which vaulted to #1 on iTunes Top Dance /Electronic Albums on July 11 and Amazon Music UK’s Top Dance Electronic Albums,
Happy Anniversary to Jody Watley‘Flower‘Released on this day — March 31, 1998 (UK) via Atlantic Records — and later finally made available across digital platforms, Flower didn’t meet commercial exceptions for the album due to delayed worldwide release but remains a standout her ongoing discography.
A forward-thinking blend of R&B, soul, and dance, the album features production from an all-star lineup including D’Wayne Wiggins, Malik Pendleton, Jamey Jaz, Masters At Work, Andrea Martin, Bryce Wilson, along with Watley herself andDerrick Edmonson (Affection album collaborator).
✨ Highlights include:
• “Off The Hook” — #1 Billboard Dance, #23 R&B, Hot 100 entry (D-Dot Remix featuring Rakim.
• “If I’m Not In Love” — #2 Billboard Dance
• “Loving You So” — featuring Rahsaan Patterson, included on Dr. Doolittle Soundtrack starring Eddie Murphy.
“16,” written by Watley 1 of several of her compositions for the album, was later covered and reimagined as “Sweet 16” by Destiny’s Child on their multi-platinum album ‘The Writings On The Wall.
The album also includes “Just One More Time,” originally recorded as a group collaboration with members of Shalamar. The label ultimately opted for a different direction, leading to Watley re-recording the track as a solo version for the final album release.
Producer Jamey Jaz, Jody Watley, Howard Hewett Jeffrey Daniel. 1997 Westlake Studio. Recording “Just One More Time for Jody Watley’s “Flower” album.
The label ultimately opted for a different direction, leading to Watley re-recording the track as a solo version for the final album release.
The album was supported by numerous music magazine covers geared to the R&B demographic including Blues & Soul, women’s magazine BE (Black Elegance), the UK’s Black Echoes.
There were many high profile television appearances including the top shows of the 90s including The Rosie O’Donnell Show, an hour special on BET’s Planet Groove bookended by an radio promotional tour to the urban market targeted for this album.
🌸 “Flower” is a true gem of late ‘90s contemporary R&B/Soul, dance and continued evolution for the singer, songwriter, producers independence, and commitment to artistry, not remaining stagnant or stuck in the past.
Revisit • Explore • Stream Flowerat the digital platforms of your choice.
Check out the new video collage celebrating the anniversary release on Jody Watley YouTube:Here
Jody Watley is a GRAMMY® Award–winning Best New Artist and 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon.
Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s and 90s with Top 10 hits including the iconic hits “Looking for a New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified “Real Love,” + more.
6 Top 10 Hot 100 Hits, 13 #1 Dance Hits, 15 top 40, 2 #1 R&B Singles & Albums, 3 #1 Dance / Electronic Albums.
Jody Watley has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across R&B, Pop, Dance, Jazz, Electronica — from the 1980s to today. Her latest release, Let’s Dance Vol. 1, reached #1 on iTunes Top Dance Albums in July 2025.
An award-winning songwriter (BMI Medal of Honor, Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame), Watley is ranked by Billboard among the Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time and Top 65 Hot 100 Female Artists of All Time. Her honors include Black Music Honors Crossover Icon and the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Chicago native is also celebrated as a fashion and cultural trailblazer, Watley has been featured in GAP & SAKS 5th Avenue ad campaigns, VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, People Magazines Most Beautiful Issue and more.
A pioneer at the intersection of music and style, Jody Watley’s multi-decade, multi-generational career continues to evolve with a legacy of sound, fearless authenticity on her path; not chasing trends or charts just quality timeless music – with a style and spirit that endures.
Released March 27, 1989 — the platinum-certified second solo album “Larger Than Life” from Jody Watley.
A defining project of the late ’80s, the album delivered three Billboard Top 10 hits, with Watley contributing once again to the song narratives co-writing 9 of the 10 songs produced by Andre Cymone:
“Real Love” (Gold-certified), also her second R&B #1, “Friends,” and “Everything.”
“Real Love” — directed by Oscar-winner David Fincher— became one of MTV’s most nominated videos, pushing visual storytelling and fashion-forward aesthetics while cementing Watley as a true music and style trailblazer.
The groundbreaking “Friends” featuring Eric B & Rakim helped pioneer the fusion of R&B, hip-hop, pop, and dance (Source: Okayplayer), becoming one of the first crossover collaborations to hit the Top 10 across multiple charts. The video also featured voguing, street dance, with a cast of true New York club kids and sub culture icons such as Connie Fleming. The album also showcased emotional depth with the timeless ballad “Everything.”
Stream Larger Than Life and explore the ongoing music discography of Jody Watley across your favorite digital platforms.
About the Artist:
Jody Watley is a GRAMMY® Award–winning Best New Artist and 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon.
Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s and 90s with Top 10 hits including the iconic “Looking for a New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified “Real Love,” she has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across R&B, Pop, Dance, Jazz, Electronica, 80s, 90s, 2000s-Present including 2025’s #1 iTunes Dance Electronic Album “Let’s Dance Vol.1”
To date she has 6 Hot 100 Top 10 Singles, 13 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 Number 1 R&B Singles, 15 Top 40 Singles, 3 Number 1 Dance Electronic Albums in the 2000s, numerous UK Soul Chart Top 5 singles in her ongoing independently released music.
