Vintage ad for LA Eyeworks 1988 one of the first celebrity centric campaigns featured an eclectic range of artists, actors and actresses with photography by Greg Gorman.
“I was blessed to be a part of so many firsts when I became a solo artist in 1987 – being featured in a few of the first “celebrity” ad campaigns which have now become a popular trend – is still an honor for me opening the door a bit wider for other female artists who not only make great music but have memorable style.” – Jody Watley
I had a great time as guest DJ on Sirius Xm Big 80’s on 8 February 1, playing some of my favorite artists and songs. Though my music continues and spans decades of various genres – being a part of an era of music that was so much fun, full of variety from pop, dance, r&b, rock, punk, new wave.. from the music to the clothes is truly special. I appreciate SIRIUS for having me on again having guest DJ’ed on BK Kirkland’s The Groove in 2020.
If you missed it and are a subscriber, tune in February 9 at 3 PM EST, for the rebroadcast.
2008 : Jody Watley VOGUE ITALIA The Historic Black Issue
Photography: Herb Ritts
Makeup: JoAnn Gair
Hair: Peter Savic
This issue featured 4 covers (Naomi Campbell, Liya Kebede, Jourdan Dunn Sessilee Lopez) only black models, all the feature topics are related to black women in arts and entertainment. It sold out in 72 hours, with 60,000 more copies ordered for reprint. Currently selling for $2,500 on eBay. Did you grab a copy?!
An honor to be in the issue, led by the visionary editor Franca Sozzani.
Jody Watley. Music Trailblazer. R&B Soul Effect TV.
Grammy Winner and multiple nominee Jody Watley-singer/songwriter/producer/businesswoman, is one of the architects of 21st century pop.
“Still a Thrill,” whose video was the first (and as yet unmatched) time a pop star flexed their skills at waacking, the underground Los Angeles dance that is a sibling to both breakdancing and voguing.
First woman of color to play Rizzo on Broadway in the hit musical GREASE!
SPUR Japan, first woman of color to appear on the cover of a Japanese fashion magazine for the lauch of SPUR.
“Friends,” featuring Eric B & Rakim the first rap/ sung collaboration with Pop/R&B singer and rapper to crossover Top 10 Hot 100 , R&B, Rap/Hip Hop and Dance. The pairing became the blueprint for all other such pairing and continues to be a dominant part of pop music. In 2002 The Recording Academy add the Rap/Sung Category.
Jody-penned phrase “Hasta la vista” into popular vernacular, becoming so huge that Arnold Schwarzenegger jacked it for his signature line in the movie The Terminator).
Jody Watley ranks as one of MTV’s most nominated artists for her David Fincher directed video “Real Love” with 7 nominations.
One of the defining artists of the 80’s, Watley’s “Friends” was the first multi-format crossover smash crrover hit to introduce and pair the custom and specialized 16 bar verse with a rapper and singer in Pop music in 1989. The formula became such a popular mainstay in the commercial mainstream The GRAMMY’s added the “Rap/Sung” Category in 2002.
She’s been featured in VOGUE, ITALIAN VOGUE (including the Historic “The Black Issue in 2008), Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, Essence and named one of America’s Most Beautiful People by People Magazine. Songwriting honors from BMI are also amongst her achievements for many of her hit singles.
in 2018 Jody Watley was ranked by Billboard Magazine in the Top 60 Hot 100 Female Artists of All Time at 53 and in 2016 Top 25 Greatest Dance Club Artists of All Time at 16.
Watley is a longtime advocate for LGBTQ rights, has served as a board member for The Music Institute, is a former Los Angeles Chapter Recording Academy Governor and continues to work with The Recording Academy on various initiatives for artist rights with the legislature.
On the entrepreneurial side, Watley has also remained ahead of the game; forming her own independent label Avitone Recordings in 1995 continuing to release a broad range of musical offerings securing various international licensing deals. In 2020 Watley launched an exclusive line of luxury soy candles with an eye and home and self care available at her online store.This is a savvy businesswoman on top of artist, songwriter, actress, producer who continues to forge ahead on her own distinctive path.
This tribute post is everything. To rarely be acknowledged for my influence is something I’ve gotten used to and never expect it at this point so this is very special to me.
