Jody Watley Puts A Joyful Jazzy Spin On Holiday Classic

New on Eurweb: Jody Watley puts a joyful and jazzy spin on classic holiday song “Christmas Time Is Here”.. Read Full Feature HERE

Jody Watley. Vibe Magazine 2003. DomePiece.

Jody Watley. Vibe Magazine, 2003.

** an interesting write-up** the only feature I had in Vibe Magazine..I remain true to what I say here – decades later. I’m not sure why they used a photo from 1989 for this piece in 2003, but it’s a classic Steven Mesiel shot!

Some Kind of Love. Domepiece, Written by Nicola Vassell

Talk about multi-faceted, Jody Watley has found success as a dancer, singer, songwriter, model, Broadway actors fitness video instructor, and labor founder. At only 17, the Los Angeles High School grad turned a dancing stint into a singing career with Shalamar which debuted on the charts in 1977 with Uptown Festival (Part 1) and followed up with hits like “The Second Time Around” and “This Is For The Lover In You.” After a less than amicable parting of the ways in 1983, Watley went solo. Fueled by her avant grade appeal and songs like “Looking For A New Love” her self titled debut won a Grammy for Best New Artist. Her subsequent six U.S. albums included such hits as “Real Love”. Watley who lives on Los Angeles wit her daughter Lauren 20, and son Arie 10, recently released a dance album, “Midnight Lounge” through her own label Avitone and Shinbone Alley / Shanachie Entertainment.

In school, I never had a feeling of belonging, I was quiet, well dressed and smart. Unfortunately, those traits don’t win you a lot of friends, so performing became my outlet. I was always determined to not just make it, but to stand out. After being in a group where I wasn’t always a part of the decision making, I wanted my solo efforts to come from a position of strength. Back then, there were no Black females making the type of artistic statements I wanted to make. I made a conscious decision to make my first two soli albums uptempo. I didn’t want anything to be reminiscent of Shalamar.

At a certain point, there was pressure from my record company to work with specific producers, but I was stubborn. Even my collaboration with the god of hip-hop Rakim, on “Friends” made the label very nervous. But I did it because I was a true fan of his. No other rapper has a voice like his – and I knew that long before Truth Hurts.

I just held true to what I believed, and that’s hard to do. Art and commerce don’t always mix. If you’re an artist, inevitably you’ll want to change to set a path for others to follow. To be a celebrity is one scenario, but to be an artist, there has to be a defined vision. You have to believe when no one else believes, and be fearless in your efforts. I feel good knowing I was one of the first girls to work it with my attitude, flavor style and most importantly my individuality.

Jody Watley Warms Up UK Soul Chart Vaulting from 8 to 2.

Jody Watley Winter Nights EP Number 2 UK Soul Chart

 

Jody Watley ‘Winter Nights’ EP vaults from Number 8 to 2 on the UK Soul Chart this week. Thanks to all supporting this release. Thank you Alex Di Cio’, Steve Ripley, UK Soul Radio DJ’s. Get ‘Winter Nights’ or stream now at the digital platform of your choice.

I’ve been counted out, dismissed, overlooked by some – but nothing diminishes my drive, integrity and love of what I do putting out quality music — remaining creative, with integrity always true to myself as an artist.

Since 1995 – Avitone Recordings ‘Fueling Quality Music Independently’

‘Spring’ is coming.

Jody Watley and SRL Score Second Number 1 on British Radio

Jody Watley & SRL continue to burn up the UK soul radio scene with a second Number 1 single on popular station Solar Radio with “The Passion.”

SRL which means Soul Revolution Love has definitely begun a movement for our own brand of contemporary soul music.

Jody Watley and SRL. The Passion Adds At American Radio

With 63 spins this week, 8th most added and number 2 increase the Soul Revolution Of Love movement continues.

Station Adds

Global Listening Loft :

Listen

BBC Radio and The Radio Legend Tony Blackburn Feel The Passion from Jody Watley and SRL.

Major play for the single “The Passion” Jody Watley & SRL currently the Number 3 UK Soul Single.

Getting played by British radio legend Tony Blackburn is a terrific development truly a soul revolution of love.

A passion for living – A passion for life.

Jody Watley and SRL Debut On UK Soul Chart

Jody Watley featuring SRL. make an impressive debut on the UK Soul Chart Top 30 at Number 6.

Chart published on February 20, 2018

View Full Chart: UK Soul Chart Top 30