Pieces of the Jody Watley music history – 35 years have flown by! Celebrating this 35th Anniversary milestone of my breakout Grammy winning solo debut throughout the month of January. Pre-internet and social media I’m sharing some of the highlights of which there were many. It’s significant as well in that no one expected my success but with with, hard work and a great promotional team effort by MCA Records and PR team that included Juanita Stephens and Gloria Boyce at Rogers & Cowan anchored by great music it was a knockout punch. For me, it’s always a way to remind people to always believe in yourself and to not be afraid to make gutsy decisions . Your life and calling is not a conference call. A lesson I’ve learned in recent years as well is to always tell your own story – too many put out false and misleading info or try to erase or marginalize altogether.

Here’s my first feature in US Weekly. My Dad called it for me as a little girl – I wish he had lived to see my success and his prophecy but I feel he’s always watching over me and know how much I always want to make him proud.

It touches upon the fact it was said women couldn’t sell records, that always struck me as odd since I grew up with Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Nancy Wilson, Donna Summer, Karen Carpenter.. and so many greats. True – men have it easier however women have also been viable despite the obvious sexism, ageism, etc. I confidently made plan for myself while living in London, worked with Musical Youth (uncredited guest vocal on 16) and was a part of the historic Band Aid “Do They Know It’s Christmas.” My daughter always kept my perspective grounded as to what’s important. It wasn’t easy balancing motherhood with Pop stardom but I tried my best and all turned out well.

Working on a screenplay – yes, fast forward some things take a lot longer, and all things in time!!