Category Archives: Travel

Jody Watley Special Guest At Mickalene Thomas Better Nights At Miami Bass Museum

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Performed at private event by invitation only – The Bass Museum:: ‘Better Nights’ Mickalene Thomas’ immersive art experience. The exhibition is an installation, performance space and bar that functions as an experience, a moment, a time, and a place. Including a series of five geometric-patterned mirror works and two collages by the artist, the exhibition features a selection of painting, photography and video by other emerging and prominent artists curated by Thomas.

Better Nights - Bio

Description of Event and Artist.

 

Jody Watley Exterior Bass Museum

Jody Watley – Exterior Bass Museum. Art Basel 2019.  Mickalene Thomas Better Nights Exhibition.

Back in 2013 -Art Basel Switzerland: Better Nights was with Solange Knowles – so this definitely going to be a high quality and unique experience and super cool to be asked. I’m often told how much there are elements her her look and out of the box approach reminds some music fans of me.

It was really difficult to capture the exhibition and do it justice on a phone and so I recommend looking at the professional images.

As always, I’m giving just a glimpse into some of the behind the scenes.

Jody Watley and Mickalene Thomas Better Nights 2019

Meeting Mickalene Thomas at soundcheck and have a chance to talk about her process in creating the installation – which took a year and a half start to finish.

With my rhythm section band chilling in green room, impromptu rehearsal of the special arrangement we were doing of ‘Still A Thrill.’

Jody Watley and SRL and banc Better Nights

With with fellas: SRL (Nate Allen Smith, John Gregory) Kerry Griffin, Naz Chambi, Wallace Butts Keith Eaddy Roland Hamilton.

Jody Watley and Mickalene Thomas Green Room Better Nights Miami 2019

Jody Watley. Mickalene Thomas.

Jody Watley - Performance Art Basel 2019

Showtime. Wattage!

Jody Watley 1988 American Music Awards Flashback – Solo Debut.

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A fan shared this video snippet on Instagram last night – it’s a fond memory to be there as nominee and presenter in 1988. On this night the recipients of the award I presented with Patrick Swayze was Anita Baker for ‘Rapture’ – an R&B classic album. It’s beautiful to be reminded I was a part of her celebration that night.

In the 90’s I returned as a presenter 3 times.

I really try not to put down the commercial music of this era because there is some good and of course each generation of youth has their music they will look back and reflect on their high school years..I don’t even really watch awards shows anymore to be honest. Most music fans gravitate to their high school years and why the music business will always be primarily targeted to youth.

What I’ve learned is awards and accolades are a cool thing to experience and industry politics aside –  it is the artistry and the quality of music and doing what you love that is the most enduring. So to any veteran or aspiring artist  – just keep being yourself, taking risks and being true to your craft..that’s often different from being a pop star…not always but often.

Rest in Peace Patrick Swayze, he was super nice that evening and left behind memorable film moments.

Jody Watley. Classic Image of The Day. Harper’s Bazaar 1988 Photography by Legendary Francesco Scavullo

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Jody Watley Harper's Bazaar 1988 by Francesco Scavullo

Jody Watley 1988 in May’s issue of Harper’s Bazaar photographed by Francesco Scavullo wearing Angel Estrada, hair by Jeff Woodley, make up by John Evans.

I’ve told the story before, but here it is again in a quick snapshot. When my publicist notified that Harper’s Bazaar wanted to feature me in the magazine with photo session in New York by the legendary fashion photographer Francesco Scavullo who has lensed some iconic images over the decades. They had no idea who he was or the additional significance.

this wasn’t a common occurrence in the music business at that time. My label did not agree to fly me to New York for this major opportunity asking me what did being in a fashion magazine have to do with selling records – forget the major exposure, the broadening of the audience, establishing me beyond music as a budding fashion icon and brand or however one wishes to look at things. I didn’t want to miss out and so I paid for my own flights and hotel to do this. Always invest in yourself if you have the means to do so.

Eventually of course major labels embraced the concept and additional prestigious PR and it became commonplace -and of course went even further with black superstar women in music like Rihanna, Beyonce, and more (Ciara, Alicia Keys) gracing the cover of high fashion magazines.

My solo debut was so monumental in a variety of ways beyond the Grammy nominations, winning Best New Artist, the hit singles and more. Always believe in yourself.

 

Wattage!

New Jody Watley Art Added to Gallery.

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Not only fabulous Jody Watley Art by Cat Soper : CatDezign from Australia but a very inspirational and motivational reason for doing it. Set a goal and smash it!

“DAY 251 – JODY- An IMAGINARIUM In 351 Days .. going to draw, paint, create everyday! This month I’m creating portraits of the people who have inspired me in many ways.

All photos referenced are from the internet with grateful thanks to the photographers.. – Jody Watley – her music and love of dance and fashion always inspired me. Her love dance and fitness got me moving everyday. If I had the chance to dance to work everyday I would maybe I should!”

Jody Watley. Sony Hall NYC. Photographic Essays.

