Here’s to the spirit of love, joy, hope and peace everyday – with something new to celebrate – like a holiday!
“Like A Holiday” – available at all digital outlets and streaming services – year round!
“..remember love lives in you – happiness and peace of mind, the essence of being – the essence of life..positive living, worth remembering..” The Essence.
I wrote the original with King Britt out of Philadelphia – lyrics and melody, he produced it and there’s an alternate GB Mix on “Midnight Lounge.”
Empowering lyrics don’t always get shine though that fact has never discouraged me from being true to myself.
Focused on posting more music for those not in the know – my catalog is vast, diverse and full of substance along with the fun. While revisiting my own work, I’m discovering new music..not sure why this isn’t the case for some..again I think people see as much as they want to see. To any artist of any form who may see this..never feel your canvas has to be the same or you must use the same colors with each creation.
The is the fabulous DJ Yellow (from France) Remix.
A fan shared this video snippet on Instagram last night – it’s a fond memory to be there as nominee and presenter in 1988. On this night the recipients of the award I presented with Patrick Swayze was Anita Baker for ‘Rapture’ – an R&B classic album. It’s beautiful to be reminded I was a part of her celebration that night.
In the 90’s I returned as a presenter 3 times.
I really try not to put down the commercial music of this era because there is some good and of course each generation of youth has their music they will look back and reflect on their high school years..I don’t even really watch awards shows anymore to be honest. Most music fans gravitate to their high school years and why the music business will always be primarily targeted to youth.
What I’ve learned is awards and accolades are a cool thing to experience and industry politics aside – it is the artistry and the quality of music and doing what you love that is the most enduring. So to any veteran or aspiring artist – just keep being yourself, taking risks and being true to your craft..that’s often different from being a pop star…not always but often.
Rest in Peace Patrick Swayze, he was super nice that evening and left behind memorable film moments.
Jazzy bossa nova vibes produced this one with Rodney Lee (Midnight Lounge album, The Makeover, Saturday Night Experience Vol.1) – film noir directed by Damien Sandoval. My music spans decades, not all of it super commercial but all of it quality, authentic and full of heart, soul and Ms. Jody Watley Wattage! This one managed to reach the Top 10 on Smooth Jazz and Top 25 Billboard Jazz Single for those who count those types of stats. Far removed from my Pop days but very connected to my continued artistry.
All Jody Watley music is available at all digital outlets..for anyone looking for my music, it’s all there, to listen, discover or revisit.
Wishing everyone a peace and tranquility.
Trying to keep you motivated and in tune to your wellness and health. One of the things I enjoy is a morning run or power walk and this playlist came out of what I was listening to personally. Being consistent on my workouts, eating healthy which has always been a part of my lifestyle. I’ve made adjustments with that as well and finally I’ve been able to shed some very stubborn lbs. from the past few years once my hormones took a shift. As always my desire is to inspire others through my own actions, creating this ‘Jody Watley – Workout Playlist’ is another way to pass a bit of motivation along. Even if you have 10 minutes a day to devote to your wellness — two songs, one remix, it’s a start and better than not doing anything. It was almost two decades ago when I released the Number 1 fitness video ‘Dance To Fitness’ – dance music is always a fantastic way to get your heart rate up and make any workout less arduous. Let’s get it.
New Jody Watley Spotify Playlist:
The playlist is also good for your holiday gatherings as well.
Wattage!!
Video Montage by Shawn West.
Jody Watley 1988 in May’s issue of Harper’s Bazaar photographed by Francesco Scavullo wearing Angel Estrada, hair by Jeff Woodley, make up by John Evans.
I’ve told the story before, but here it is again in a quick snapshot. When my publicist notified that Harper’s Bazaar wanted to feature me in the magazine with photo session in New York by the legendary fashion photographer Francesco Scavullo who has lensed some iconic images over the decades. They had no idea who he was or the additional significance.
this wasn’t a common occurrence in the music business at that time. My label did not agree to fly me to New York for this major opportunity asking me what did being in a fashion magazine have to do with selling records – forget the major exposure, the broadening of the audience, establishing me beyond music as a budding fashion icon and brand or however one wishes to look at things. I didn’t want to miss out and so I paid for my own flights and hotel to do this. Always invest in yourself if you have the means to do so.
