Grammy winning artist, Jody Watley was honored by Philadelphia’s WDAS presented by Xfinity with their Legend Award at their 8th Annual Women of Excellence Luncheon on April 13, 2024 showing real love. Hailed for outstanding achievement and cultural impact for her impressive 5 decades and counting from her first stage appearance with her godfather Jackie Wilson, becoming Queen of her Junior High, followed by 3 years as a popular dancer as a teenager on the iconic show Soul Train, to her brief 5 and a half year stint with Disco/R&B trio Shalamar (1978-1983) and on to yet more higher heights in her trendsetting multi-platinum award winning solo career as writer, producer, label owner and recently added radio host with her own show on Sirius XM.
Watley was also noted for her advocacy for the LGBTQ community, as well as women’s and artist rights. In her poignant acceptance speech, she dedicated the recognition and honor to her parents who instilled unwavering self-belief noting she was born to shine to attendees at the sold out event held in downtown Philadelphia.
A recent 2022 inductee into the Women’s Songwriter Hall of Fame, Watley’s newest single is the aptly titled ‘EVERLASTING’ played as her walk out song on the way to the stage. Special thanks went out to WDAS’ Director of Programming, Derrick ‘DC’ Corbett who made it a priority that the Chicago native receive her flowers. Longtime on air personality Patty Jackson gave the introduction after a brief video montage. The City of Philadelphia City Council also gave a special Citation.
Jody Watley thanked her parents, her children, collaborators past and present in her solo career amongst others, acknowledging that the journey “truly takes a village even when navigating your own ship.”
Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer recognized as a style icon and one of the architects of 21st century Pop/R&B/Dance music and listed in Billboard as one of the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time, Top 100 Black Solo Artists Of All Time, Crossover Music Icon from Black Music Honors 2017 with an ongoing diverse music discography spanning R&B / Pop / Dance /Hip Hop / Electronic / Jazz / Adult Contemporary 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s.
The versatile songstress and Chicago native has appeared on Broadway as the iconic character Rizzo in the musical GREASE, the first black actress to do so, and was recognized by People Magazine in their 50 Most Beautiful People Issue, of many ongoing milestones in her solo career.
Jody Watley can now add radio host to her vast resume, with the launch of “The Jody Watley Show” on Sirius XM’s The Groove Channel debuting in March 2023 during Women’s History Month.
The monthly show is centered around good music, good vibes and conversation with public figures in music, TV, Film, Sports, Fashion, and Business and was renewed for a second year in 2024.
As a solo artist, the Pop and R&B singer-songwriter -producer has 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles, 7 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and multi-platinum albums in the USA alone.
Watley’s eventual fusion of jazz, and deep house music made her a long time staple in underground club culture. The ease with which she crosses genres opened the doors for greater acceptance of black women thinking outside the box in music and fashion is notable. Watley will be honored with “Legend” Award in April of 2024 by WDAS in Philadelphia at their 8th Annual Women of Excellence Brunch.
Jody Watley’s newest release is the aptly titled “EVERLASTING” written and produced by Watley with longtime collaborator soul & jazz musician producer Rodney Lee with additional production by Italy’s renowned DJ/Remix Producer Alex Di Ciò. The single reached #2 on the UK Soul Chart, and continues to garner international acclaim with a full remix collection slated for release April 19 on all digital platforms.