You can download, stream it, playlist it on your Spotify page if you subscribe -a perfect low key groove to get into the spirit or simply unwind at the end of the evening during the holiday season with a glass or cup of your favorite beverage.
The Historic Supergroup -“Band Aid” Single “Do They Know It’s Christmas.”
November 25,1984
While living in London after my departure from Shalamar in 1983, I’d signed a spec Solo deal with Phonogram/Mercury Records in 1984.
I received a call from Mariella Frostrup, who was the publicist for Phonogram Records U.K. at the time. Mariella didn’t give a lot of details about the session, just that I really needed to be there at request of Sir Bob Geldof as well who was organizing a recording session.
None of us really knew the magnitude of what it would be, we all turned up casually – some of the artists would joke they were coming from the pub or clubbing the night before.. it was all very low key when invited. One of the things that makes it so organic looking is no one was really done up for the cameras so to speak.
The result was “Do The Know It’s Christmas” the name of the group – Band Aid. Four days later it was released in the UK along with a powerful documentary and it has been played during the holiday season since. “Do They Know It’s Christmas” remains one of the biggest singles of all time in the U.K. and mega seller worldwide.
It’s an experience none of us involved will ever forget and a song that made a huge difference, setting the bar for other charity singles to follow.
I’ve said through the years, meeting George Michael and asking if he’d do a duet with me – which he did when I returned to America and signed with MCA Records recording my proper solo debut and looking back on it, it’s also notable I am the only black female artist and only 1 of 4 women in total. To be a part of this historic recording as my first solo endeavor is truly a astounding.
Some artists declined including other female from what I was told back then. To be a part of a historic single as the first thing I did after leaving and post Shalamar is such a gift.
The single went straight to Number 1, was front page news and has raised millions of dollars for famine relief and remains a milestone Christmas single despite a regrettable lyric (tonight thank God it’s them instead of you) created in the moment by the writers of the song as they have later acknowledged – the intent of the song is so very positive. Feed The World – Let Them Know It’s Christmas Time Again. That message and sentiment will always remain, help those in need.
Many of us performed the song on Top Of The Pops as well you can find it on Youtube along with original video.
After Band Aid two 12″ singles (Where The Boys Are and Girls Night Out) were released in 1984 and 1985 as JODY. I already had a vision in style (edgy and fashion forward) hard hitting dance music with an eye of not being labeled or marketed as ‘formerly of’. I was intent to establish my own identity solo with a decidedly more funky dance pop vibe as a debut. I’d written with Bruce Woolley of The Buggles and produced by The Art Of Noise before they were The Art Of Noise (Anne Dudley, J.J. Jeckzalik) with engineer Gary Langan. Ultimately, the label and I weren’t on same page and eventually I moved back to America, signed a new deal with MCA – the rest is solo history!
Grammy Award winning hit making solo artist and Style Icon referred to affectionally by fans as “The Queen of Cool” – has delivered another stunning makeover of a classic “Christmas Time Is Here” from Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” This ambient rendition will sooth your soul. Equal parts vocals and instrumental produced by Jody Watley and longtime collaborator Rodney Lee for Watley’s longtime indie imprint Avitone Recordings.
Watch this charming visual animated short by Shawn West.
Often the simplest things in life bring the most joy – sunflowers always make me smile and so keeping them in the house is always a boost on days when my mood may be a bit blue.
Often rather than lamenting on what we may be missing or lacking or what we are wanting -instead try shifting focus to what we do have. Doing so is a reminder to be mindful of living with gratitude. Every day may not be good – but there is good in every day as long as we are alive. We see daily how fragile and unpredictable life can be, so now more than ever be mindful to not take things for granted, to let your loved ones know they are appreciated – it’s a simple gesture with powerful meaning.
This is a gentle reminder because though the holidays can be full of joy – it’s also a time of sadness for a variety of reasons to many.
Be kind to yourself and others as often as you can, remembering it’s the simple things in life that bring the greatest joy. The world needs more kindness and love – it all begins from within and filters out.
Thank you all for subscribing to my blog and keeping up to date with me year-round. I appreciate you – you are all like a sunflower to me.
Be a light. Wattage!
A new massage from The Queen Of Cool Ms. Jody Watley. Watch it now – make sure to Subscribe!
Grammy Award winning musical superstar Jody Watley releases new holiday song, “Christmas Time Is Here.”
She is spreading some festive cheer with the release of a jazzy rendition of the quintessential holiday song “Christmas Time Is Here” from her favorite, Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” produced by Jody Watley and Rodney Lee now available on all streaming platforms. Download it, stream, share and add as a essential for the holiday playlists.
“This is an ambient and chill rendition perfect for warm cocoa, a laid-back atmosphere and a fireplace real or virtual” says Watley of the release due on her longtime independent imprint Avitone Recordings. “I hope this is a rendition people will enjoy for decades to come. With so much chaos in the world, hopefully my rendition of ‘Christmas Time Is Here’ will sooth some souls.”
A brilliant songwriter, artist, entrepreneur, producer, and visionary has continued recording new music sharing her gift of artistry globally.
The beautiful icon in music, video, fashion and style, often referred to by her fans as “The Queen of Cool,” is as prolific as anyone who’s ever set foot in a recording studio, and as proficient as anyone who’s ever decided to be a song lyricist. She is not only a great singer—she is a great songwriter, and great performer.
As one of the architects of 21st century pop and contemporary street style mixed with high fashion, her 1989 hit “Friends,” featuring hip hop/rap legends Eric B & Rakim, is the first pairing of pop/R&B/rap/dance to crossover into the Billboard Top 10 on multiple charts.
Watley’s vision — the trendsetting, forward thinking marriage of high fashion and street fashion with music in the 80s — long before it became the norm — along with her fusion of jazz and underground club culture — demonstrates her keen pop instincts and an ease with which she crossed, and still crosses, genres. Jody Watley forged the template that is now in everybody’s playbook.
Visit Jody Watley YouTube Channel to experience All Things Jody Watley, including concert features, interviews of the Grammy Award-winning artist and more.
Jody Watley is getting in the holiday spirit! The Grammy winning music global superstar is spreading some festive cheer with upcoming release of the joyful and jazzy rendition of classic holiday song “Christmas Time Is Here” from her favorite, Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” on November 17 and 18 2022 (depending on your digital platform).
“This is an ambient and chill rendition perfect for warm cocoa, a laid-back atmosphere and a fireplace real or virtual” says Watley of the release due on her longtime independent imprint Avitone Recordings. Download, stream, playlist, share!
Are you ready? Jody Watley is getting in the holiday spirit :: Read full feature on
Jody Watley puts a joyful spin on classic Christmas tune! The Grammy winning music global superstar is spreading some festive cheer with upcoming release of the jazzy rendition of quintessential holiday song “Christmas Time Is Here” from her favorite, Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on November 17, 2022. Read more on Soultracks