Category Archives: Entertainment

Exciting News Jody Watley Youtube Channel Turns 18

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Jody Watley has always had a strong vision with regard to her music, artistry and constant evolution, including in the digital age. From the early social media days of social media and subsequently Youtube. foresight to begin her branded Youtube Channel 18 years ago. The platform was still in it’s infancy. As another way to keep fans engaged and a part of the Jody Watley community offering a variety of playlists and of course the ongoing release of her music, videos, concerts and behind the scenes footage.

“18 years goes by so fast. I’m always surprised when people who say they are fans of an artist, can be so out of touch. With social media, artist website newsletters, artist pages on music streaming platforms, artist Youtube Channels all at your fingertips by way of mobile devices – there is no reason to be in the out of touch if you truly want to support and stay up to date with your favorites that may not be mainstays of gossip centric platforms. I started the channel as well to always tell my own story. As the platforms have gained popularity over the years, the increase of false narratives, fake stories, and so on have unfortunately increased. My channel allows me to always tell my own story countering the content for engagement, rage bait, click bait and so on. Pages and channels steal photos, to serve their own purposes for nefarious reasons. I can only control what I can control so to speak, especially as a public figure. Most of it you ignore and hope others do but people are gullible and love negativity, also very unfortunate. Over the years, I’ve removed content because of unauthorized misuse.

Additionally and on a positive note, all Jody Watley Music from the classics to the new are on Youtube Music and the Jody Watley Channel-but you get so much more with the content being uploaded, the exclusives, the variety of curated playlists and more.” – Jody Watley

Watch the NEW Anniversary Video: Jody Watley YouTube Channel Make sure to Subscribe if you haven’t already.

March is Women’s History Month. Empowering women in music requires intentional effort and action to include, support, and promote them.

Jody Watley sends a special thank you to all active supporters!

Jody Watley: A Crossover Icon in Music History

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Jody Watley Grammy winning music style icon, singer/songwriter/music producer was celebrated in 2017 as “Crossover Music Icon” on the television broadcast presentation Black Music Honors. As March kicks off Women’s History Month let’s take a look back at an everlasting honor. The delightful tribute performances by R&B stars Vivian Green and Sevyn Streeter are now viewable on YouTube if you missed the original airing. Watch it Here: OmazingTV

Crossover Music Icon Honoree – Jody Watley Black Music Honors 2017
Crossover Music Icon Honoree Jody Watley with performers in tribute Sevyn Streeter and Vivian Green

Black Music Honors 2017: As quiet as it’s sometimes kept, Grammy award winning artist, songwriter, producer Jody Watley, one of Pop /R&B and Dance music’s most enduring pioneers has been at the forefront of some of the most groundbreaking trends and movements in modern pop culture – political statements, music and music video innovation, and the place where all those tracks meet. Check just a fragment of her résumé:

  • The video for her classic 1987 song “Still a Thrill” (from her Grammy-winning eponymous debut album of that same year) dazzlingly incorporates waacking, the underground freestyle dance (think of it as an even more beat-driven cousin to voguing), and is the first time a major pop star used their artistic platform to showcase this particular means of body expression. But Ms. Watley had actually brought the dance to widespread American attention a few years earlier as a teenage dancer on the iconic TV show Soul Train. Now, waacking has fans and practitioners around the globe, many of whom use the music of Ms. Watley in their routines as a show of respect for an OG who has  kept the flame burning.
  • Jody Watley was the first black woman and artist to release a million selling fitness video in 1989. An early adapter to what was to come with artists taking control of their potential extensions in business as “brands” with her vision forward “Dance To Fitness” set to her own Pop/R&B hits from her first 2 albums.
  • Jody Watley was one of few black female artists selected to crossover into groundbreaking celebrity ad campaigns for GAP and l.e. Eyeworks 1988 and 1989. Later she would be featured in an unprecedented 15 pages in the prestigious Fall Catalog for luxury retailer Saks 5th Avenue in 1996.
  • Her groundbreaking 1989 cut “Friends” carved the template for both R&B/hip-hop and pop/hip-hop fusions to come, as it was the first time a rapper (the legendary Rakim, of Eric B. & Rakim) wrote original verses for an R&B/pop song.
  • The video for “Friends” was a landmark of subversive/progressive representation that has still not yet been matched – or given its due as a taboo-shattering cultural artifact. Set in an underground New York dance club, and featuring performances by Ms. Watley and Eric B. & Rakim, the club’s denizens are made of up straight, gay, and transgender folk, of all races, body shapes and sartorial aesthetics. B-boys jostle alongside drag queens, Rakim rocks the mic, and Jody serves face and fierceness. It’s a warm utopian vibe. The gathering is organic, and lacks the opportunistic marketing tactic of gay-friendly advocacy that is now on trend for pop divas.
  • The catchphrase “Hasta La Vista Baby” for her mega debut single “Looking for a New Love” became a pop culture phenomenon along with her signature jumbo hoop earrings and eclectic swag separating her from other artists; a freestyle girl mixing high, low funky couture with high end and vintage.
    • Long before making his mark as a film director, David Fincher (Se7en; Fight Club) cut his stylistic teeth on Ms. Watley’s sleek, hugely influential music video for the 1989 smash “Real Love,” perfecting a signature visual look that he would later impart to other pop divas.
    • Unhappy with the constraints of being on a major label, she parted ways with her industry home and started her own label Avitone Recordings in 1995. Through it she has released four critically acclaimed CDs (Affection, 1995; The Saturday Night Experience, 1999; Midnight Lounge, 2001; The Makeover, 2006, Paradise, 2014) which have collectively spanned the genres electronica, ambient, R&B, and House. They’ve also reinforced her roots in and solidified her ties to the global dance underground, as everyone from 4Hero and King Britt to Masters at Work and Junior Vasquez jumped at the chance to work on these projects. She has also collaborated recently with Modern Funk Impresario Dam-Funk, and folk artist Peter Harper continuing to reflect an artist not confined to a stereotypical music boxes.
    • A fashion-forward visionary from her Soul Train days, Ms. Watley never used a professional stylist but, as a solo artist with a singular vision and keen instincts, carved her own look by weaving vintage clothing and contemporary street fashions from her own closet with high-end pieces from fashion designers who hadn’t yet caught the public or industry eye (Jean-Paul Gautier; Rifat Ozbek.) Photographers from the legendary Francesco Scavullo to firebrand Steven Meisel lined up to work with her. For her iconoclastic and influential eye, she was honored with a feature in VOGUE Italia’s groundbreaking “Black Issue” in 2008.

