A Celebration Of Herb Ritts. Jody Watley For GAP Classic Campaign

Portraits. Individuals Of Style By Herb Ritts 1989.
Poster caption: Gap long sleeved pocket-t as customized by JODY WATLEY singer-songwriter Photographed by Herb Ritts.
Jody Watley Photographed by Herb Ritts, 1989.
Style Icon Jody Watley Photography Herb Ritts For GAP 1989 Celebrity Campaign
GAP. Individuals Of Style Celebrity Ad Campaign 1989.

With so many efforts to erase, rewrite or revise history in all aspects of society from books to what we see and hear across social media depending on the source, it’s important to have source information to refer to. Jody Watley was a part of the first celebrity ad campaign for GAP in 1989. The inclusion in this particular campaign and theme “Portraits: Individuals Of Style” photography by the legendary Herb Ritts is important for a variety of reasons. The campaign included ‘Larger Than Life’ images in-store, bus stops and billboards across the country. Jody Watley was one of the few black crossover stars of that time to be featured in this what is now called ‘rebranding’ or ‘artist branding’. Jody received notice not just from her breakout solo hits, she became a stand-out in her personal self-styling in music videos, album and single art, appearances and promotional photography.

“When asked to be apart of this, I was so excited at the opportunity. The team said I could wear the T-shirt however I chose. In addition, it gave me an opportunity to change up the big hair to a sleek short pixie-cut. My fans at the time hated it but I loved it, felt fresh and modern. Today’s artists are the luxury to change it up frequently, fans almost expect it now, unlike the 80’s and 90’s.”

Jody Watley was recognized as a style icon going back to her teen years on the iconic show Soul Train. Excerpt from Nelson George “The Hippest Trip In America – Soul Train and the evolution of culture and style “….with Jody emerging as a late 70’s style icon. She could rock silver shorts and red glitter converse sneakers, vintage 1940’s inspired dresses with pumps or her prom dress. Her hair was an ongoing adventure, sometimes filled with tons of ribbons, sometimes long ponytails, or a 1940’s hairdo..” ~ Book published by William Morrow Imprint of Harper Collins Books.

“Working with Herb Ritts in this campaign was just incredible. California born and raised Herb was relaxed, charming and so kind, easy to work with.” Watley has said. “He also threw incredible birthday parties that were a virtual who’s who and I was thrilled to be invited to a few!”

Talking Fashion. VOGUE 1996. Herb Ritts Birthday Celebration with such notables as Diana Ross, Madonna, Tom Ford and Jody Watley to name a few!

In addition to the GAP campaign, Jody Watley’s Herb Ritts portrait of disco mirrored eyes was featured in 2008’s historic Black Issue of Vogue Italia. The “Outstanding Ladies” in the issue included Jody Watley and actress Angela Bassett.

Jody Watley by Herb Ritts. August 2008 VOGUE Italia The Black Issue.
Legendary Photographer Herb Ritts August 13, 1952 – December 26, 2002.

The work of Herb Ritts as a photographer and video director is iconic and renowned – never forgotten.

Fantastic Live Photography – Jody Watley Live At Microsoft Theater

LOS ANGELES – AUGUST 7: MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly w/ special guests The Whispers and Jody Watley on August 7, 2022 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES – AUGUST 7: MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly w/ special guests The Whispers and Jody Watley on August 7, 2022 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES – AUGUST 7: MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly w/ special guests The Whispers and Jody Watley with special guest Andre Cymone on August 7, 2022 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES – AUGUST 7: MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly w/ special guests The Whispers and Jody Watley on August 7, 2022 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES – AUGUST 7: MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly w/ special guests The Whispers and Jody Watley on August 7, 2022 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES – AUGUST 7: MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly w/ special guests The Whispers and Jody Watley on August 7, 2022 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES – AUGUST 7: MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly w/ special guests The Whispers and Jody Watley on August 7, 2022 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES – AUGUST 7: MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly w/ special guests The Whispers and Jody Watley on August 7, 2022 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES – AUGUST 7: MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly w/ special guests The Whispers and Jody Watley on August 7, 2022 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.

Photography All Rights Reserved – Copyright Andrew D. Bernstein & Juan Ocampo

Wattage! Be sure to check the Official Jody Watley Youtube Channel for videos like this:

Jody Watley Classic Image Of The Week.