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Beautiful captures by Trudy Giordano at my favorite concert of the summer thus far – Sony Hall NYC. Each photo really does tell a story.

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Nate Allen Smith. SRL.

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Jody Watley and Nate Allen Smith of SRL.

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Good vibes -Wattage

View the full gallery: Rawthentic Trudy Giordano

Jody Watley Sony Hall New York and Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre Recap.

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Jody Watley. Sony Hall. Sold-out. (fan photo).

Sony Hall New York, August 16, 2019 was phenomenal. New York is always a special place, my Mom is from Harlem,my son graduated college there and lives there. It’s also extra special to see him when I go there to work too.

I won my Best New Artist Grammy in New York’s legendary Radio City Music Hall, been inspired to write songs from the vibes of New York, filmed my ‘Friends’ video there to capture that real authentic vibe with Eric B & Rakim, club kids and beyond, trendsetting fashion shoots for Harper’s Bazaar, Saks – cover of Essence Magazine back in the day..you name it. I’ve performed in the Big Apple countless times over the span of my over 3 decade solo career and counting..this ranks as the best.

There are so many rave reviews pics and video on social media (especially Instagram) – here are two that really say it all!

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Via Instagram

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Via Twitter. Love!

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Jody Watley. Photography by Trudy Giordano

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Jody Watley. Photography by Trudy Giordano

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Jody Watley. Photography: Dara Seans

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Jody Watley and John ‘Havic’ Gregory – SRL.

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Jody Watley – A Music Journey, performing a few of my Shalamar classics with SRL.

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Fan photo capturing a moment, Sony Hall 2019.

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Real Love. Striking a pose.

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I  had not planned to do ‘Still A Thrill’ in this show. The setlist included rare gems like ‘Nightlife’ Soulpersonal Classic Soul mix, Saturday Night Experience, the current SRL hits, ‘Precious Love’ soul mix, ‘Skin Deep’ from ‘Midnight Lounge’ a piano and vocal only ‘Everything’, the jazz bossa nova of ‘Waiting In Vain’ and more along with classic hit staples. I ended up taking a few spontaneous requests resulting in a spirited a cappella section.  Video capture by Trudy Giordano.

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Jody Watley and Nate Allen Smith. Photography Trudy Giordano. Sony Hall 8.16.19

 

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Multi-talented Nate Allen Smith, male lead – SRL. Singer, songwriter, dancer, model.

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The soul collective. Jody Watley & SRL.

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Jody Watley. Wattage!

 

Thank you to the wattage crew and everyone who came, sold-out the venue (this means so much) and made it truly a magical night of music – a night to remember full of precious love.

 

After New York, we were off to Atlanta for the concert with Jeffrey Osborne.

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JFK Airport.

Beautiful outdoor setting. Older more reserved crowd than I’m accustomed to and as the case with older R&B audiences –  there’s always an initial sense of  sitting in judgment maybe skeptical of what Jody Watley was going to bring to the evening. My perception is this age demo are more of the upset I’m not longer with Shalamar though it’s been nearly 4 decades and I’ve been successfully putting it down solo for over three decades and counting – always evolving and getting better with time.

The skeptics always learn..I bring a first class, high quality soulful show with lots of style, heart and my brand of soul, full of positive messages and hits – including a couple from my Shalamar days.

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Jody Watley. Photo by Bill Coker.

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Photography: Norman ‘NV’ Johnson

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Jody Watley – Photography: Norman ‘NV’ Johnson

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Jody Watley & SRL. Mable House Barnes Amphitheater.

 

 

Up next and closing out summer 2019:

Saturday August 24, 2019 – Groove 99.3 and Pacific Concert Group Present – Summer Bash, Bakersfield, CA Stramler Park (multiple acts)  – Tickets

August 31, 2019 – WorldOne Concerts Presents Rewind Funk & Soul – Thunder Valley Outdoor Amphitheater – Tickets (Multiple acts)

September 7, 2019 – Blue Note Hawaii – Jody Watley ‘UnPlugged’ – Tickets

Jody Watley Classic Images of The Day. Harper’s Bazaar Times Square 1991.

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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!

Jody Watley Classic Image of The Day. Rolling Stone Magazine 1987 Style Feature.

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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

Monday Wattage and Austin Pride.

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Jody Watley 2019 1_Golden_Wattage copy

Shine!

This weekend I’ll be at Austin Pride. I was there last year and before I could go on thunderstorms came and the fire marshall shut it down and my performance was cancelled just as I was about to go on to close out the day. I’m hopeful the weather gods will be on my side this time.

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Jody Watley and Queen Tuanku Fauziah – Classic Image of The Day

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I continue to have so many memorable experiences, this ranks high. Afternoon tea at the Royal Palace of Malaysia with then Queen Tuanju Fauziah attended by all participants of the Force of Nature Aid Relief Concert in 2004. The motorcade of us all going to the Palace with police escorts was it’s own piece of epicness. In 2004, though we all had cell phones, it’s not like today’s technology and taking the phone out to capture every moment – and not being in the moment. Definitely took it all in!