In 1987 after performing one of my hits from solo debut.. I think it was my second time from that album, chatting with Dick Clark on his American Bandstand. Music – Fashion – Jody Watley Style. I remember vividly Patti Labelle telling me at an American Music Awards “..a lot of people don’e get your style, but I do – It’s magazine baby, Magazine!”
Always be yourself whether people get you or not, has always been my thing.
Blessed to still be here – still a thrill being myself and doing what I love
Happy Music Anniversary to my solo debut “Jody Watley” released on February 23, 1987! “you know it’s funny.. funny how times flies..as I watch days turn into years..” and decades – still me..keeping it new! Thanks to those who still rock and roll with me and my music in all of it’s continued incarnations beyond my debut into the NOW!
Eternal thanks to all involved who helped me execute my vision and exceed all expectations.
It’s not years of life of music – it’s the life in living life and good music which has no expiration date and continues to be discovered and appreciated.
This music gem the contemporary jazz of “Waiting In Vain” was birthed on February 15, 2018. An eventual Top 10 Smooth Jazz Network entry, and Top 25 Billboard Smooth Jazz.
The format is one that in America still embraces soul music though primarily instrumental.
For me the ability and desire to continue to create different musical moments is very rewarding.
Of upcoming concerts the Blue Note Napa “An Evening Of Love, Jazz and Soul” with further highlight that artistic freedom.
Anyone stuck on my 80’s output is definitely missing out on the quality and diverse range that continues since that time.
A casual day at home, doing a bit of work over the weekend. Though not going out, I perked myself up with just a touch of glam. As my Dad used to say you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to dress up, enjoy your nice things, a special meal or to be charitable, giving and kind.
Make every day a day of love. Happy Valentines Day!
Excerpts from a few of my favorite lyrics I’ve written about love:
“,. Accept no substitutes – always go for the real thing” – Real Love
“.. Baby I’m strong, gonna get over you – new love I’m gonna choose” – Looking For A New Love
“..I’ve learned you really have to love yourself, before you can give it to someone else… you have to know what’s real..” I Love to Love”
“.. remember there’s a difference between sex and love..” – Ecstacy
“.. I don’t want to live without music..I don’t want to love without love..” Affairs of The Heart
“..for too long, I’ve been lost in a love filled with many changes .. but since I met you boy ..I can’t deny I sense a new beginning..” Help Me (Shalamar)
“..filled with so much love and lots of understanding..” Full of Fire (Shalamar)
“.. it don’t matter if you’re young or old, it don’t matter if you’re straight or gay everybody needs to feel love..” – Affection
“..when a man loves a woman he’ll never forget to say .. baby I love you..” – When A Man Loves A Woman
“.. I hope time stays on our side and keeps the passion burning bright.. precious love – never go away..” Precious Love
“.. leave the world behind .. when you close the door.. environment of love, a safe place to fall..” Sanctuary
Lesson learned: To be fearless, have faith and always believe in yourself. Be yourself – no matter who doubts you, doesn’t agree, doesn’t understand, wants to discourage you or your l choices. I didn’t quit Shalamar to go solo – I quit to be happy. The sudden passing of my father forever changed my view on living life. It’s best to the life you choose towards love, peace, respect with joy – inspiring others to do the same in the process, God blessed me for my choice and continues to in so many ways.
An ongoing career is not a curse to those who have implied “Best New Artist” is curses because a few in the category have faltered. I’ve always found that narrative insulting not to mention ridiculous. It’s a blessing.
The same is never said of recipients of Album, Song or Record of the Year, some never reach those pinnacles again but continue to work and be creative without the fanfare or accolades.
What I know is to date I have great success with an ongoing discography full of hit singles in various genres over many albums, have watched things I’ve done or worn become trends and open the door bridging music and style open for a new generation of female artists regardless of the lack of acknowledgement. “Friends” ft. Eric B and Rakim, as an example, and a hit from my second album is the first collaboration like that to become a Top 10 Crossover Hit Hot 100, R&B/Hip Hop and Dance – a formula that eventually had to be recognized with its own category and continues to dominate. “Friends” was not nominated however it’s significance in music and pop culture influence is indelible. In 2018 Billboard Magazine ranked me in the Greatest Dance Artists of All Time and in the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time for further clarity.
In my ongoing catalog songs that aren’t hits all represent an artist, songwriter, producer who happens to be a woman and black (the first to be marginalized generally) continues to write, record and release quality music on my own terms outside of the “machine” or conventional methods nor the assist of big time producers or executives using their clout to keep me afloat. Survived though a certain executive for a time was trying to have me ‘blackballed’ at black radio – my debut happened anyway despite his attempts because a higher power is always on my side, rather than a publicist on year round retainer to keep my name in the news, as some do. Thriving despite obstacles, traveling the world and better than ever with time is what’s real. It is frustrating at times to still not get the respect, however going to why I do what I do and always counting my blessings not woes or detractors. There are those who are still angered at my win for various reasons.
Over the years I’ve come to appreciate the meaning of success isn’t often what others see or view…status and big money, headlines, quantity of awards and so on are not it and aren’t what has driven or inspired me. Never thirsted for those things though of course though mad at any of those things, never about ‘playing the game’ to achieve any of it. Some of my music heroes and heroines never received a Grammy including Diana Ross with the exception of an honorary one. Ask Little Richard as well – the architect of Rock n Roll.
True success is maintaining your own self worth on your personal life journey which is unique to all of us – authenticity and living a life that brings you joy and joy to those you love is the greatest award and reward ..and to hopefully inspire others to do the same.
Presenting to MJ the night I won Best New Artist – surreal because I was such a fan and used to write him fan mail when he was in The Jackson 5.
2019 – Continuing to shine. Wattage!
“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.”
In celebration of fellow Aquarians Bob Marley, as well as Gardner Cole co-writer of one of my classic hits “Everything” – music for the weekend. Make sure to follow me for the music on Spotify if you’re a subscriber.
The 2018 Top 10 Smooth Jazz Network Single “Waiting In Vain” one of my favorite songs from Bob Marley. I put my spin on it fused with my love of jazz and bossa nova. A vivid and fond memory is traveling to his birthplace in 1983 shortly after my departure from Shalamar, Tuff Gong and meeting some of those closest to him as a guest of Pasqueline Bongo (daughter of former President of Gabon).
A Top 10 Hot 100 and R&B hit ‘Everything’ written by Gardner Cole and James Newton-Howard. As soon as I heard this song when Gardner played it..I knew it was for me!