“My style has always complimented my music.”

You can still rock this timeless look-can’t go wrong with a nice tailored suit or jacket.”

Archive Image 1989

Jody Watley

Photographer: Victoria Pearson

Makeup: Paul Starr

Hair: Ernie Banales

Custom Suit Design: Jody Watley

Real Love Video Style

Jody Watley Is Still A Thrill – LIVE at The Microsoft Amphitheater

Still A Thrill with special surprise guest Andre Cymone
Grammy Winning Artist Jody Watley. Legend.
Walter and Scotty of The Whispers. It’s A Love Thing!

Legends Only.
Kayla Simone, Hubie Wang, Andre Cymone, Jody Watley, Keith Eaddy, Kerry Griffin, Jasmine Boyes, Clifton Williams -backstage Microsoft Theater 8.7.22

Jody Watley with dancers Kayla Simone Henry, and Jasmine Boyes
Andre Cymone – Jody Watley Celebrating 35th Anniversary of Instant Classic Grammy Winning Solo Debut and collaborations.
It was a wonderful evening of much needed music medicine – good for the spirit and soul.

“I don’t want to live without music – I don’t want to live without love .. just want to bring you joy – affairs of the heart.” – Jody Watley

Photography : Matthew Tryggestad

Style Icon Jody Watley Dips Into The Photo Archives

Jody Watley one of the architects of 21st century fusion of Pop / R&B Music and Merge of Street Style and High Fashion creating a new lane and truly a new foundation.

Bringing a fresh take on beauty, glamour mixed with street flair.

Jody Watley from the archives.
Blowin’ up the spot. Jody Watley in Issey Miyake Iconic Plastic Bodice – “Looking For A New Love” video 1987. Built a new foundation – for sure.

Be your own validation. That’s my thing whether acknowledged or not.

Wattage!

Jody Watley Wattage Thoughts – You Deserve The Love

Sending love and a smile to brighten your day. Thanks so much for subscribing to my blog and staying up to date.

Wattage!

Jody Watley – Real Love At Georgia State Capitol and Mable House Amphitheater -Photo Drop Recap

Jody Watley – A Portrait In Citron Green
Art by Shawn West.
Jody Watley. 2022
Jody Watley Day 2022. 6.2.22 Georgia State Capitol
Jody Watley Day – Georgia State Capitol 2022

I appreciate his comments very much!
Pamela Broussard – BN Motion PR & Jody Watley
My longtime merchandise guy and friend Bob Fierro Zebra Marketing
Jody Watley – Wattage!

Jody Watley – Mable House Amphitheater 2022- Photo by Desi
Love.
Jody Watley – Mable House Amphitheater 2022- Photo by Desi

Jody Watley – Mable House Amphitheater 2022- Photo by Desi

Up Next:

June 11 Motor City Pride – Detroit

June 12 – Capital Pride, Washington D.C.

Lady In Red. Jody Watley 1989 Wiltern Theatre – Classic Images Of The Day.

Jody Watley – Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles 1989
Making an entrance from House of Watley.All Rights Reserved.
Jody Watley – Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 1989. All Rights Reserved.
Jody Watley Signature Hoops In Full Effect. All Rights Reserved. Photo Subject To Copyright Restrictions
Jody Watley – Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 1989. All Rights Reserved.
Jody Watley – Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 1989. All Rights Reserved.
Jody Watley – Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 1989. All Rights Reserved.

Photos from Act 1 of the concert – more wardrobe changes followed from a high energy and visually cutting edge (of the time) show! Within a month or so, I was able to bring this concert to another sold-out experience at Universal Amphitheater – some of that footage is captured in my “Everything” video. It was a who’s who of celebrities, artists, and a diverse audience white, latino, asian, black and beyond in the house that night.

Jody Watley – Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 1989. All Rights Reserved.

Pre-cell phones and social media – you had to be there.

Wattage!

Jody Watley Classic Image of The Day. Details Magazine 1992

Jody Watley – DETAILS Magazine 1992, Music Issue

 “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!

Jody Watley Celebrating Continued Milestones

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’

The spelling error I unfortunate – the cover spectacular nevertheless.
Jody Watley. “Friends” ft Eric B & Rakim

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.

Jody Watley-Some Kind Of Lover Vinyl 12″ Cover Art.

#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/