I posted this yesterday on my social media in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This performance was while pregnant with my son on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1992 while promoting my “Affairs Of The Heart” album -also performed that night was my single “I’m The One You Need.’ The Arsenio Hall Show was always a great place to showcase music for black artists simply on a merit basis – long before the “what are the social media numbers, how many followers?” The gatekeepers of today would never allow a show like this.
Around this time I’d performed this single on Good Morning America on MLK Day. My performance earned me an invitation to The White House as the President and First Lady were so moved. It’s an honor I’ll never forget. I also used the opportunity to speak about equality, and support for public education – investing in our youth; definitely inspired by Dr. King. Many know I also recorded this song in honor my my father Rev. John Watley Jr.
“..the more of life I live to see, I feel more like a child – the lessons that I have to learn, I know will take a while – and if it takes eternity I hope your plans for me, surround me with a gift of joy and make my days complete..embrace me with your love and help me rise above – show me the way to keep the faith so I won’t forget to say that it all begins with you..”
We all have the ability to bring positive changes in our lives and in the world each day not to mention the ability to keep the faith and get through barriers and obstacles. You don’t have to be religious (I’m not) to believe in a higher power than all of us and the inner will we have when we keep the faith.
Finding a variety of ways to release my music remains important. When releasing “Paradise” EP in 2013 I discussed in many interviews that with short attention spans, albums not being the same experience with fans being able to pick and choose which songs to add to their own playlists EP’s would probably be the way to go.
In that spirit, I’ve decided to do a series of seasonal themed EP’s for my Avitone imprint starting with “Winter Nights” coming in February.
The EP will feature a new Jody Watley & SRL single, the ambient “Weigh On Me Pt 1” Alex Di Cio’ Remix along with two additional songs from my catalog, overlooked gems that we think deserve a fresh look getting the Di Cio’ Remix treatment perfect for cozy winter nights to warm you up. The vibe is intended to be a listen from start to finish in this concept running just 15:37.
“Winter Nights” will be beautifully book-ended with the title song instrumental. Short, sweet, soulful and sexy ambience.
Limited edition digi-paks for “Winter Nights” as well are in the works along with seasonal themed titles for Spring, Summer and Fall to follow, a new way to add new songs and remixes. Collect them all.
The tempos will increase and by the time we hit summer – it will be dance party time with some of my deep cut remixes, and more new Jody Watley solo material.
More details to come. Winter Nights, Spring, Summer and Fall.
January 24, 2020 :: Gulfport, MS Island View Casino: Tickets
January 31, 2020:: Westbury, NY, Theatre at Westbury :Tickets
February 1, 2020:: Atlantic City, NJ, Tropicana Showroom : Tickets
February 21, 2020:: Stockton, CA, Bob Hope Theatre : Tickets
March 27, 2020:: Lake Charles, MS – Golden Nugget : Tickets
Of course my music transcends many genres and eras 70’s (starting with Shalamar disco as a teen), 80’s, 90’s, 00’s 10’s and now into the 20’s – needless to say I also understand the significance of the commercial pop radio era and so many stations that continue to keep the music in heavy rotation.
Let’s party celebrate these great classic hits along with the fun pop culture and pop music of the 80’s.
Full page ad Billboard Magazine, 1987 for my subsequent crossover smash debut hit – first Number 1 – AMA’s, Soul Train Awards, NAACP and Grammy nominated solo debut single “Looking For A New Love.”
The single was was of the biggest of the 1987 and the 80’s in general – a pop culture phenomenon, trendsetting style – as well with the catchphrase “Hasta La Vista Ba-by” later further popularized by Arnold Schwarznegger.
Written by Jody Watley and Andre Cymone. Produced by Andre Cymone and David Z. Photography: Victoria Pearson, Art Direction: Jody Watley & Lynn Robb. Styling: Jody Watley.
The single set the stage for one hell of a solo debut album ‘Jody Watley’ to follow. Despite my naysayers saying I’d regret leaving Shalamar, I’d fail, future in doubt as some of the black magazines wrote I succeeded then and continue to do so over 3 decades later and still on my own terms – most of all I’m happy, healthy, working and enjoying myself with my spirit and soul intact. It was never about being solo – it was to live life with joy, the greatest success. Having this all roll out this way was a gift from God and the universe – a bonus for looking after my own well being on my life’s journey. There’s so much more to say about this time, it will be in my memoir. Until then..
