I had such a blast being on the bill with Frankie Beverly & Maze back in December 2021 for the Winter White Party at Texas CU Theater – we are doing it again this time in Los Angeles at The Microsoft Theater on August 7, 2022. Tickets go on sale Friday: This will be my only Los Angeles appearance this year so don’t miss it – Jody Watley Solo Debut 35 Anniversary Concert!
I took this selfie before going onstage for Jammin’ De Mayo Saturday. I’d hurt my knee somehow, had a severe limp getting around and felt bummed that I would not be able to be as mobile as usual in my performance.
No matter what I was going to go on that stage and give my all and the smile was and is the light switch. I took this and said “Let’s Get It Girl!” As long as I can sing – the show will still go on, even if I have to be seated and give you all upper body poses, shoulders and face – the smile – the joy – the wattage is in effect.
Smiling at the crowd and catching their smiles back at me is always magic. They never know what an artist might be going through offstage or on it. I believe in energy and the reciprocation of it returns.
Ii thought of this quote this morning and thought I’d share it as a reminder in case you may be having a rough day or someone else might be —
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” — by Leo F. Buscaglia
Wattage!
Special Thanks To Retro Ads on Twitter for posting this vintage ad from May 1987 for the video premiere of “Still A Thrill” second single from the eponymous hit packed solo debut album Jody Watley. The now classic video, filmed on location in Paris,France would go on to be in heavy rotation on MTV, Vh-1 and other video channels of the time. 35th anniversary — Still a Thrill and still standing the test of time.
Wattage!
Wishing the best of the new month, day and week to all. Count your blessings each day no matter what and live in gratitude for the gift.
I’ll be in Denver on Saturday May 7 for Jammin’ De Mayo at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater doing a short set for the festival. See you there, in the meantime and all the time stream / download some Jody Watley Music past and present releases – available at all digital platforms.
Wattage!
Released #OTD April 27, 1987
“Still A Thrill”
Written by: Jody Watley & Andre Cymone
Produced by Andre Cymone, David Z.
Billboard Charts #3 Hot R&B, #8 Dance, #56 Hot 100
The first artist or entity allowed to film a music video in the Paris Opera House, thank you to director Brian Grant.
“I wanted to showcase my power register in the vocal range, initially a concept to present to Grace Jones as a possible duet that didn’t come to fruition. Andre slayed this groove and then I came up with the title, theme melody and lyrics, it was magic and an instant if not underrated funk jam. It was a hit but faltered somewhat on the pop side because it was so different from ‘Looking For A N ew Love’. It was important to me at this time to showcase as well that black girls could be different, edgy, and international.I loved those Duran Duran videos shot on location.
The theme of the video was ‘Paris By Night, it always makes me smile when people tell me they have made it a point to travel to Paris and go to the Opera House and take photo’s on the grand entrance staircase. There is no choreography or choreographer to show me what to do, no stylist to tell me what was cool to wear. All the dancing is freestyle and created in the moment with Tyrone Proctor who I’d known from my Soul Train days as a teenager. Another fact that distinguishes me from other artists at that time – no team of dancers, high style and singular focus. I didn’t want to be like anyone else and was clear of my vision of who I am.”
Watch Jody Watley ‘Still A Thrill” Full Video on Youtube: Here
Hear thoughts on collaborator & producer Andre Cymone:
Wishing everyone the best of the day and new week.
May your heart be happy, may your days be bright, may your roads be smooth, may the bumps in the road teach your life affirming lessons. May your burdens be light, may you find and exceed dreams, may you touch the stars and feel the joy of unexpected blessings. May you never forget how special you are. May you always live in gratitude for the gift of life no matter what is going on around you.
Wattage!
The Nick Cannon Show rebroadcast the Jody Watley appearance from February 2021 on April 20. In case you missed the original broadcast and repeat – you can check it out on Youtube – Here
The show was upbeat, exuberant and Nick should get props for having such a positive and fun show though it has now come to an end. It’s always great when veteran artists like myself with hits, history and influence – have the booking opportunity often unavailable on many shows in favor of younger artists.
Best wishes to Nick Cannon and staff in future endeavors.
“If you’re just making a fashion statement without making a difference, that’s a travesty. As artists, we all have to assume responsibility for the messages we send out…”
8 dollar Hanes t-shirt — more importantly the attitude and sentiment are priceless and contribute to longevity.
Wattage!
A few April Jody Watley music milestone anniversaries.
#OTD April 15, 1989
The Platinum second Solo Album – Happy 33rd Anniversary
“Larger Than Life”
Debuted on the Billboard 200 chart.
Multi-Chart Top 10 Hits
“Real Love” written by Jody Watley & Andre Cymone
The groundbreaking “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim – written by Jody Watley, Andre Cymone, Rakim, Eric Barrier
Ballad “Everything.” written by Gardner Cole, James Newton-Howard
Produced by Andre Cymone
The album cover is featured in Taschen 1000 Greatest Album Covers.
Art Direction –
Lynn Robb
Concept
Jody Watley
Inspiration – High fashion, good music and never playing yourself small – Make it ‘Larger Than Life’
Released #OTD April 15, 1989:
“Friends”
ft. the Legendary Eric B. & Rakim
Written by: Jody Watley, Andre Cymone, Rakim, Eric B.
Billboard Charts
#3 Hot R&B,
#7 Dance,
#9 Hot 100
The first original Pop/R&B/HipHop/Rap/Dance single to crossover Top 10 on Multiple Charts.
#OTD April 16, 1988
“Some Kind Of Lover”
Happy Anniversary
by GRAMMY® winner Jody Watley
Peaked at #10 on the @billboard Hot 100 chart
Written by: Jody Watley, Andre Cymone
Produced by Andre Cymone
Additional Chart Notes
#1 Dance,
#3 Hot R&B
Full Jody Watley Discography – https://jodywatley.net/discography/
I don’t know who needs to hear this – but keep going.
Wattage!