“..Potts showcased his Fall 2021 collection digitally which was inspired by Jody Watley’s 1987 music video for her song “Still A Thrill.” With it, Potts’ resulting meditation on light, shadow, darkness and the associated interpretations of these phenomena, led him to think about dance and movement. – Paper Magazine
Wattage!
6 A.M. call time – camera ready for The Wendy Willams Show. Dress by Norma Kamali.
Wendy was awesome and we had a fun conversation full of gems — and facts. I hope you tuned in. Link to come in case you missed it.
Wattage!
A house is built with walls and beams, a home is made with love and dreams..a feeling, a vibe,-candles have always been a staple for me. I’m so happy to share this passion- it’s a dream come true! – Jody Watley
Show your home some love -Add a candle!
Happy Valentine’s Day Weekend.
Wattage!
Grammy Winner and multiple nominee Jody Watley-singer/songwriter/producer/businesswoman, is one of the architects of 21st century pop.
“Still a Thrill,” whose video was the first (and as yet unmatched) time a pop star flexed their skills at waacking, the underground Los Angeles dance that is a sibling to both breakdancing and voguing.
First woman of color to play Rizzo on Broadway in the hit musical GREASE!
SPUR Japan, first woman of color to appear on the cover of a Japanese fashion magazine for the lauch of SPUR.
“Friends,” featuring Eric B & Rakim the first rap/ sung collaboration with Pop/R&B singer and rapper to crossover Top 10 Hot 100 , R&B, Rap/Hip Hop and Dance. The pairing became the blueprint for all other such pairing and continues to be a dominant part of pop music. In 2002 The Recording Academy add the Rap/Sung Category.
Jody-penned phrase “Hasta la vista” into popular vernacular, becoming so huge that Arnold Schwarzenegger jacked it for his signature line in the movie The Terminator).
Jody Watley ranks as one of MTV’s most nominated artists for her David Fincher directed video “Real Love” with 7 nominations.
One of the defining artists of the 80’s, Watley’s “Friends” was the first multi-format crossover smash crrover hit to introduce and pair the custom and specialized 16 bar verse with a rapper and singer in Pop music in 1989. The formula became such a popular mainstay in the commercial mainstream The GRAMMY’s added the “Rap/Sung” Category in 2002.
She’s been featured in VOGUE, ITALIAN VOGUE (including the Historic “The Black Issue in 2008), Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, Essence and named one of America’s Most Beautiful People by People Magazine. Songwriting honors from BMI are also amongst her achievements for many of her hit singles.
in 2018 Jody Watley was ranked by Billboard Magazine in the Top 60 Hot 100 Female Artists of All Time at 53 and in 2016 Top 25 Greatest Dance Club Artists of All Time at 16.
Watley is a longtime advocate for LGBTQ rights, has served as a board member for The Music Institute, is a former Los Angeles Chapter Recording Academy Governor and continues to work with The Recording Academy on various initiatives for artist rights with the legislature.
On the entrepreneurial side, Watley has also remained ahead of the game; forming her own independent label Avitone Recordings in 1995 continuing to release a broad range of musical offerings securing various international licensing deals. In 2020 Watley launched an exclusive line of luxury soy candles with an eye and home and self care available at her online store.This is a savvy businesswoman on top of artist, songwriter, actress, producer who continues to forge ahead on her own distinctive path.
Jody Watley pictured in vintage dress and clutch attending legendary photographer Herb Ritts birthday party in 1991. “You don’t have to spend a grip and wear designer clothes to look like a million bucks. Style is finding what works for you. Today vintage and repurposed clothing are more commonplace so seek out these options – you’d be surprised as well what you’d find at Goodwill – many items barely or gently worn. In addition you can often find cool deals at consignment stores as well, though more on the pricey end. Pair vintage with contemporary but most of all know what works for you not what trends are. With the prevalence of designers fashion and Instagram photo opps with pricey outfits – don’t get caught up in that game.