• • Jody Watley in 2016 was ranked by Billboard Magazine as one of the Greatest Dance Artists of All Time on a list that includes Madonna, Beyonce, Rihanna and Katy Perry. – Ernest Hardy

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/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. 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.”

Learn more about Jody Watley: Biography and Discography

Jody Watley Celebrates 38 Years Of Multi Platinum Solo Debut

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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

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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 New Year’s Well Wishes 2025

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A special 2025 New Year’s Greeting from Jody Watley.

All Photo Rights Reserved 2025, Jody Watley, Avitone Recordings.

Wishing you all the best of 2025 in whatever you choose to do, to triumph over obstacles, disappointments on the journey of life, to great health, joy, happiness, peace of mind, love and unexpected blessings and beyond. Thanks so much to all subscribers, and those who continue to support the music and endeavors of Jody Watley. If you missed the Best Of shared on social media, be sure to check some highlights on the Youtube Channel. Watch – Here

Remember to always let your light shine even through the darkness.  Much Love!

Jody Watley IN Magazine: A Fashion and Music Icon Unveiled

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Jody Watley opens up on disrupting and diversifying the dance floor and the fashion world for more than four decades…in the cover story for Canada’s IN Magazine’s November / December 2024 Issue “An Everlasting Icon”

Few singer-songwriters have been able to bridge the worlds of fashion and pop music in the way 65-year-old Jody Watley has. In the four decades she’s been recording, writing, singing, producing and performing, Watley’s Watley’s body of work has shaken zeitgeists, broken new ground and allowed us to understand the importance of understatement. Her upper hand is letting fierceness and coolness live together in harmony and verse. Any time Watley premieres a new song – such as her recently released “Everlasting” – she’s able to redefine our notions of what a diva means with her refined yet nonchalant vibe..

A Must Read! Check out the the full feature on Canada’s IN Magazine : Here

Jody Watley – The Legacy of “Renderings” EP

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Released #OTD October 22, 2021 “Renderings” The Alex Di Ciò Remixes EP by GRAMMY winning artist, singer, songwriter, producer Jody Watley.

Ranked as one of music’s most successful dance artists of all time, “Renderings” added to Watley’s vast array of solo hits with contemporary Top 5 Billboard Dance chart hits “A Beautiful Life” and “Whenever” and an additional new composition by Watley and longtime collaborator Rodney Lee; “Not A Single Day Goes By.” 

“Renderings” would go on to reach the Top 5 on the UK Soul Chart.

Limited Edition CD Digipaks Sold Out, sold exclusively from the online Jody Watley online boutique.

“I appreciate those who continue to support my music- THANK YOU!” – Jody Watley 

Streaming at All Digital Music Platforms! Watch the exclusive video short on Youtube: Official Channel

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer recognized as a style icon. Winner of Best New Artist in 1988, only the third black artist in recording academy history at the time. Jody Watley is listed in Billboard as one of the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time and Top 100 Black Solo Artists Of All Time.

