Jody Watley celebrating the 30th anniversary of Grammy nominated debut single “Looking For a New Love” and solo breakthrough Grammy winning debut release album on Good Day LA morning television.
Before rocking it, early morning Fox 11 Good Day LA (Joe Joe Grooves, John ‘Havic’ Gregory. Jody Watley, Rosero McCoy, Sir Charles)
Good vibes! Good Day LA. with on air personalites Bob DeCastro and Araksya Karapetan
I came up with a lot of hit song ideas, lyrics and melodies on this cassette recorder.
I don’t like to think of time..I’ve said this many times before. It’s when reminded that my mind is like – wow, really. Today is one of those days as my first #1 solo single “Looking For A New Love” was released and launched my solo career in ways that few expected – including me. I thank God and the universe for making this all happen and to align me with the right people at the right time. My only quest was to be happy – post Shalamar. That is true success.
30 years later I’m still here..a little heavier though more in love and comfortable with me – who I am in my own skin not defined by anyone but what I feel and owning that — proud of my tenacity and evolution..smarter, wiser, stronger, feeling fabulous and grateful. My goals are always changing as they should – never complacent or stuck on laurels. The thing that makes me proud looking back is that when I signed my first solo deal – I knew exactly who I wanted to be and the statement I wanted to make. It’s really a song of strength and my imaging was to not be like anyone else – just me. Eclectic. Funky, chic, odd, aloof, fun, stylish – a freestyle girl not wanting to be in a box nor rely on my past as ‘formerly of’.. I went out on a limb – fearless. A lot of people wanted me to fail not realizing I’d already won simply by claiming my power to take control of my life and where I wanted to navigate it..to a place and environment of positivity, respect, love and joy. I remember when the U.S. magazine Black Beat wrote “..Jody Watley’s future is the most in doubt..” after my departure from Shalamar in 1983.
To aspiring artists and songwriters, remember whatever you record or put out..if you intend to have longevity those songs if you’re fortunate enough to have ‘hits’ – keep in mind you’ll be singing those songs down the line. Be true to yourself, you can never regret that no matter what.
Happy Anniversary Looking For A New Love – I still love you!
A special shout out to my co-writer of this Andre Cymone who produced it with David Z. We did that! Thank you to all who worked with me to make it a success, it took a village – Jheryl Busby and Louil Silas Jr(R.I.P.) MCA execs like Glenn Lajeski still a friend till this day, as is Lynn Robb my original art director collaborator Liz Heller Victoria Pearson , Brian Grant who directed the video in London and so on!
Looking For A New Love 30 Video and Mix – Video by Sam Edmonds. Paris, France.
Someone unearthed this Rock The Vote PSA I did back in 1992 for MTV (when it was Music Television). Still true!
Here’s a snippet of one of my performances with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra “Best Hits 80’s Meets Symphony..” singing one of my Top Ten hit singles “Everything.”
I wore a red suit and mock turtle neck from Theory as one who usually doesn’t wear the color and funked it up with street-style attitude with new red shades from a new line I stumbled across, nude Louboutin pumps and my signature jumbo hoops with added sparkle. Red in this case represents my passion for living and life..I’d had a custom tux made but it wasn’t ready in time..
From Billboard Music Chart History.
Oct, 3, 1987 – “Don’t You Want Me” is the third single from singer Jody Watley’s eponymous debut album. The song was produced by Bernard Edwards of Chic-fame and written by Jody Watley, Franne Golde and David Paul Bryant.
“Don’t You Want Me” was one of the biggest crossover singles for the year 1987, reaching top ten on the Billboard pop and R&B charts and becoming a number-one dance club hit.
“Don’t You Want Me” landed in the Top 40 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart the week of October 24, 1987, advancing from #56 to #40. The song reached #6 on December 19, 1987 and remained there for three consecutive weeks.
Styling: Jody Watley
Art Direction: Jody Watley and Lynn Robb
Photography: Victoria Pearson
Jody Watley in 3D by Mr. J Fobbs / DeviantArt.com (Thank you Mervin Malone Jr. – for letting me know!)
Jody Watley. Japanese music magazine feature.
Japan has always been a strong market for me since my solo debut. I look forward to going over next month, October for something new – this time Best Hits 80’s Meets Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.
#TBT Jody Watley in signature jumbo hoop earrings and Azzedine Alaia top and leggings from People Magazine in 89 — I intended to post while the Rio Olympics were going on.. I still love gymnastics and wanted to say congrats to all of the athletes who competed whether winning or not and to those who also made history. Work hard, go toward your dreams and believe in yourself – anything is possible! #life
The views are up on our Facebook, interesting to see the different facets of social media and how the various platforms engage. We just posted to Youtube, check it out..after our business meeting at Rosero’s. Less than 25 seconds for the time challenged.
DANCER. Photograpy: Albert Sanchez. Design: Ray Easmon and Jody Watley
NEW on SoulBounce
WATCH: @JodyWatley Comes To Slay In Her ‘Dancer’ Visuals http://bit.ly/WatleyDancer #JodyWatley #RoseroInc #ShalamarReloaded#SRL
Interesting observations..
Many thanks to Soulbounce for continuing to be supportive with my musical evolution and endeavors.