
I came up with a lot of hit song ideas, lyrics and melodies on this cassette recorder.
I don’t like to think of time..I’ve said this many times before. It’s when reminded that my mind is like – wow, really. Today is one of those days as my first #1 solo single “Looking For A New Love” was released and launched my solo career in ways that few expected – including me. I thank God and the universe for making this all happen and to align me with the right people at the right time. My only quest was to be happy – post Shalamar. That is true success.
30 years later I’m still here..a little heavier though more in love and comfortable with me – who I am in my own skin not defined by anyone but what I feel and owning that — proud of my tenacity and evolution..smarter, wiser, stronger, feeling fabulous and grateful. My goals are always changing as they should – never complacent or stuck on laurels. The thing that makes me proud looking back is that when I signed my first solo deal – I knew exactly who I wanted to be and the statement I wanted to make. It’s really a song of strength and my imaging was to not be like anyone else – just me. Eclectic. Funky, chic, odd, aloof, fun, stylish – a freestyle girl not wanting to be in a box nor rely on my past as ‘formerly of’.. I went out on a limb – fearless. A lot of people wanted me to fail not realizing I’d already won simply by claiming my power to take control of my life and where I wanted to navigate it..to a place and environment of positivity, respect, love and joy. I remember when the U.S. magazine Black Beat wrote “..Jody Watley’s future is the most in doubt..” after my departure from Shalamar in 1983.
To aspiring artists and songwriters, remember whatever you record or put out..if you intend to have longevity those songs if you’re fortunate enough to have ‘hits’ – keep in mind you’ll be singing those songs down the line. Be true to yourself, you can never regret that no matter what.
Happy Anniversary Looking For A New Love – I still love you!
A special shout out to my co-writer of this Andre Cymone who produced it with David Z. We did that! Thank you to all who worked with me to make it a success, it took a village – Jheryl Busby and Louil Silas Jr(R.I.P.) MCA execs like Glenn Lajeski still a friend till this day, as is Lynn Robb my original art director collaborator Liz Heller Victoria Pearson , Brian Grant who directed the video in London and so on!
Looking For A New Love 30 Video and Mix – Video by Sam Edmonds. Paris, France.
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