It was truly a celebration night of music in the first concert commemorating the international multi-platinum solo debut album “Jody Watley”, the Best New Artist Grammy win and so much more at Sycuan Resort & Casino in San Diego, California.
Former collaborator and producer Andre Cymone who co-wrote much of the debut with Watley was a surprise guest and joined in the concert playing guitar on several cuts. Jody Watley and Andre Cymone, who also made cameo appearances in music videos “Don’t You Want Me” and “Some Kind Of Lover” worked together on 4 albums from 1987-1993. Cymone continues to write and record on his various solo endeavors with politically minded themes more in the rock vein – but he hasn’t lost his funky riffs as evidenced onstage. The show was fast paced and hit packed with Watley performing songs from the debut album never performed live previously “Do It To The Beat” “Love Injection” as well as the rarely performed “Most Of All”. The show also featured hits from subsequent albums in addition the current single “Whenever” from the Top 5 UK Soul EP “Renderings” The Alex Di Cio’ Remixes. The concert included a multi-colored ballon drop to the delight of the packed house. Future Jody Watley 35th Anniversary Celebration concerts are planned throughout 2022 in select limited cities due to the ongoing pandemic.
“To not only celebrate my solo debut, but the longevity of my solo career still at top of my game as an independent artist, songwriter, producer and so on – is truly special. To share it will my fans and also those who mean so much in my life. My daughter Lauren, and son Arie were there flying in from each coast to share in the evening, seeing Andre and I onstage together was epic and truly meaningful in so many ways. We wondered why we haven’t done this before. On top of that for Lauren and Arie to be here for my birthday as well just made the entire weekend magical. Some people out there try to force what they think is important to you when it’s not important at all. This weekend is what it’s all about. I’m so blessed and can’t wait for future shows in select cities celebrating Jody Watley 35.” – Jody Watley
The evening was also a pre-birthday party for Jody Watley. On Sunday 1.30. 2022 Watley received numerous messages from music outlets, fans from around the world in addition to special greetings from music legend Ronald Isley aka Mr. Biggs, and heartfelt post from Andre Cymone on his social media pages.
“Today is a very beautiful day for a very beautiful person. I want to wish Jody Watley a very Happy Birthday. I just have to share a few moments from such an amazing event in celebration of Jody, her work and her birthday. I stood backstage watching video highlights of all her accomplishments and was reminded of her dedication to breaking new ground always. I can’t really express how proud I’ve always been of our collaborations. We created so much magic together and when she invited me to join her on stage for the 35th Anniversary of the release of her hit Looking For a New Love we created even more magic. So thank you Jody and Happy Birthday. ” – Andre Cymone
More video of the triumphant night to come.