Monthly Archives: February 2025

Jody Watley Celebrates 38 Years Of Multi Platinum Solo Debut

Posted on by

JODY WATLEY self-titled solo debut album was released on February 23, 1987.

“It was her debut album, released by MCA Records although she had minor success in former group Shalamar, the impact of this album made Watley a cultural style icon in contemporary R&B, pop and dance music. 

Its success culminated in Watley winning a GRAMMY Award for Best New Artist in 1988. 

Jody Watley – Best New Artist 1988

The album also produced 3 iconic Top Ten singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 : “Looking for a New Love” (#2), “Don’t You Want Me” (#6) and “Some Kind of Lover” (#10), what’s more there were additional chart hit R&B and Dance “Still A Thrill” #8 Hot Dance Club Play #3 Hot R&B Hip/Hop, #56 Hot 100 & “Most Of All“ #11 R&B, #8 Hot Dance Club Play, #60 Hot 100

3 #1 Dance Singles “Looking For A New Love”, “Don’t You Want Me”, “Some Kind Of Lover”, #1 R&B Single “Looking For A New Love.”

Additionally, the album also features a duet with superstar George Michael “Learn To Say No”, in fact, she is one of only a handful of women and artists Michael recorded with.

Lastly, the Jody Watley solo debut album has now sold three million copies in the United States. Over four million copies have been sold to date worldwide. Watley co-wrote 6 of the 9 songs. Production by Andre Cymone & David Z., Bernard Edwards (CHIC, Robert Palmer & Power Station) and Patrick Leonard. 

In addition, T-Boz from mega group TLC cites Jody Watley’s vocals on “Still A Thrill” as an influence on her finding her identity and singing in a lower register. The breakout single “Looking For A New Love” with it’s catchphrase “Hasta La Vista Ba-By” became a pop culture phenomenon after later being used by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1991’s “Terminator – Judgement Day.”

The album came in 3 hues, black & white, purple and blue.

Hear Jody Watley’s thoughts on the 38th anniversary. Share your favorites from this debut and memories of your life in 1987-88 from this release on the Youtube channel video: Here

Learn more about 80s, 90s, 2000’s – present: Jody Watley Music Discography

Jody Watley In Celebration of Motown Legend Smokey Robinson

Posted on by

Jody Watley has always mentioned the influence of Motown Records and so many great artists on the label from Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and beyond. Legend Smokey Robinson is one of those she has always admired. Smokey Robinson’s musical legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of American music, and his influence continues to inspire generations of artists.

“Smokey Robinson is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. On his 85th birthday, I want to send out the best wishes to him on this milestone. So many of his songs are a part of the soundtrack of my life, Growing up listening to those songs was such an inspiration for me to one day grow up to be an artist, songwriter and beyond myself.

I had the honor of meeting as well as being on a panel with Smokey Robinson back in 2010 at The Grammy Museum Celebrating The Hippest Trip In America: Soul Train 40th Anniversary- it was a surreal experience.

Jody Watley. Smokey Robinson. Grammy Museum 2010.
Smokey Robinson, Jody Watley, Don Cornelius

Happy Birthday Smokey!

Jody Watley Songs Deep in The Category Of Love

Posted on by

Valentine’s Day is one holiday set aside in the calendar but for Jody Watley it’s year round. Encouraging followers on social media to encourage practicing ove every day including practicing self-love and more love into the world in these unpredictable times.

Sharing a classic photo from her groundbreaking hit “Friends” featuring Eric B & Rakim, Jody Watley shared her choice of her first tattoo – “I chose cupid, a cherub because love is what I’m all about and I knew getting this angel of love is something I’d never regret. A year later I added the word LOVE beneath it.

Engaging the fans, Watley asked to hear thoughts about favorite Jody Watley LOVE songs. If you missed out, you can share in the comments on the video posted on the Official Youtube Channel- Here

Celebrating 5 Years of Jody Watley “Winter Nights” EP

Posted on by

“The legendary Jody Watley has blessed our ears with another dynamic dose of sophisticated soul in the form of her new Winter Nights EP.  Comprised of three core tracks—each given the remix sheen by her frequent collaborator Alex Di Ciò—and bookended by piano-driven “Winter Nights” instrumentals, Watley accurately describes the song set as “perfect for cozy winter nights to warm you up.” – Albumism

Jody Watley “Winter Nights” EP Turns 5 Years Old. Released on February 7, 2020 just before the pandemic and subsequent lockdown. It seems the world hasn’t been the same since. It’s always a comfort to have music to bring warmth to life, that’s what “Winter Nights” represents in many ways.

The EP was an instant favorite on UK Soul Radio vaulting to the #2 spot on the chart and Number 1 on various stations around the territory.

Devoted fans flocked to purchase the Exclusive Limited Edition CD Digipaks sold out via the online boutique. Nothing like a physical copy for your collection.

Watch the video trailer : Here

Stream or download the “Winter Nights” EP at the streaming platform of your choice. Your support is appreciated.

About the Artist:

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/record producer/entrepreneur. Some of her iconic Top 10 singles include “Looking For A New Love” “Don’t You Want Me” the groundbreaking “Friends” ft. Eric B & Rakim, and “Real Love”. 

With a diverse music discography spanning R&B / Pop / Dance /Hip Hop / Electronic / Jazz / Adult Contemporary 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s Jody Watley is recognized as a style icon and one of the architects of 21st century Pop/R&B/Dance music merged with street style mixed with high fashion.

Jody Watley was 2017 recipient of the Black Music Honors ‘Crossover Music Icon’ Award for her early cultural influence and impact as a solo artist; other accolades include 2007 Billboard Dance Lifetime Achievement Award, along with nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Awards and Soul Train Awards.

In 2018 Billboard Magazine included Jody Watley in the Top 60 Hot 100 Female Artists Of All Time and Top 25 Top Female Dance Artists Of All Time. A 2022 Inductee into the Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame, Watley has also been recognized by performing rights organization BMI (Broadcast Music). “I’m really most proud to have songwriter and producer be a part of my resume and legacy as an artist.”

To learn more: Jody Watley Bio