Always…never stop.
Tyrone Proctor, Jody Watley, BB Kings NYC 2015
I posted on my Facebook page yesterday, August 29, 2015 to not only celebrate Michael Jackson but my longtime friend, one of my favorite people and dancers ever – going back to my teen years – Tyrone Proctor, a Soul Train original. Many will also always remember him as my freestyle waacking dance partner in the classic ‘Still a Thrill’ video filmed in Paris, France at the Opera House – the first time any music video or commercial project was filmed there (thank you director Brian Grant for making that dream come true.)
Jody Watley. Photography: Eugene Adebari, 1983 Record Mirror. Shalamar.
Truth.
Jody Watley. First Lady Rosalynn Carter and President Jimmy Carter in the 90’s.
I was honored by the invitation from former President Jimmy Carter and will never forget the kindness and warmth from he and his wife. My thoughts and prayers go out to them both after his cancer diagnosis. He’s done many great things in his 90 years, and to my view unheralded for the good he’s done and worked for since leaving office.
Although I totally believe there is one above us all – we ourselves must listen to instinct which is often the voice of the universe and God. The inner voice is to awaken us in various ways in our daily lives often moving us toward or away from something. In the end it is up to us individually to make things happen..nothing is going to fall of the sky and it’s important to listen to your life (I wrote about this in my song ‘Clouds’ from Midnight Lounge). Don’t miss your destiny – move yourself toward the life you want.
Some people are always trying to reel others into nonsense because they may be bored, miserable, broke, lonely, insecure, threatened by another’s success or another person simply choosing to boldly live life on their own terms and on and on. Regardless of other’s expectations or desires we must all push forward and drown out the noise. That type of pettiness is a reflection of their own reality. With that in mind – here’s a  reminder for you and me!
Photography: Victoria Pearson Art Direction and Design: Lynn Robb / Jody Watley Velvet Cone Bra Bra: jean Paul-Gaultier Signature Jumbo Jody Watley Hoop Earrings
One of the positives of Twitter is being reminded of things like this – on August 10 hit single “Don’t You Want Me” was released. Written by Jody Watley, Franne Golde and David Bryant. Franne and I became best friends since the day we met for this session. It’s one of the few songs I’ve co-written and shared lyrical tasks – songwriting is so personal; but we all hit it all so well. Bernard Edwards from CHIC and Power Station was the producer and the remix which was the version that to it to the Hot 100 and the top of the Billboard Dance charts is by Francois K.
The video would be directed by Dominic Sena and would star my now ex-husband and former collaborator and co-producer Andre Cymone. My brother John is also in the video which was filmed in downtown Los Angeles.
#1 Dance, #6 Hot 100 #3 R&B
94.7 The Wave Presents the upcoming concert November 14, 2015 at Anaheim’s Honda Center. For tickets and details: Click here – Â 94.7Â The Wave
Sounds like a party!