Thankful and full of gratitude a song of this magnitude is a part of my discography. As a note: “Looking For A New Love” also made a bit of history with the 2005 Remixes going to Number 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Play Charts, one of the first hits to become a hit again in an entirely different decade. Thanks so all the 80’s and Classics stations that keep it in rotation and shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, Pose and beyond for the exposure to a younger generation.
What I’ve said for decades now is I hope my career and being represents to others is believe in yourself and to never be afraid to remove yourself from any situation that on the outside might look good to others – but to you it’s everything but that. You will always have doubters – just never let it be you and always be the best version of yourself – keep growing and going no matter the obstacles, often the universe will align in one way or another.
Happy 33 Anniversary — ‘Looking For A New Love”!! Timeless jam and still a damn good break up and empowerment anthem.
Many best of shares on my social media and a bit of reflection – check them out on Facebook and Instagram. In gratitude for each day, I’ve never been one to focus on time – however there is a significance of not only a new year, but a new decade. 2020 baby! Let’s get it.
Just l i v e. If you never try, or set goals – you have nothing to aspire for.
In my mind there were a list of things I was going to cover but once writing they didn’t feel that important to me and didn’t want to make this super long.
What I know is each day is a new opportunity to begin anew, learn from life and lessons, continue with each breath of life to cherish each day and those we love, support them and allow their growth – and please pay attention to actions – not words from people but those words do often matter too – pay attention to the energy you allow.
Appreciate each day, opportunity and lesson, be open to possibilities. Dwell in possibility.
The past is a touchstone to let it teach, energize, inspire, and/or also remember in fondness those who have touched our lives and may no longer be present physically.
Pay attention to people, bringing this up again – especially those you allow into your life as their motives may not always be genuine or healthy. Like my Mom likes to say ‘..more will be revealed…” and that is true once you focus in with that 2020 – it’s all there for better or worse. Not everyone in your circle is rowing, some may be poking holes. Reflect, just don’t get stuck there and always use your knowledge. Recognize health is wealth – I’m not talking muscles and all of that but your overall well being, mentally and physically so you don’t end up with ailments you could have avoided in many cases – self care. As I wrote in ‘Sanctuary’ as a reminder that our home environments no matter how big or small are so important – fill your walls with happy times, peace of mind..a safe place…
People will think and believe what they want – let them, speak your piece if you choose and move on. If they don’t like you in the first place their mind is made up even if it’s fake info and don’t really care for the truth at all. This was ever apparent after my Open Letter “Jody Watley Speaks Out” to Shalamar fans in 2016 – wanting it to put to rest the lies, misperceptions, aspersions that have been cast upon my name regarding the reunion topic and beyond. Not only did I speak truth, I provided receipts to back up everything presented, still people persist with the false narratives. The invitation was extended for an American Farewell show or tour two or three times during the decade – it was not only declined but torched with more lies and disrespect, a point that shouldn’t be surprising as it has gone on for decades and so it’s something I hope people let go of – the effort was made from my end. Lessons learned as always — 2020 vision baby! Clarity.
It gets tough when your reputation and or character is being attacked – pick up Don Miguel Ruiz’s ‘The Four Agreements’ so do what you need to do..and then at a point just leave it be. “The Four Agreements” continues to help me as a practical guide for living. Forgiveness is a beauty and wellness elixir and like saying no to unhealthy fast food, be careful of what you consume on social media.
Some people are still holding on to 40 years ago – I’m not one of them. This decade reaffirmed my realization a lot of people don’t like the truth and are gullible to lies it’s all around just look at the state of American politics ..not to mention blind to the fact a cell or smart phone is not a mere toy or device but is a useful tool for just about anything you’d like to learn,listen to, etc. Be smart and remember everyone is not your friend.
Live life – forget your age…and remember you teach people how to treat you.
My song ‘Another Chapter‘ written at the conclusion of the 90’s going into 00’s still holds true.
Let’s all move forward with clarity and gratitude…. don’t beat yourself up too much no matter what – we are all works in progress as we continue on this journey of life. There will be highs and lows – missteps and triumphs. We all experience days where the mood will be despair and more days full of hope and enthusiasm.
It’s ok to change direction, just don’t get stuck, fearful of mistakes .. try to live with and surround yourself with joy. Another book I recommend that I read a long time ago and re-read not long ago is ‘Conversations With God’ – Neale Donald Walsch. The answers are always here for us and people show you who they are all the time ..pay attention.
Every day is a gift, your life is your own when all is said and done – never let anyone make you forget that.