Wattage!
December 31, 2020 – For Immediate Release- BNM Publicity Group.
As we wrap up 2020, it has certainly been a reflective and eventful year, to say the least.
For all things Jody Watley, the iconic superstar continued to forge ahead in the midst of this pandemic; everything she touched turned into a buzz, from her expanding signature brand line with the addition of candle and home fragrance to the collaboration with husband and wife super duo producers, “The APX” on “The Healing – The Remix”.
Her timely spoken-word anthem release, “The Healing,” was debuted in the popular Club Quarantine’s transcendent DNice one of the game changers of the pandemic with his history making Instagram Lives. “The Healing” another from her longtime self-owned independent label Avitone Recordings with its lyric video touching on the civil unrest and Black Lives Matter theme resonated with listeners and led to major congratulatory shout outs from fellow music artists.
The beautiful living legend reminded us to keep living, keep loving, and keep moving forward.
Never one to disappoint, Watley accepted an invitation by popular on-air host BK Kirkland to be guest DJ for a two-hour takeover of his SIRIUS XM “The Groove” Channel. The playlist featured a specially curated playlist that included many of her classics with entertaining backstories of the songs.
A feature in the Black Enterprise magazine was a very special “first” with recognizing her as a well-respected entrepreneur highlighting launch of home line of candles and fragrance.
Known as a seasoned businesswoman, Jody Watley’s one-on-one interview on Money Making Conversations, a popular talk show hosted by Emmy award-winning producer Rushion McDonald where he interviews celebrities, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders on their secrets to success allowed listeners to experience her tremendous business-acumen.
Gracing the covers of three digital publications: Faith Heart Magazine, xS10 Magazine and Communique’ (dropping January 2021 ) was a nice highlight for the beloved singer, too!
We won’t stop there, as she was also featured for the first-time in Cuisine Noir, a food publication showcasing her culinary skills.
Her plethora of surprise television appearances on Fox, CBS and ABC News and its affiliates, digital interviews and other social media platforms this year confirmed that the always fabulous Miss Watley is not only relevant, but impactful.
The 2020 pandemic lockdown also brought together Jody Watley with Eric B & Rakim on their groundbreaking multi chart Top 10 collaboration “Friends” for a virtual performance (their first time performing it live since recording it in 1989) on Caffeine TV as the duo celebrated 30 years of “Let The Rhythm Hit Em”.
Her unforgettable surprise appearance on DJ Cassidy’s “Pass The Mic: BET Soul Train Edition which premiered on television for the first time following the Soul Train Awards airing on VH1 and MTV2 was a wonderful treat for fans to see the always fabulous singer “live and in color.” (Did I mention the segment to date has netted over 500,000 plus YouTube views and still counting!)
Jody Watley continued to expand, build and explore new aspects of creativity, including working with millennials.
Always one to share “gold nuggets” to others, she participated in a series of music industry mentorship virtual programs for the GRAMMY Museum sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund. The online day of mentorship and career advice featured the Grammy winning trendsetting legend and allowed students from three high schools—Northeast High School in Kansas City, Mo., Parkrose High School in Portland, Ore. and Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix, Arizona to participate in the interactive series.
She was also one of the keynote speakers on Black Girls Rock: Black Girls Lead Virtual Conference which welcomed 1,000 young women (ages 13 to 18) from communities across the United States and its territories to amplify leadership skills, critical thinking, ingenuity and creativity and was also a District Advocate for the Recording Academy’s “Summer of Advocacy” helping push passage of relief for those impacted by the pandemic and other legislation.
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Jody Watley’s legacy continues to influence and inspire younger generations in music, video, fashion and style.
Kamille Boyd-Gilmore (@Mssskamille), a popular professional skater and celebrity choreographer seen in the films, Drum Line, Baby Drivers and Step Sisters recently gave homage to the style-forging singer by skating to “Don’t You Want Me,” one of Watley’s many string of hits. The beautiful video artistic presentation netted thousands of viewers on her social within minutes of posting.
