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
The Jody Watley remix album YOU WANNA DANCE WITH ME? assembled remixes from the self-titled debut and the sophomore Larger Than Life was released October 26, 1989.
Photography by Steven Meisel. Art Direction Lynn Robb and Jody Watley
Remix albums were not a popular thing back in the 80s but were gaining traction as artists like Madonna (You Can Dance!), Bobby Brown (Dance!…Ya Know It!), Janet Jackson (Janet Remixed, 1995), and Paula Abdul released sets that catered to their dance loving fans.
Fans express there isn’t a single skip in the track listing and contains five of her six Billboard Top 10 HOT 100 Hits. The ballad “Everything”, another Top 10 multi chart hit, was not remixed for inclusion. The album was a continuous energetic mix.
YOU WANNA DANCE WITH ME? from the vast Jody Watley Discography peaked at number eighty six on the Billboard 200 album chart and forty eight on the Top R&B Albums chart. Watley took to social media to note she disagreed with MCA Records decision to release the remix album while still promoting her second album “Larger Than Life” still churning out hit singles such as “Real Love” “Friends” featuring Eric B & Rakim and “Everything.”
“I wish they’d released it between my second album and “Affairs of The Heart, but labels do what they do. For me it competed in sales with two albums out at the same time, time flies though and it’s another wonderful music anniversary and milestone – Happy 35th YOU WANNA DANCE WITH ME?!”
Multi-Platinum GRAMMY winning artist, songwriter, producer Jody Watley has an ongoing catalog spanning decades ranging from R&B, Pop, Dance, Rap/Hip Hop, Jazz, Adult Contemporary, House Music, Drum & Bass, Electronica, Ambient/Chill, Contemporary R&B/ Nu Disco/Club, Modern Funk – 80’s, 90’s, 00’s, 10’s, and 20’s.
Beyond her impressive discography, the Chicago native is recognized as a style icon (with features in American Vogue, Vogue Italia, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, Essence Magazine, People Magazine and more) as well as one of the architects of 21st century Pop/R&B/Dance music merged with style and artist branding. Ranking consistently in Billboard lists as one of the Top 60 Hot 100 Female Artists of All Time, Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time, Top 100 Black Solo Artists Of All Time.
Stream YOU WANNA DANCE WITH ME? at the digital music platforms of your choice including Spotify with other Jody Watley releases.
Subscribe to the Official Jody Watley Youtube Channel to check out a new video of Jody Watley speaking on the release.
Grammy Award Winning artist Jody Watley reached a new milestone. Pandora recognized the music legend for her blockbuster debut 1987 single “Looking For A New Love” reaching the Million Streams Club. The Grammy nominated single was written by Jody Watley and Andre Cymone, produced by Cymone and David Z and is one of the defining singles of the 80’s with Watley’s popular catch-phrase “Hasta La Vista Ba-By” later popularized again by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator Judgement Day.
“I’m very proud of this newest milestone for one of my biggest hits. Always thankful that MCA’s Jheryl Busby insisted I needed to write one more song, after turning in my debut album. “Looking For A New Love” was that song! Good music has no expiration date and the ongoing streams are a testament to this for longtime fans and new generations to come. In addition, to continue to write, record and release quality music spanning 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s is a blessing.” – Jody Watley
Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer/entrepreneur, founder of indie label Avitone. 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.
As a solo artist, the Pop and R&B singer-songwriter was awarded the prestigious Best New Artist GRAMMY Award in 1987, only the third black artist in the history of the recording academy and broadcast to receive that honor.
As a Solo artist, JODY WATLEY has 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles, 7 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and multi-platinum albums in the USA alone. Her vast discography also includes million selling greatest hits video compilation and fitness video (a first for a black woman in the genre).
Her music has charted in other countries including Japan, Germany, Netherlands. In the UK, 5 Top 5 UK Soul Chart Singles, along with two Top 5 Commercial Pop / Urban singles add to her ongoing tally of hits though she says “Hits are great, though my priority is always simply writing and releasing quality music that can resonate with people in a positive way. That’s what my newest single “EVERLASTING” is about.”
Jody Watley speaks on new single “EVERLASTING” in new video upload. Equally important, the Grammy winning artist, singer, songwriter and producer has an ongoing diverse discography spanning 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s and 20s.
Multi-Platinum GRAMMY winning artist, songwriter, producer Jody Watley has an ongoing music discography spanning decades ranging from R&B, Pop, Dance, Rap/Hip Hop, Jazz, Adult Contemporary, House Music, Drum & Bass, Electronica, Ambient/Chill, Contemporary R&B/ Nu Disco/Club, Modern Funk – 80’s, 90’s, 00’s, 10’s, and 20’s.
