Thankful for another year and return around the sun. I remain a work in progress.
Photography: by Tyler Miles
Hair, Makeup and Styling : Jody Watley
Dress: Norma Kamali
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Monthly Archives: January 2020
Monday Wattage Thoughts. New Moon Self Care.
Passing this along..always good tips for living.
Rewind. Live Performance of ‘It All Begins With You.’
I posted this yesterday on my social media in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This performance was while pregnant with my son on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1992 while promoting my “Affairs Of The Heart” album -also performed that night was my single “I’m The One You Need.’ The Arsenio Hall Show was always a great place to showcase music for black artists simply on a merit basis – long before the “what are the social media numbers, how many followers?” The gatekeepers of today would never allow a show like this.
Around this time I’d performed this single on Good Morning America on MLK Day. My performance earned me an invitation to The White House as the President and First Lady were so moved. It’s an honor I’ll never forget. I also used the opportunity to speak about equality, and support for public education – investing in our youth; definitely inspired by Dr. King. Many know I also recorded this song in honor my my father Rev. John Watley Jr.
“..the more of life I live to see, I feel more like a child – the lessons that I have to learn, I know will take a while – and if it takes eternity I hope your plans for me, surround me with a gift of joy and make my days complete..embrace me with your love and help me rise above – show me the way to keep the faith so I won’t forget to say that it all begins with you..”
We all have the ability to bring positive changes in our lives and in the world each day not to mention the ability to keep the faith and get through barriers and obstacles. You don’t have to be religious (I’m not) to believe in a higher power than all of us and the inner will we have when we keep the faith.
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7 Habits for Success. Wattage Thoughts.
Passing along these reminders I came across.
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Jody Watley – Flashback Dance Party USA – Happy 33 Looking For A New Love
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Wattage Thoughts. Love Is An Action Word.
True.
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On This Day. January 6, 1987 – Looking For A New Love Released.
Full page ad Billboard Magazine, 1987 for my subsequent crossover smash debut hit – first Number 1 – AMA’s, Soul Train Awards, NAACP and Grammy nominated solo debut single “Looking For A New Love.”
The single was was of the biggest of the 1987 and the 80’s in general – a pop culture phenomenon, trendsetting style – as well with the catchphrase “Hasta La Vista Ba-by” later further popularized by Arnold Schwarznegger.
Written by Jody Watley and Andre Cymone. Produced by Andre Cymone and David Z. Photography: Victoria Pearson, Art Direction: Jody Watley & Lynn Robb. Styling: Jody Watley.
The single set the stage for one hell of a solo debut album ‘Jody Watley’ to follow. Despite my naysayers saying I’d regret leaving Shalamar, I’d fail, future in doubt as some of the black magazines wrote I succeeded then and continue to do so over 3 decades later and still on my own terms – most of all I’m happy, healthy, working and enjoying myself with my spirit and soul intact. It was never about being solo – it was to live life with joy, the greatest success. Having this all roll out this way was a gift from God and the universe – a bonus for looking after my own well being on my life’s journey. There’s so much more to say about this time, it will be in my memoir. Until then..
Thankful and full of gratitude a song of this magnitude is a part of my discography. As a note: “Looking For A New Love” also made a bit of history with the 2005 Remixes going to Number 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Play Charts, one of the first hits to become a hit again in an entirely different decade. Thanks so all the 80’s and Classics stations that keep it in rotation and shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, Pose and beyond for the exposure to a younger generation.
What I’ve said for decades now is I hope my career and being represents to others is believe in yourself and to never be afraid to remove yourself from any situation that on the outside might look good to others – but to you it’s everything but that. You will always have doubters – just never let it be you and always be the best version of yourself – keep growing and going no matter the obstacles, often the universe will align in one way or another.
Happy 33 Anniversary — ‘Looking For A New Love”!! Timeless jam and still a damn good break up and empowerment anthem.
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First Saturday of 2020 Inspiration Wattage
This inspiration comes courtesy of Ty Hunter on Instagram (TyTryOne).
I had to share with you.
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Jody Watley Classic Image of The Day. VOGUE Italia.
Jody Watley VOGUE Italia, 1991.
Paving the way in my own way and style.
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