Jody Watley. InFashion Magazine 1988. Double page of cover feature and interview.
Photography & Makeup: Paul Gobel
Hair: Ernie Banales
Cover InFashion with actor Nicholas Cage who was just starting out for the most part as an actor. We’d never met and both of us were a bit shy so it was awkward at first but we ended up having a fun shoot. The “Hunk Meets Funk” is a bit cringe though!
Full page ad Billboard Magazine, 1987 for my subsequent crossover smash debut hit – first Number 1 – AMA’s, Soul Train Awards, NAACP and Grammy nominated solo debut single “Looking For A New Love.”
The single was was of the biggest of the 1987 and the 80’s in general – a pop culture phenomenon, trendsetting style – as well with the catchphrase “Hasta La Vista Ba-by” later further popularized by Arnold Schwarznegger.
Written by Jody Watley and Andre Cymone. Produced by Andre Cymone and David Z. Photography: Victoria Pearson, Art Direction: Jody Watley & Lynn Robb. Styling: Jody Watley.
The single set the stage for one hell of a solo debut album ‘Jody Watley’ to follow. Despite my naysayers saying I’d regret leaving Shalamar, I’d fail, future in doubt as some of the black magazines wrote I succeeded then and continue to do so over 3 decades later and still on my own terms – most of all I’m happy, healthy, working and enjoying myself with my spirit and soul intact. It was never about being solo – it was to live life with joy, the greatest success. Having this all roll out this way was a gift from God and the universe – a bonus for looking after my own well being on my life’s journey. There’s so much more to say about this time, it will be in my memoir. Until then..
Thankful and full of gratitude a song of this magnitude is a part of my discography. As a note: “Looking For A New Love” also made a bit of history with the 2005 Remixes going to Number 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Play Charts, one of the first hits to become a hit again in an entirely different decade. Thanks so all the 80’s and Classics stations that keep it in rotation and shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, Pose and beyond for the exposure to a younger generation.
What I’ve said for decades now is I hope my career and being represents to others is believe in yourself and to never be afraid to remove yourself from any situation that on the outside might look good to others – but to you it’s everything but that. You will always have doubters – just never let it be you and always be the best version of yourself – keep growing and going no matter the obstacles, often the universe will align in one way or another.
Happy 33 Anniversary — ‘Looking For A New Love”!! Timeless jam and still a damn good break up and empowerment anthem.
Wattage!
Jody Watley VOGUE Italia, 1991.
Paving the way in my own way and style.
Wattage!
Jody Watley Photography: GUZMAN.
Sharing this from the fan page jodywatleystyle on Instagram – Jody Watley; 1993 Us Weekly. Photography Jon Ragel. Make-up by Collier Strong. Styling Jeannine Braden and Jody Watley. Hair by Jody Watley.
‘Soul Survivor’ interview feature talking about my ‘Affairs of The Heart’ –when magazines were interested in what you had to say about your music, writers cared enough to do their homework.. and focus was not celebrity gossip or how many social media followers you had.
Beautiful captures by Trudy Giordano at my favorite concert of the summer thus far – Sony Hall NYC. Each photo really does tell a story.
Nate Allen Smith. SRL.
Jody Watley and Nate Allen Smith of SRL.
Good vibes -Wattage
View the full gallery: Rawthentic Trudy Giordano
Jody Watley on location Times Square 1991 promoting “Affairs of The Heart.”
Tonight I’ll be in Times Square Sony Hall sharing the ongoing gift of music – Heart, Soul and Style.
See you there!
When such things were based on achievement and not social media numbers. This was my second feature in Rolling Stone, this time more of a concept fashion and style feature being paired with an unlikely subject. The photo session took place in the Florida Everglades..I was so nervous, needless to say there were alligators in the water popping in and out, but it was all about the shot and being fierce. The crew did consist of a safety team and wranglers if needed. It didn’t take long to get the right take!