Here’s an appreciation remix by underground DJ/Producers The Fantasy Clinic of “Real Love” Jody Watley Classic – Listen Up and Strut!
Multi-Platinum GRAMMY winning artist, songwriter, producer Jody Watley is celebrating 41 years as a solo artist with new release “EVERLASTING”. The theme is one of perseverance, staying true to yourself and never giving up.
The NEW intoxicatingly funky DāM-FunK Remix is right on time following up the #2 iTunes “EVERLASTING – The Remixes” and UK smash UK Soul hit courtesy of the Alex Di Cio Remix originally released on Watley’s milestone birthday on January 30. The anthem was written by Jody Watley and Rodney Lee. “People tend to overlook my multiple decades of songwriting and production- they just focus on my looks or image.” laments Watley.
With an an ongoing discography spanning decades ranging from R&B, Pop, Dance, Rap/Hip Hop, Jazz, Adult Contemporary, House Music, Drum & Bass, Electronica, Ambient/Chill, Contemporary R&B/ Nu Disco/Club, Modern Funk – 80’s, 90’s, 00’s, 10’s, and 20’s.
DāM-FunK is a critically acclaimed artist, musician, multi-instrumentalist, producer, DJ modern funk trailblazer. On top of that he’s a style icon who blends the music with the culture.
His music resume is vast from collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Tyler, The Creator, alternative artist Ariel Pink, funk legend Steve Arrington, rock legend Todd Rundgren and more.
Watley says, “It’s not just the respect of the music-it’s the message of being true to yourself, never giving up and positivity we share. We first connected back in 2009, when I got into his debut “Toeachizown ” – made a couple appearances with him .. supporting each release including his alternative under the radar “Garrett” EP’s, blissful funky instrumentals, collaborations to contributing vocals on “Virtuous Progression” from his acclaimed “Invite The Light” …. his Seven Days of Funk album with Snoop the list goes on, including his scores for GTA.. I could go on. Bathing my uplifting lyrics and melodies with an intoxicating funky soundscape is a must to any connoisseur of quality funk and soul music – especially in these times.”
The NEW single release also features an instrumental of “EVERLASTING” – “I love instrumentals and this version really lends itself to it. Damon – kills it, and when do we ever hear keyboard or any instrumental solos anymore?”
Stream at Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube Music – Download at iTunes, Amazon Music.
Jody Watley shares new photo. The Grammy winning artist, singer/songwriter/producer shows off her timeless beauty and glow for summer 2024. In addition, there are new remixes for her current and timely release.
Current release : “EVERLASTING” with a variety of mixes for this uplifting anthem;
EVERLASTING-The Remixes with dance mixes by mixes by Quentin Harris, Slowz, The Illustrious Blacks & Amara Jaguar and Gianpiero XP
EVERLASTING – Alex Di Ciò Mix
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Multi-Platinum GRAMMY winning artist, songwriter, producer Jody Watley has an ongoing catalog spanning decades ranging from R&B, Pop, Dance, Rap/Hip Hop, Jazz, Adult Contemporary, House Music, Drum & Bass, Electronica, Ambient/Chill, Contemporary R&B/ Nu Disco/Club, Modern Funk – 80’s, 90’s, 00’s, 10’s, and 20’s. Visit the website Bio & Discography to learn more. You can also Follow Jody Watley on social media verified pages and Subscribe to the Official Jody Watley Youtube Channel!
(August 9, 2024) – Multi-Platinum GRAMMY winning artist, songwriter, producer Jody Watley has an ongoing catalog spanning decades ranging from R&B, Pop, Dance, Rap/Hip Hop, Jazz, Adult Contemporary, House Music, Drum & Bass, Electronica, Ambient/Chill, Contemporary R&B/ Nu Disco/Club, Modern Funk – 80’s, 90’s, 00’s, 10’s, and 20’s.
Watley is celebrating 41 years as a solo artist, embodying the “EVERLASTING” theme of perseverance, staying true to yourself and never giving up.
Jody Watley ‘EVERLASTING” intoxicatingly funky DāM-FunK Remix is right on time following up the #2 iTunes “EVERLASTING – The Remixes” release, a celebration of perseverance, being true to yourself and never giving up.
DāM-FunK is a critically acclaimed artist, musician, multi-instrumentalist, producer, DJ modern funk trailblazer. On top of that he’s a style icon who blends the music with the culture.
