If you’re in Nashville make sure to visit National Museum of African American Music – purchase a membership (so you can be there for my induction this fall too) – gift it – support this spectacular museum experience perfect for music lovers of all ages!
I got to see the massive Jody Watley digital billboards at both entrances at The National Museum of African American Music this weekend! Such an honor to be their first Ambassador. The museum is spectacular and an experience that will take numerous visits to take it all in.
For more info information visit: https://nmaam.org
“Iconic Singer Jody Watley Becomes National Museum of African American Music First-Ever Ambassador
Jody Watley, the Grammy award winner trendsetting icon in music, video, fashion and style has been appointed to be National Museum of African American Music’s first ever membership ambassador for the museum.” Read the full feature: https://atlantadailyworld.com/2021/03/03/singer-jody-watley-becomes-national-museum-of-african-american-musics-first-ambassador/
“..Potts showcased his Fall 2021 collection digitally which was inspired by Jody Watley’s 1987 music video for her song “Still A Thrill.” With it, Potts’ resulting meditation on light, shadow, darkness and the associated interpretations of these phenomena, led him to think about dance and movement. – Paper Magazine
Wattage!
My first label Phonogram was not on board with my vision so we quickly parted ways..you’d think because I was in London it wouldn’t have been an issue but it was. Black artists are always often pressured to conform to more ‘relatable’ imagery. On my subsequent American debut and since..I’ve always navigated incorporating high fashion with edgy street style to varying results..but always what I wish to convey – hits and misses.. it’s all uniquely me.
“Mixing high end fashion with street style in this case wearing this Issey Miyake acrylic body breastplate which is a work of art really – with biker shorts and Doc Martens for a television performance for in 1988 is classic Jody.”
Wattage!
Amongst things Not cancelled- a quiet morning with coffee or tea
Music/Spotify Playlists (or digital platform of your choice, includes all my music new & current, classics and everything in between)
Going outdoors for a walk (6 ft social distancing as advised)
Reading
Singing (See Italy)
Communication with loved ones
Staying Creative
Laughing
Eating healthy foods
Kindness
Patience
Positive Attitude
Prayer
Hope
etc
Embrace what we have while making the best of all of this.
Wattage!
Jody Watley. InFashion Magazine 1988. Double page of cover feature and interview.
Photography & Makeup: Paul Gobel
Hair: Ernie Banales
Cover InFashion with actor Nicholas Cage who was just starting out for the most part as an actor. We’d never met and both of us were a bit shy so it was awkward at first but we ended up having a fun shoot. The “Hunk Meets Funk” is a bit cringe though!
Performed at private event by invitation only – The Bass Museum:: ‘Better Nights’ Mickalene Thomas’ immersive art experience. The exhibition is an installation, performance space and bar that functions as an experience, a moment, a time, and a place. Including a series of five geometric-patterned mirror works and two collages by the artist, the exhibition features a selection of painting, photography and video by other emerging and prominent artists curated by Thomas.
Description of Event and Artist.
Jody Watley – Exterior Bass Museum. Art Basel 2019. Mickalene Thomas Better Nights Exhibition.
Back in 2013 -Art Basel Switzerland: Better Nights was with Solange Knowles – so this definitely going to be a high quality and unique experience and super cool to be asked. I’m often told how much there are elements her her look and out of the box approach reminds some music fans of me.
It was really difficult to capture the exhibition and do it justice on a phone and so I recommend looking at the professional images.
As always, I’m giving just a glimpse into some of the behind the scenes.
Meeting Mickalene Thomas at soundcheck and have a chance to talk about her process in creating the installation – which took a year and a half start to finish.
With my rhythm section band chilling in green room, impromptu rehearsal of the special arrangement we were doing of ‘Still A Thrill.’
With with fellas: SRL (Nate Allen Smith, John Gregory) Kerry Griffin, Naz Chambi, Wallace Butts Keith Eaddy Roland Hamilton.
Jody Watley. Mickalene Thomas.
Showtime. Wattage!
Working the skirt and handheld fan was inspired by flamenco dancers as a child and later the delicate use in Japanese culture. My collection is ever-growing from gifts to those I purchase in my travels..as well as custom.
Jody Watley – Ebony Magazine. Trendsetter. Soul Train…I even had a handheld fan brooch for extra detail.
Jody Watley – Ebony Magazine. Trendsetter. Soul Train.
Channeling Josephine Baker. Essence Magazine.
A staple at my live shows. Often imitated over the years.
By always doing my own thing, keeping to myself, and just not being afraid to be different for the most part has always made me feel like a bit of an outcast – I’ve always been comfortable with that for the most part.
I’ve seen the popularity of the hand-held fan grow over the decades, and those who try to emulate or imitate me make use. It’s an art form if used properly.