“If Jody Watley is looking for a new love, Roland Martin can certainly help her with the bait. She’s Jackie Wilson’s godchild, the ex-Shalamar chanteuse who’s already angling for her second Top 10 single as a solo artist. He’s the Jack Nicklaus of bass fishing, nine time Angler of the Year and sixteen-time winner of the Boss Angler Sports Tournament, and he’s rolling in the dough. He’s also the host of his own TV show, appropriately titled Fishing with Roland Martin.
Rolling Stone Issue 510 October 8, 1987, Fall Fashion “The Sporting Life.” Cover: Bono
Jody Watley Coat & Black Cashmere Dress: Stephen Sprouse Purple Pumps Arlene Laz Marca
Gregory Douglas Presents LGBT Music Festival. Fabulous Memorial Day Weekend destination event and Vanguard Award ceremony presented on All White Wear Night – perfect for the oceanside setting.
Arrival – hotel lobby.
Morning arrival
..and the eagle continues to soar.. love this capture.
In the distance..a rainbow you just have to pay attention and look – just like life!
Enjoying an oceanside mimosa – just taking it all in.
A positive affirmation – getting morning coffee.
Jody Watley – Saying hello to contemporary R&B artist Monifah.
Jody Watley with renowned choreographer (En Vogue, Beyonce, and more) Frank Gatson – we had such a great time talking and hanging out oceanside.
Met so many wonderful people – and received nothing but love.
Jody Watley with – Honoree Designer and former stylist Ty Hunter, author and host Patrick L. Riley and Honoree Shanice Wilson ready for evening of fashion.
Ty Hunter and Jody Watley, LGBT Music, Culture & Arts Festival 2019. Cancun, Mexico.
Fashion and Music Night, snippets of Frank Gatson’s June’s Diary and Frenchie Davis.
Vanguard Awards Night.
Frank Gatson, Keke Palmer Gregory Douglas Presents, Frenchie Davis, Shanice Wilson, TS Madison, Jody Watley, Ty Hunter, Host and Author Patrick Riley
Two authentic spirited and talented Chicagoans – Honorees Jody Watley and KeKe Palmer after Vanguard Awards.
Host and Los Angeles Event Producer Ivan Daniel, Jody Watley and Frank Gatson
Honorees Frank Gatson and Jody Watley
From Monifah who presented my Vanguard Woman of Excellence Award in her Instagram post: “With the iconic & legendary @jodywatley What an honor to present her with the 2019 Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award this year! We MUST give OURS their flowers while they can enjoy them in this life!! Musically, she is an integral part of most of my generation’s childhood and teen years! From her intro on the music scene as one-third of the legendary R&B group Shalamar to becoming a Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum selling, cultural style icon solo artist who used her massive platform to shine light on the issues of a marginalized and underrepresented community. She was an advocate for and an ally of the LGBT community, human rights, AIDS awareness when it wasn’t easy or fashionable to do so. Thank you @jodywatley for your indelible contribution to music, fashion & advocacy. We love & honor you!! #lgbtmusicfest #vanguardawards #jodywatley #monifah #cancunmexico ”
I lost my other earring.. but didn’t notice it being in the moment -enjoying to evening breeze.
Living my life like it’s golden – and always in gratitude!
Jody Watley “Woman of Excellence” – Honoree Vanguard Award – LGBT Music Festival Cancun 2019
Video of full speech to come for my YouTube Channel Friday post – it was truly a night to remember full of real love!
Thanks again to Gregory Douglas and the LGBT Film Festival for the honor, author host Patrick L. Riley, Monifah who presented the award as well and congratulations to all of honorees; as well to the LGBT community who have always been my strongest supporters. As I wrote in the 90’s in my song “Affection” – “..it don’t matter if you’re young or old, it don’t matter if you’re straight or gay – everybody needs to feel loved.”
“…always find and live in your best light your inner Wattage..and encourage others to do so as well..” – Jody Watley
The fight for equality will continue amidst a climate of division and hate, and hate crimes on the LGBT community and often overlooked black LGBT community.