Keep It Moving With Jody Watley’s LET’S DANCE Vol. 1

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Admin

A woman with curly hair wearing a denim jacket, holding a disco ball close to her face, with a soft expression and vibrant makeup.

Hello September! 🍂✨

As we step into a new season, Jody Watley sends a message of appreciation to take a moment to say thank you for helping make this summer one to remember! My new album, LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats), became a #1 U.S. iTunes Dance Album and also hit #1 on Amazon UK’s Hot New Dance/Electronic chart! 🪩💿

This milestone is so special because it celebrates not only 40+ years of my solo journey but also 30 years of independence as an artist, songwriter, and producer on my own label, Avitone. Your love, streams, shares, and support made it all possible. 🩵🩷

But this isn’t just about summer — it’s about keeping the energy alive into fall! 🍁 Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a walk, dancing in your living room, or just need a mood boost, LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 is here to keep you moving, inspired, and uplifted.

Let’s make this season one of joy, wellness, and music that moves us — together. 🎶✨

Close-up of Jody Watley smiling widely, holding a disco ball, with vibrant makeup and styled hair, against a colorful background featuring the text 'LET'S DANCE VOL. 1 Hit Them Beats'.

🎧 Stream “LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats)” → Here

💃🏾 Just push play… and keep dancing into fall! If you don’t dance, that’s OK, add it to your workout, cardio playlists or just vibing at home.

Subscribe to the Jody Watley Youtube channel to keep up with exclusive video uploads as well as Follow Jody Watley on Social Media Verified Pages.

About The Artist:

Jody Watley is a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum artist, songwriter, producer, and style icon. With 6 Billboard Top 10 Hot 100 hits, 13 No. 1 Dance singles, and a genre-spanning catalog—from R&B, Pop, and Hip Hop to Jazz, Electronic, and House—Watley is listed among Billboard’s Top 60 Female Artists of All Time.

A visionary and trailblazer, she set the blueprint for the independent artist movement by launching her own label, Avitone, in 1995—decades before it became a trend. Her solo career continues to thrive with critically acclaimed and chart-topping releases.

Jody Watley’s The Makeover: An Innovative Album Release Journey

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Admin

Album cover for Jody Watley's 2006 release 'The Makeover,' featuring a stylized image of Watley with text stating '#1 iTunes Top Dance/Electronic Albums 2006.'

On this day in 2006, Grammy-winning artist Jody Watley released her 8th full-length album, The Makeover — a bold and forward-thinking project that fused timeless style with modern electronic dance grooves. This aligned with the concept rooted in reminding people to not get so caught up in celebrity culture which was becoming ‘a thing’ with the onset of social media at the time. In addition she spoke on superficial beauty standards, inspired ironically by a layout she’d seen in a VOGUE Italia cover story called “Makeover Madness”. Jody Watley says in the liner notes to be your own personal superstar.

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Shifting Paradigms in Music Releases

Long before independent releases and creative brand partnerships became standard practice, Watley redefined the album rollout experience. For The Makeover, her Avitone label partnered with Virgin Megastore, high-end cosmetics brand Shu Uemura, and select beauty salons for an exclusive direct-to-retail launch. Fans were treated to live performances, meet-and-greets, autographs, and even full beauty makeovers — turning the album release into a glamorous, multi-sensory event.

“Cannily cross-marketed with her appearance on Bravo’s “Workout” .. finds space in the material for layers of fresh meaning.- Time Out NY

“new paradigms..damned if the album didn’t debut as the chain’s best selling release..” Hits Daily Double

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Chart-Topping Success Without Radio

Screenshot of the Virgin Megastore top ten album sales chart from August 15, 2006, featuring Jody Watley's album 'The Makeover' at number one.

The results were undeniable. The Makeover debuted at #1 on Virgin Megastore’s chain-wide sales chart, holding the position for five consecutive weeks — without the push of a radio single. On iTunes, it entered at #3 on the Top Electronic Albums chart, rising to #1. Eventually spawning three Top 5 Billboard Dance hits:

• #1 – “I Want Your Love” (also #1 UK Commercial Pop, giving Watley her first UK #1 in 20 years 🇬🇧)

• #2 – “Borderline”

• #5 – “A Beautiful Life”

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Reimagining the Familiar, Creating the New

The Makeover masterfully blended fresh originals with inventive reworkings of pop classics. Watley’s interpretations of “Borderline,” “Love Hangover,” “Waiting in Vain,” and CHIC’s “I Want Your Love” sat seamlessly alongside originals like “Bed of Roses,” co-written with acclaimed UK collective 4Hero.

Production credits included Watley herself alongside Rodney Lee, with contributions from King Britt, DJ Spinna, Ron Trent, 4Hero, and Mark de Clive-Lowe — a roster that underscored the album’s genre-crossing sophistication.

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Legacy & Influence

As the follow-up to 2003’s Midnight Lounge, The Makeover solidified Watley’s reputation for innovation in both music and marketing. Its success foreshadowed the now-common trend of artists creating immersive, lifestyle-driven release campaigns. Nearly two decades later, The Makeover still feels fresh — proof that style and substance never go out of fashion.