His music resume is vast from collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Tyler, The Creator, alternative artist Ariel Pink, funk legend Steve Arrington, rock legend Todd Rundgren and more.
Watley says, “It’s not just the respect of the music-it’s the message of being true to yourself, never giving up and positivity we share. We first connected back in 2009, when I got into his debut “Toeachizown ” – made a couple appearances with him .. supporting each release including his alternative under the radar “Garrett” EP’s, blissful funky instrumentals, collaborations to contributing vocals on “Virtuous Progression” from his acclaimed “Invite The Light” …. his Seven Days of Funk album with Snoop the list goes on, including his scores for GTA.. I could go on. Bathing my uplifting lyrics and melodies with an intoxicating funky soundscape is a must to any connoisseur of quality funk and soul music – especially in these times.”
Stream at Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube Music – Download at iTunes, Amazon Music.
Released #OTD August 8, 2006 “The Makeover” by GRAMMY® winning Solo Artist/ singer/ songwriter/ producer Jody Watley. Critically acclaimed album, iTunes #1 Top Electronic Album | #1 Exclusive Release Virgin MegaStore.
The album includes 3 Billboard Dance Chart Hits : #1 Dance “I Want Your Love” – #2 “Borderline” # 5 “A Beautiful Life”
‘The Makeover’ is the follow up to 2003’s critically acclaimed Top 20 Electronic Release ‘Midnight Lounge’. DJ inspired, ambient pop-tronic soul reworkings of pop classics including: Borderline, Love Hangover, Waiting in Vain, CHIC’s ‘I Want Your Love’ among others, all anchored by stellar new compositions from this singer songwriter producer. Collaborators include: Nile Rodgers lending guitar work on CHIC Classic “I Want Your Love”, King Britt, 4Hero, DJ Spinna, Ron Trent, Mark de Clive Lowe (Verve Remixed), Chris Brann (Wamdue, P’Taah, Ananda Project), Rodney Lee.
Virgin Megastore Window Display West Hollywood, CA 2006Jody Watley. 2006. Photography by Mike Ruiz
Grammy winning artist, singer, songwriter and producer Jody Watley keeps it moving with a new “EVERLASTING” remix. The final in the installment is The DāM-FunK Remix.
DāM-FunK is a critically acclaimed artist, musician, multi-instrumentalist, producer, DJ modern funk trailblazer. On top of that he’s a style icon who blends the music with the culture.
“EVERLASTING” The Alex Di Ció mix was released on January 30, 2024. The uplifting song ranked in the Top 5 in sales in various countries including the USA, UK and Italy via Watley’s longtime independent label Avitone and reached #2 on the UK Soul Charts.
An uplifting anthem about being true to oneself and perseverance another meaningful addition to her ongoing discography spanning multiple decades and genres.
Written and produced by Jody Watley with longtime collaborator, soul and jazz musician Rodney Lee, additional production by Italy’s renowned DJ/Remix producer Alex Di Ció another offering from Watley’s longtime independent label Avitone Recordings, established in 1995.
“EVERLASTING” The Remixes arrived to all streaming digital platforms April 19 with contributions by a variety of new and renowned DJ/ Remix Producers. The legendary Quentin Harris leads the charge with his BSF Re-Production, remixing the track with his signature musical touch. The “Everlasting” remix set also features an electro pop rework by French newcomer Slowz, a deep house favorite by NYC’s The Illustrious Blacks & Amara Jaguar ; a funky UK rave up by John “J-C” Carr and Gianpeiero XP’s anthemic Italo-house vibes. The remixes quickly vaulted to #2 on the iTunes Top Dance Albums Chart.
“I just love Damon’s vibe and musical approach. Making a guest vocal appearance on his outstanding “Invite The Light” on the high vibrations of “Virtuous Progression” from 2015 was special, I became a fan of his music with his heralded Stones Throw debut album ‘Toeachizown’ – he is the king of modern funk with timeless music sensibilities. On top of that he has a genuine deep respect for the music and funk genre.He’s a bit of a historian of R&B/Funk music as well. Furthermore, Damon and I both share a strong belief in staying true to yourself as well as self-belief as artists. Being authentic – never giving up that’s what EVERLASTING is all about. Having a DāM-FunK remix to conclude the trilogy made perfect sense, it’s the icing on the cake.” – Jody Watley
Save the date, August 9, 2024 to Download | Stream | Playlist and Add to Your Jody Watley and DāM-FunK collections. Preview the Youtube Short: Here
