Grammy winner Jody Watley has influence and impact as one of music’s defining female artists of style that are undeniable.
Jody Watley is more than an award winning artist – she’s a cultural icon who reshaped the music and fashion landscape. In her groundbreaking solo career, Watley has fused R&B, Pop, and Dance with a fearless approach to music, image and style.
A recognized as a style icon going back to her teen years on the iconic show Soul Train. Excerpt from Nelson George “The Hippest Trip In America – Soul Train and the evolution of culture and style “….with Jody emerging as a late 70’s style icon. She could rock silver shorts and red glitter converse sneakers, vintage 1940’s inspired dresses with pumps or her prom dress. Her hair was an ongoing adventure, sometimes filled with tons of ribbons, sometimes long ponytails, or a 1940’s hairdo..” ~ Book published by William Morrow Imprint of Harper Collins Books.
This month we’ll revisit some everlasting moments in style as a solo artist – thus far.
Jody Watley – In 1989, she made history as the first black woman to appear in a GAP celebrity ad campaign, solidifying her as an influence beyond music. She isn’t just a singer she is a visionary. She has made hits and history. “Portraits: Individuals Of Style” photography by the legendary Herb Ritts. Jody Watley unabashedly represented a new era of Pop, and R&B-fierce, stylish and unapologetically authentic. She wasn’t just making music, Jody Watley was redefining what it meant to be a solo Black female artist in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Her sound was fresh, her visuals, were ahead of their time and her style? Unmatched. Jody Watley wasn’t following trends she was setting them.
Before the ‘90s explosion of celebrity driven fashion endorsements, GAP tapped Jody Watley for their 1989, as did l.a. Eyeworks in 1988 for their groundbreaking optical campaign.
– making her the first black woman featured in their iconic ads. This was a big deal. Major brands weren’t widely embracing Black artists in mainstream fashion campaigns at the time but Watley’s undeniable impact made her impossible to ignore. She helped lay the foundation for future artists to secure major fashion deals, showing that Black artists were not just entertainers but influential cultural figures.
Decades later, Jody Watley’s influence is still felt in music and fashion. Artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Erykah Badu continue the legacy of fusing style, music and brand partnerships – something Watley helped pioneer.
Celebrating Women’s History Month and Trailblazer Jody Watley.