Jody Watley holding her album 'The Makeover' at a promotional event in front of a Virgin Megastore backdrop.

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Listen to The Makeover: Streaming at digital platform of your choice.

Follow Jody Watley on her official social media pages.

#TheMakeover #JodyWatley #Avitone30 #DanceMusic #Electronica #IndieArtistPower #JodyWatleyDiscography

Jody Watley Gives Us An Exclusive Making of ‘Dancer’

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Admin

A large group of dancers poses together in a studio with a brick wall backdrop, showcasing a diverse range of styles and expressions.

In continued celebration of 3 decades of Jody Watley independent label Avitone Recordings, she takes on an exclusive behind the scenes look for the making of the official video for the single DANCER, originally from her critically acclaimed glamorous soulful ride of “PARADISE”. The song is about self confidence no matter what you do in life onstage or off. It’s about the freedom of letting go.

A joyful woman laughing while participating in a dance rehearsal, surrounded by children and dancers in a studio setting.

Written by Jody Watley and Federico Costantini (Italy), DANCER is more than a club track — it’s a declaration of self-belief.

Hit Them Beats – Lose Yourself – Get IN the Music!

Watch the Newly Released Behind The Scenes Making of Exclusively on The Official Jody Watley YouTube Channel: Here

Stream the music at the digital music outlet of your choice for Jody Watley Music.

Jody Watley Takes Control Of Her Own Destiny With New Label Avitone

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Admin

-Billboard Magazine, The Rhythm & The Blues – J.R. Reynolds
June 1995

A feature from the archives of Billboard Magazine, 1995.

“Watley Takes Control Of Her Own Destiny”

Jody Watley launched Avitone Records to release her own music, beginning with the album “Affection” (July 11, 1995). The debut single made waves at R&B radio while the album, co-written & produced by Watley and Derrick Edmonson, blended uptempo grooves with soulful intimacy and live instrumentation. Affection was manufactured, marketed and distributed by Bellmark owned by music veteran Al Bell. Al Bell is an American record producer, songwriter, and record executive. He is best known as having been an executive and co-owner of Stax Records Al Bell is an American record producer, songwriter, and record executive.

He is best known as having been an executive and co-owner of Stax Records. He later started his own label, Bellmark, whose releases included Tag Team’s single “Whoomp! (There It Is)” (1993) and Prince (1994 single) The Most Beautiful Girl In The World for Prince’s NPG label.

“I’m an artist who likes to keep changing and developing. It was time to take another chance.” – Jody Watley

By year’s end, Billboard named:

#7 Top Indie R&B Label – Avitone

#8 Top Indie R&B Single – Affection

Do it yourself. Believe in your vision.

Fast forward 3 decades, we celebrate the milestone with Jody Watley – “LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats)”

The album vaulted to #1 iTunes US Dance Albums 7.11.25 and #1 Amazon Music U.K. Top Dance Electronic Albums. Let’s Dance becomes Jody Watley’s third #1 independent album release following “The Makeover” in 2006 and “Midnight Lounge” 2003 Top Dance Electronic Albums iTunes.

Let’s Dance Vol. 1 is a nonstop dance extravaganza featuring mixes by Craig C. Quentin Harris, Josh Peace, Mark de Clive-Lowe, John “J-C” Carr, Morgan Page, Love To Infinity, Jodie Harsh, Alex Di Ciò, Ron Trent, Brian Power.

Celebrate 30 years of Jody Watley’s Avitone Recordings label with “LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats)” — a sizzling new album of indie dance gems, remastered Avitone club classics and chart-topping faves.

Available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms worldwide.

About The Artist:

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer and style icon. Named Best New Artist in 1988, she’s one of Billboard’s Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, with 6 Top 10 Hot 100 hits, 13 No. 1 Dance singles, and genre-spanning success across R&B, Pop, Dance, and Jazz. A visionary in music and fashion,

Watley helped pave the way for Black women to break boundaries. Honored as a Crossover Music Icon by Black Music Honors, her influence continues—decades strong.

30 Years of Avitone: The Evolution of Jody Watley

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Admin

30 YEARS OF AVITONE. STILL SETTING THE VIBE.

Jody Watley is celebrating 30 years of her independent label Avitone, the vehicle to release her music. “Midnight Lounge” released in 2003 is one of many notable releases. 3rd album for the label following 1995’s Affection, 2000’s Saturday Night Experience Vol. 1 which ushered in the new millennium and a new artistic era for Watley.

#1 iTunes Electronic Album.

Critically Acclaimed.

Soulful. Sleek. Ahead of its time, Written and Produced by Jody Watley, Rodney Lee and Ron Trent.

✨“Best album of her career.” – Blues & Soul UK

✨“Smooth house vibes, a delightful soulful surprise.” – URB

✨“A brave record… classy & cool.” – AP / Washington Post

💫Independently iconic. Forever evolving.

Revisit | Discover this Jody Watley Classic Independent Release and Avitone 30the anniversary milestone. The album and other Avitone releases are streaming at platforms of your choice and help celebrate this album and the boldly independent artist, writer and producer continued evolution.