Happy Anniversary to one of my big classics “Don’t You Want Me”- one of my favorites!
・・・
Hot 100 Debut: 10/3/1987
Debut Position: 80
Peak Date: 12/19/1987
Hot 100 Peak Position: 6
Weeks on Chart: 23
Number 1 (Dance), Number 3 (R&B)
Written by Jody Watley, Franne Golde, David Bryant
Produced by Bernard Edwards
Remix Produced by Francois K.
Wattage!
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!
Albumism: Happy 30th Anniversary to Jody Watley’s Second Solo Album “Larger Than Life” Originally Released March 27, 1989 – Read it Here on Albumism
Happy Music Anniversary to my second solo album “Larger Than Life” featuring Top 10 singles “Real Love” the groundbreaking collaboration with Eric B & Rakim “Friends” the ballad “Everything” as well as the beautiful “Precious Love” :: The album cover with photography by legendary fashion Steven Meisel and Art Direction by Lynn Robb and I, is also in 1000 Album Covers published by Taschen.
Happy Music Anniversary to my solo debut “Jody Watley” released on February 23, 1987! “you know it’s funny.. funny how times flies..as I watch days turn into years..” and decades – still me..keeping it new! Thanks to those who still rock and roll with me and my music in all of it’s continued incarnations beyond my debut into the NOW!
Eternal thanks to all involved who helped me execute my vision and exceed all expectations.
It’s not years of life of music – it’s the life in living life and good music which has no expiration date and continues to be discovered and appreciated.
Wattage!
Jody Watley – by Will Dimension inspired by my 80’s music and style.
Jody Watley, Interview Magazine, 1987
Photography: Karen Filter
Makeup: Wendy Osmunson
Decades of hits, influence in style, fashion meets music in early celebrity ad campaigns, high profile editorial features, the first artist to introduce the rap/sung formula Pop/R and B, Dance with Hip Hop Rap on the groundbreaking multi format Crossover hot “Friends” featuring Eric B & Rakim – a formula that continues to dominate commercial music and ended up with a category of its own at The Grammys by The Recording Academy in the 90’s to being ranked by Billboard Magazine as one of the Greatest Dance Club Artists Of All Time in 2016 and still going strong – Jody Watley is not only one of the music s most enduring and versatile stars as well she is one of Grammys Best New Artist success stories.