Everyday – Be You.. aspire toward a better version, that way you won’t get stuck and you won’t compare yourself to anyone – YOU are your only measuring stick – in being YOU.
Someone admonished me the other day on one of my social media pages – “Get your teeth fixed, you have the money.” It was not only rude (some say things and troll public figures as if we are not human beings) but I found it an example of how others judge what others might be comfortable with. I actually embrace my bottom teeth being crooked – there is beauty in imperfection to me. When I was in People Magazine 50 Most Beautiful I mentioned those very crooked teeth which have not impeded my music career or success in any way .. and if so as this person said .. if I’m judged on something as superficial as a few crooked bottom teeth – I’m still fine with me and who I am beyond my looks. We should all learn to love ourselves and yes if you want to fix something, do it not to conform to what society thinks or others- do it because you want to, or not.
Last weeks performance of one of my solo Pop/R&B classic hits was one of the best of the countless times I’ve performed it over the decades. My voice still retains it’s unique resonance and tone – though time has given it more depth. In soundcheck, I usually like to break the songs down to either piano and vocals, acoustic and so on before we bring all of the instruments in. There’s something more intimate that happens when the listener is just with voice and a lone instrument. No frills, vocal gymnastics and distractions – just the lyric and delivery to really touch a person in a different way.
Here’s a snippet from soundcheck of “Everything.” Make sure to subscribe to the Official Jody Watley YouTube channel : Subscribe
Coming up in August a variety of concerts and appearances – two with my full band and show August 16 New York, Sony Hall August 17 opening for Jeffrey Osborne in Atlanta Mable House Barnes Amphitheater.
As well if you’re in Honolulu September 7 – don’t miss a very special Jody Watley ‘Unplugged.’
Get tickets early for this fantastic holiday show featuring Peabo Bryson, Oleta Adams, Ben Vereen and yours truly Jody Watley. Yes, it’s summer but it’s cool to plan ahead. We sing duets together, as a group and select solo selections.
Dec 13 – McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA
Dec 14 – Cerritos Performing Arts Centre, Cerritos, CA
Photography: Victoria Pearson ‘Don’t You Want Me’ — funky, trendsetting style. 1987-88 Classic.
Photography: Jon Ragel for Us Magazine – Elegance. 1993 Intimacy era.
I’m me with each project..I’m also a different me with new goals, emotions and inspirations as life dictates my soul and spirit to reflect through my art and music – never wanting to be a pop star.. just an artist and a woman at peace within herself for the choices I make at any given time…always evolving.
Next Friday July 19 it’s a disco themed Jody Watley LIVE at New York’s legendary Summerstage concert series – I’ll be taking the stage in Staten Island, a first the location is Corporal Thompson Park. City Parks put on first class events so this will be no different with Deejay Joey Carvello from Mobile Monday’s spinning classic disco vinyl, dance lessons from world renowned Waacking Queen Princess Lockeroo as well. Look for a bit more Shalamar than I normally do with SRL and of course some choice cuts from my own eclectic solo repertoire including the current single “Good Good Reason” nu-disco soul vibes.
On Saturday night the party lands in Bethesda, Maryland at Bethesda Blues and Jazz “Celebrating 30 Years Of Real Love” and beyond. I’m full of gratitude to continue to be blessed to do what I love and share the gift of music and still be fabulous.
The set list will be different because of the theme, expect it to be full of love – funky and sexy .. yes those can go together. See you there! Get tickets now! Tickets Instant Seats
Breaking barriers as first black woman on Japanese fashion magazine, there were billboards across Japan and I also filmed a television commercial that aired through the country – such an honor. Photography: Philip Dixon. Makeup: Paul Starr. Wardrobe: Martin Sitbon