Eventually of course major labels embraced the concept and additional prestigious PR and it became commonplace -and of course went even further with black superstar women in music like Rihanna, Beyonce, and more (Ciara, Alicia Keys) gracing the cover of high fashion magazines.
My solo debut was so monumental in a variety of ways beyond the Grammy nominations, winning Best New Artist, the hit singles and more. Always believe in yourself.
Wattage!
Via Steven Houseman Music Chart Facts: November 13, 1993 – 26 Years Ago Today: Jody Watley debuted at No. 100 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart with her single, “Your Love Keeps Working On Me.” This was the R&B singer’s 12th consecutive solo chart entry and despite not budging from the No. 100 spot for 2 weeks on the chart, it did climb all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart becoming her 10th solo Top 20 and 9th Top Ten Dance hit as well as her 6th Top 3. The song was written by John Barnes, Joey Diggs and Robert White.
This single from “Intimacy” continued to add more soulful rhythms and a touch of jazz into the mix. Decidedly less pop on purpose – still top notch, though my label was disappointed at the lack of crossover despite it not being that vein. To their credit, they always for the most part let me be know..with a compromise on my part here and there.
Showing a bit more skin was the label’s idea..that’s a wider ranging topic for my book covering being a woman in music and those unique dynamics.
One of my favorite television performances was “Your Love Keeps Working On Me” on The Arsenio Hall Show. Slayed it, pixie cut, bohemian, unexpected…folks weren’t ready as usual.
One of my favorite lyrics in the song is “Through you I have learned how to fly..” performing it in concert to this day my spirit gets real connected to the audience because that’s the feeling I get from the support of those supporting what I do.
Gratitude.
Wattage!
One of the positive things that occurs on social media is when someone points to a release that isn’t the obvious. Such was the case today with a reminder and celebration from someone on Instagram that today my soulful and introspective “Intimacy” was released.
Very slept on – but a quality project I remain proud of. When you are an artist and songwriter not wanting to be trapped in the “Pop-star” box and machine – you have to be unafraid to grow and take what others will see as creative risks as personal and artistic growth. Very organic, bohemian .. I was even burning incense onstage, really setting the mood beyond the record. Both “Affairs of The Heart” and “Intimacy” were and are decidedly more R&B though I have never been completely embraced by that audience or part of the industry ..
Each endeavor from my solo debut through recent works always comes with a strong vision and passion of what I want to do and how I feel at the time. Goals change as I change – that’s an artist.
It’s a choice- be authentic, be bold and be happy with your choices or stay stuck in what others want you to do and be. I’ll always be about that authentic true to myself life.
If you missed it – it’s available to open your ears as it’s another that has gotten better with time.
“Working On A Groove” starts it off a very summer feel good song before the some of the stories unfold through the songs. Two R&B hits “Your Love Keeps Working On Me” the spoken word “When A Man Loves A Woman” the psychedelic funk rock “Are You The One” my makeover of “Too Shy To Say” and the house vibes of “Ecstasy” – and several ballads.. I wrote and recorded this as my marriage was unraveling, my heart was broken, it wasn’t what my record label or pop fans wanted — while asking myself so many questions-my art reflected my life at that time.
More mature, less sass and party but all heart and soul.
Available on all digital outlets.
Happy 26 “Intimacy” !
Pause.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Stretch.
Release and Unwind.
Repeat when necessary.
You’ll be surprised how rejuvenating stretching can be..at home, working out, sitting at a desk, behind a counter..whatever your job may be you can do it anywhere..good for you and a good way to begin or end a day .. or as a break midway through. Practice wellness each day.
Wattage!