An award-winning songwriter (BMI Medal of Honor, Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame), Watley is ranked by Billboard among the Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time and Top 65 Hot 100 Female Artists of All Time. Her honors include Black Music Honors Crossover Icon and the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award + more. A former member of the group Shalamar (1977-1983), Jody Watley was a part of the Band Aid #1 UK charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas.
She was the first artist to brand herself and release a #1 Fitness Video to her music, in 1989, the first artist and black woman to appear on the cover of a Japanese fashion magazine, with the launch of SPUR that same year.
Jody Watley – SPUR Fashion Magazine Japan Launch November 1989.
Celebrated as a fashion and cultural trailblazer, Watley has features in GAP, VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, People Magazine (Most Beautiful Issue) and more.
A pioneer at the intersection of music and style. Her multi-decade, multi-generational career continues to evolve since her early Pop R&B era with MCA (1986-1994) through progressing into her independent label Avitone era 1995 into the present.
Stay connected with the latest from Jody Watley. The Official YouTube Channel continues to feature new uploads including the inspirational ‘Wattage Thoughts’, career highlights celebrating decades of music, style and culture and lots of music including new releases.
Question:
“What’s the latest on Jody Watley—what’s she up to now?”
Answer:
Still thriving. Still creating. Still evolving.
Fans can also stream Watley’s latest album “Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats” released on her independent label Avitone Recordings – a vibrant dance project celebrating the 30th anniversary of the label founded in 1995. “Let’s Dance Vol. 1,,” reached Number 1 on the iTunes Top Dance / Electronic Albums Chart and Amazon Music UK July 11, 2025.
Just announced on her channel another new project is on the way in 2026. Jody Watley will be one of the headline acts of the Ultimate Disco Cruise sailing February 2027 in a very rare concert appearance, since she stepped away from concerts and touring. “It’s a perfect opportunity to do some of the cuts from Let’s Dance including the classic “Love Hangover” along with many classics spanning decades from Disco to Pop, R&B, Dance, Funk, Contemporary Nu Disco from her discography. Plus, who doesn’t love a cruise full of festive people?!”
The Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond is BACK in 2027! 🪩 Put on your dancing shoes, pack your disco glam and get ready to celebrate the greatest Disco, Dance, Soul, Funk, & Party Music EVER! Use promo code JODYFAN for special cabin savings.
Grammy Winning Music Icon Jody Watley. Jody Watley is a GRAMMY® Award–winning Best New Artist and 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon. Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s and 90s with Top 10 hits including the iconic “Looking for a New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified “Real Love,” she has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across R&B, Pop, Dance, Jazz, Electronica. Learn more: Here
OTD February 23, 1987 — A Cultural Reset in Pop & R&B
On this day, Jody Watley released her self-titled debut album, JODY WATLEY— a groundbreaking statement of independence, innovation, and style that redefined what a modern female pop & R&B artist could be.
More than a debut, this was a bold artistic rebirth.
Emerging from group success to claim her own creative vision, Watley delivered a genre-blending body of work that fused pop, R&B, dance, and fashion-forward imagery — helping shape the sound and visual language of late-’80s pop culture and the MTV era.
✨Certified Multi-Platinum (3 million U.S. / 4+ million worldwide)#1 R&B Album / #10 Top 200 Albums
The project also featured a duet with global superstar George Michael and production from production team including André Cymone, David Z., Bernard Edwards, and Patrick Leonard.
Even more significant — Watley co-wrote 6 of the album’s 9 tracks, establishing herself not just as a performer, but as a songwriter, visionary, and architect of her own image.
At a time when few Black women in pop were granted full creative authorship and fashion autonomy, Jody Watley stood at the intersection of music, high style (blending couture, vintage, custom designs) into her own Jody Watley Style, and most importantly empowerment to “Believe In Yourself” “Be Yourself” no matter what — influencing generations to come.
Jody Watley continues her powerful independent run as “Everlasting” (Alex Di Ciò Mix) reached #2 on the UK Soul Chart (Feb 2024) — her 4th Top 5 entry between 2018–2024 🇬🇧🔥
Grammy Winning Solo Artist Jody Watley, 2026. Photo Courtesy of Avitone Recordings
In this special montage, Jody also shares a new message to fans — reflecting gratitude, momentum, and what’s ahead.
Longtime collaborator Alex Di Ciò brings his signature soul sophistication to the sound, contributing to the continued evolution of modern soul and dance.
Their synergy also powers Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats, which reached #1 on UK iTunes & Amazon Dance/Electronic charts July 2025, featuring Alex mixes:
• “The Essence”
• “The Beat Don’t Stop”
With previews teasing a new 2026 project, the message is clear — to the casuals forever out of touch… she’s always delivering.
Jody Watley is a GRAMMY® Award–winning Best New Artist and 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon.
Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s and 90s with Top 10 hits including the iconic “Looking for a New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified “Real Love,” she has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across R&B, Pop, Dance, Jazz, Electronica.
Her latest release, Let’s Dance Vol. 1, reached #1 on iTunes Top Dance Albums in July 2025.
An award-winning songwriter (BMI Medal of Honor, Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame), Watley is ranked by Billboard among the Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time and Top 65 Hot 100 Female Artists of All Time. Her honors include Black Music Honors Crossover Icon and the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award + more.
Celebrated as a fashion and cultural trailblazer, Watley has features in GAP, VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, People Magazine (Most Beautiful Issue) and more.
A pioneer at the intersection of music and style, her multi-decade, multi-generational career continues to evolve since her early Pop R&B era with MCA through her influential independent label era and beyond.