Since the beginning of Watley’s work in the humanitarian field, she has continued to expand and flourish as a supporter of various advocacy organizations. She contributed to the 30-year anniversary of Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Charity Event, “Divas Simply Singing” virtual concert and performed one of her signature hits, “Everything,” which aired on KTLA 5. Divas Simply Singing is the longest running musical fundraiser in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Watley was also a part of the mega fundraising concert series RWQuarantunes created by WME’s Richard Weitz and daughter Demi, featuring a who’s who in various genres. To date RWQuarantunes has raised a staggering $16M.
As a Grammy winning trendsetting pioneer Jody Watley’s influence reigns supreme and without borders.
Celebrated prominently as a major influence of Mexican American superstar Selena Quintanilla in Netflix’s Number One biographical series, “Selena,” and highlighted in a major Houston Chronicle feature, Jody Watley will forever be cemented as one of the architects of 21st century pop whose impact and contributions cannot be touched.
Now that is a monumental achievement to end the new year on!
Onward to 2021! Jody Watley continues to bring the Wattage!
“Thank you to all supported the music, message and other my business endeavors. Here’s to 2021. If you made it of 2020 unscathed and healthy – you did good. For 3 months of the early morning interviews and press – I was dealing with a broken wrist and full cast on my right arm..and a lot of pain..but no matter what always kept it moving like so many of you dealing with obstacles, and setbacks. Onward.” – Jody Watley
2020 Rewind. ICYMI (In Case You Missed It).
I’ve been sharing a few highlights from the year while promoting “The Healing” and my home line launch. Each brings you inspiration AND information!
Excerpt :
SHEEN.
“Humbled by her reputation as a music icon, Jody Watley defines herself as a template for contemporary music and fashion. She is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter whose career spans decades, countless performances, and millions of fans. Today, Jody continues to prove her relevance in the industry as she reinvents herself and showcases her talents time and time again. She’s also committed to inspiring others as an example to “let your light shine.” So, how does Jody set that example for her fans?
Jody shared this and more in this Sheen exclusive you won’t want to miss.”
Read the interview and be inspired now! 👇🏾
2020 Rewind:: ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) – You’ll find lots of recent press interviews, print, TV, digital features which culminated from my 2020 timely Spring / Summer Release “THE HEALING” – just scroll in your free time and do some reading!
Here’s the September Cover of Faith Heart Magazine and Excerpts:
Joy and inner peace are beauty must-haves; they radiate from the inside out and putting good into the universe.” Always using her voice to inspire others, JODY WATLEY is shining brighter than ever and living fearlessly as she empowers FHM readers in the September edition. Her journey exemplifies what is possible when you don’t allow circumstances to stop you from being you! “While others are running their mouths, run your business.” This interview you don’t want to miss. Grab your copy today!
Grammy award winning pioneer in music, video, fashion and style Jody Watley graces the cover of Faith Heart Magazine, September issue looking more beautiful than ever.
The stunning and always fabulous trendsetter opened up to the magazine about creating new special moments with her enthusiasm and passion for living, life, and music.
She also shared about practicing a healthy lifestyle from what you eat to what you consume on social media and using her voice to inspire others.
“Don’t compare yourself or your life to others. When it comes to our personal health and choices, we are the captains of our own vessels,” says Watley.
“With COVID19, think of others not just yourself…”
Wattage!
Read it digital or order hard copy : Faith Heart Magazine
Read the full Q&A, Jody always drops Wattage gems. This is the 3rd cover feature since the release of “The Healing” Spring 2020.
XS10 Read It Now
In case you missed Jody Watley on Good Day Sacramento on Wednesday December 9, 2020 in what turned out to be one of the most fun interviews during this pandemic season : Watch it Now for Pure Joy! Here On CBS