The recipient of Crossover Music Icon from Black Music Honors 2017, furthermore Jody Watley has an ongoing mult-genre music discography spanning R&B / Pop / Dance /Hip Hop / Electronic Soul / Jazz / Adult Contemporary/Chill -80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s. 

The versatile songstress and Chicago native was recognized by People Magazine in their 50 Most Beautiful People Issue, and appeared in breakthrough ad campaigns for GAP, Saks 5th Avenue and LA Eyeworks of many ongoing milestones in her solo career. 

As a solo artist, for over four decades; the Pop and R&B singer-songwriter -producer has 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles (Looking For A New Love, Don’t You Want Me, Friends ft. Eric B & Rakim and more), her video for the now classic hit “Real Love” remains one of the most nominated MTV VMA’s of all time, 13 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and multi-platinum albums in the USA alone as a solo artist. 

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.

In March 2023 Sirius XM launched the monthly Jody Watley Show on The Groove Channel during Women’s History Month. The show featured enlightening conversations with such guests as TLC, En Vogue, Vanessa L. Williams, Earvin “Magic”Johnson, Deborah Cox, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tabitha Brown, Robert ‘Kool Bell’ and more with a back drop of classic R&B.

Jody Watley’s newest release in 2024  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, The Remixes reached #2 iTunes Top Dance Albums and continues to garner international acclaim. 

Jody Watley began her music career with a brief tenure as the original female member of the disco R&B trio Shalamar for their most pinnacle recordings 1978-1983 before going on to her own superstar career. 

Learn More about Jody Watley :

Bio::

Jody Watley Biography

Discography::

Jody Watley Music Discography

Grammy Winner Jody Watley’s Unforgettable Performance

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September 30, 2024

Grammy winning music icon Jody Watley brought mega wattage to Rock & Brews Concert Hall in iLani Resort to a standing room only crowd. Because of capacity, the open spaced venue had fans spilling out into thee casino floor. Indeed the excitement was at a high in anticipation of this rare concert appearance to the area.

JODY WATLEY – Photo courtesy of iLani Resort

Furthermore, Watley delivered a hit packed show with a range of Pop/R&B/Funk/Dance/Jazz and Soul, Hip Hop and Electronica from her eclectic discography to the stage.

Jody Watley delivered her greatest hits from multiple charts sprinkled with new music. Her current hit “EVERLASTING” had the crowd engaged in an empowering singalong of resilience, In addition she included a few of her dance club classics with an engaging presence connecting with the packed house throughout the concert. A great night! – iLani 

“I always want to give the fans what they want – which is the hits. That said, it’s always a priority to take them on an unexpected music journey with a woven tapestry of other gems in my catalog in addition to always making everyone leave feeling seen and inspired.” – Jody Watley

JODY WATLEY – Photo courtesy of iLani Resort
JODY WATLEY – Photo Courtesy of Pamela Broussard PR

Watch an Exclusive Behind The Scenes Video – The Official JODY WATLEY Youtube Channel – Here

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer/entrepreneur, and renowned as one of the defining female artists of the 80’s and beyond.

With a diverse music discography spanning R&B / Pop / Dance /Hip Hop / Electronic / Jazz / Adult Contemporary 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20sJody Watley is recognized as a style icon and one of the architects of 21st century Pop/R&B/Dance music, an inductee into the Women’s Songwriters Hall Of Fame, 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.

Follow JODY WATLEY on her verified social media pages.

Subscribe to the Official JODY WATLEY Youtube Channel : Here

Download, Stream, Playlist, Like, Share, JODY WATLEY Music at your favorite music platforms!

Jody Watley: Iconic Singer at iLani Resort & Casino

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Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer/label owner. She brings her hit packed repertoire to the new luxury iLani Resort & Casino, Rock & Brews Concert Bar. This promises to be another special Saturday night engagement September 28, 2024.

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, an inductee into the Women’s Songwriters Hall Of Fame, 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.

More Info: iLani Resort and Casino

Jody Watley Makes Appearance on The Tamron Hall Show

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Grammy winning singer, songwriter and producer Jody Watley was red hot with performance of recent hit single ‘EVERLASTING ‘ on The Tamron Hall Show. “Written and produced by Watley and Rodney Lee and with additional production and mixing by Italian DJ/remixer Alex Di Ciò, “Everlasting” is a blend of her trademark vocals over a groovy track highlighted by percussion and horns. More than simply an uplifting pep talk for life, it’s the beauty and grace of Queen Jody personified.” – Soulbounce “EVERLASTING” marked another chart milestone for Watley vaulting to #2 on the UK Soul Chart, #3 on Amazon with the remixes reaching #2 on iTunes Top Dance Albums.

The appearance on The Tamron Hall Show also featured an interview highlighting her influence and career of over 4 decades. The ‘BEST OF’ rebroadcast of the show which originally aired in April will be on Thursday June 13. Check your local listings for times.

Tune In!!