Special Thanks To Retro Ads on Twitter for posting this vintage ad from May 1987 for the video premiere of “Still A Thrill” second single from the eponymous hit packed solo debut album Jody Watley. The now classic video, filmed on location in Paris,France would go on to be in heavy rotation on MTV, Vh-1 and other video channels of the time. 35th anniversary — Still a Thrill and still standing the test of time.
Wattage!
Consistently dropping pearls of inspiration whether it was the trendy or popular thing to do. It’s not just a flashback, but a reminder of knowing who you are, not being afraid to change and grow regardless of popularity.
As a human being in this world – always be yourself. We also all have the ability to impact others in a variety of ways shining a positive light, as I said in my recent honorary doctorate speech – share the light.
If you slept on this album which also features the very funky R&B hit single “I Want You” – later referenced on En Vogue’s opening on their multi-platinum “Funky Divas” – do yourself a favor and go stream it or download it now!
Wattage!
#OTD March 7, 1987
“Looking For A New Love”
by GRAMMY® winner Jody Watley
Debuted on the @billboard Hot 100 chart peaking at #2
✍️🏾 Written by: J. Watley, A. Cymone
Chart Note➡️ #1 Dance, #1 Hot R&B
Grammy and American Music Awards Nominated
👉🏾 The smash hit no one saw coming!
#JodyWatley #Icon #35thAnniversary
“*Legendary singer Jody Watley, one of the architects of 21st-century pop “lit it up” on The Nick Cannon Show with an epic live performance!” Read and Watch Full Post on Eurweb: Here
Tune in Monday February 28, 2022 – Check your local listings for airtime to catch me on the Nick Cannon – Classic Jams Week. I’ll be talking about my now classic 35th Anniversary of my solo debut.
“To be included in the forthcoming documentary ‘Women Who Rock’ is such an honor and to be included with other iconic women and trailblazers is music is very special to me and the legacy of Jody Watley. A special thank you to Melissa Hopper who said the documentary wouldn’t be complete without me.”
A classic rewind snippet of interview with Jody Watley, Eartha Kitt on The RuPaul Show, VH1 in 1998.
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!!
2021 brought many challenges with an ongoing pandemic and an entertainment business that had been put on hold for over a year. The National Museum of African American Music appointed me, as their first membership ambassador. I was featured on their outdoor digital jumbotron for several months.
Slowly live concerts returned and I was excited to have the opportunity to do a handful of concerts and other events such as the honor of performing the National Anthem twice MLB and NFL; once for the historic Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium and then Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
I was inspired to drop “Renderings” along with standout singles “Whenever” and “Not A Single Day Goes By” all remixed by Alex Di Ciò. UK Soul radio was on board immediately with strong support propelling the single into the Top 5. Stateside there were quite a few television appearances including the Emmy winning Tamron Hall Show, each interview was joyful and always with an inspirational takeaway for viewers.
The Jody Watley Wattage 7 : Getting through the year healthy and strong – Music – “Renderings”, Concerts Returning to Stage, National Anthem Dodgers Stadium, National Anthem – So-Fi Stadium, Television Appearances, National Museum Of African American Music Ambassador.
Wishing everyone the best of 2022! Thanks for being on this journey with me – here’s to many more memorable moments.
Wattage!