If there is no opportunity or representation-create it. Flashback to 1990 – “Dance to Fitness” which went on to become a number one fitness million selling video – “I wanted to do this because there were no videos by women of color in the health and fitness market..it was time and my music is perfect for it.”
Of the many business and marketing ideas (clothing line, cosmetic endorsements, a signature perfume) I had back then, this is one that actually came to fruition.
Another reason I’m so happy for Rihanna with her endeavors – the times often dictate and the door is opened a bit wider each generation.
I posted this on my Instagram and Facebook- say hello!
Black Music Honors aired for the final time today on Bounce-such gratitude to receive those roses while I’m here to appreciate them. The Black Music Honors TV show in it’s second year has class and soul. The proceeds benefit the building of the National African American Museum of Music being built in Nashville, Tennessee.
The other great thing about this show was their going outside of the box beyond the usual artists that are repeated over and over not just Honors but performers as well. Thanks again Sevyn Streeter and Vivian Green – both have new projects out so please support those wonderful ladies and artists.
I’m going to upload my full speech – they had to edit though I didn’t get the play off music!
There’s a lot of not so positive things going on in the world – Be open to good things..don’t get stuck in a rut.
Syndicated television airing September 2-30 and on the Bounce Network Oct.10, 2017.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2017 MARKET ST STATION AFF TIME Albany, GA GA WSWG CBS 2:00 PM Alexandria LA NALB NBC 11:00 AM Augusta-Aiken GA WRDW CBS 1:00 PM Buffalo NY WIVB CBS 3:00 PM Chattanooga TN EFLI CW 4:00 PM Chattanooga TN ETVC CW 12:00 PM Dayton OH WHIO CBS 4:00 PM Houston TX KHOU CBS 3:00 PM Knoxville TN WVLT CBS TBA Memphis TN WLMT CW 7:00 PM Milwaukee WI WDJT CBS 12:30 PM Nashville TN WTVF CBS 3:00 PM Peoria-Bloomington IL WMBD CBS 1:00 PM Richmond-Petersburg VA WTVR CBS 4:00 PM Rochester, NY NY WROC CBS 4:00 PM Tallahassee-Thomasville TX WCTV CBS 2:00 PM Tucson (Sierra Vista) AZ KWBA CW 7:00 PM Waco-Temple-Bryan TX KYLE MYNET 7:00 PM
SEPTEMBER 3, 2017 MARKET ST STATION AFF TIME Amarillo TX KCPN FOX 3:00PM Anchorage AK KYES MNT 12:00PM Austin TX KVUE ABC 1:00PM Baton Rouge LA KWBJ CW 2:00PM Cincinnati OH WCPO ABC 12:00PM Charlotte NC WCCB CW 2:00AM Columbus, GA (Opelika, AL) GA WLTZ NBC 1:30AM Columbus-Tupelo-W Pnt-Hstn MS WLOV/WTVA FOX/ABC 11:00AM Davenport-R.Island-Moline IA KLJB IND 2:00PM Greenville-N.Bern-Washngtn NC WYDO/WFXI FOX 3:00PM Grand Rapids-Kalmzoo-B.Crk MI WZZM ABC 2:00PM
SEPTEMBER 3, 2017 MARKET ST STATION AFF TIME Jacksonville FL WJXX ABC 2:00PM Jackson, MS MS WAPT ABC 1:00PM Little Rock-Pine Bluff AR KLRT/KASN FOX/CW 2:00PM Monroe-El Dorado LA KARD/KNBC FOX/NBC 10:00AM New York NY WPIX CW 8:00PM Norfolk-Portsmth-Newpt Nws VA WVBT FOX 2:00PM Odessa-Midland TX KPEJ IND 12:00PM Philadelphia PA WPSG CW 2:00PM Rochestr-Mason City-Austin MN KAAL ABC 12:00PM St. Louis MO KNLC IND 12:00PM Shreveport LA KMSS FOX 4:00PM Savannah GA WTGS FOX 1:00PM Youngstown OH WYFX FOX 12:00PM
SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 MARKET ST STATION AFF TIME Baltimore MD WNUV CW 6:00PM Charleston, SC SC WCIV MNTV 4:00PM Chattanooga TN EFLI CW 4:00PM Dothan AL WDHN ABC 4:00AM Fresno-Visalia CA KFRE CW 2:00PM Minneapolis-St. Paul MN KSTP ABC 1:35AM Providence-New Bedford RI WLWC CW 1:00PM Richmond-Petersburg VA WTVR CBS 11:35PM
SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 MARKET ST STATION AFF TIME Atlanta GA WATL MNT 7:00PM Ft. Wayne IN WPTADT3 MYTV 2:00PM Dallas-Ft. Worth TX KDAF CW 12:00PM Joplin-Pittsburg MO KSNF NBC 10:30AM Macon GA WGXA / EGXA ABC 1:00PM Miami-Ft. Lauderdale FL WSFL CW 3:00PM Mobile-Pensacola (Ft Walt) AL WFNA CW 4:00PM New Orleans LA WUPL MYNET 4:30PM New Orleans LA WUPL MYNET 5:00PM Palm Springs CA KAKZ IND 7:00PM St. Louis MO KNLC IND 4:00PM South Bend-Elkhart IN WSBT CBS 1:00PM Toledo OH WMNT IND 11:00AM Tyler-Longview(Lfkn&Ncgd) TX KTPN/KFXKDT2 MNT/FOX 7:00PM Wilmington DE WILM CBS 8:00PM
SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 MARKET ST STATION AFF TIME Alexandria, LA LA KALB NBC
SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 MARKET ST STATION AFF TIME La Crosse-Eau Claire WI WKBT CBS 1:00AM Alexandria, LA LA NALB NBC 11:00AM Pittsburgh PA WPNT FOX 2:00PM Chicago IL WGN CW 7:00PM Minneapolis-St. Paul MN KSTC ABC 7:00PM
SEPTEMBER 17, 2017 MARKET ST STATION AFF TIME Albany, GA GA WSWGDT3 CBS 11:00 AM Baton Rouge LA KWBJ CW 2:00 PM Chattanooga TN EFLI CW 12:00 PM Chattanooga TN EFLI CW 8:00 PM Columbus, OH OH WWHO CW 4:00 PM Detroit MI WADL IND 5:00 PM Ft. Wayne IN WPTADT3 MYTV 1:00 AM Greenvll-Spart-Ashevll-And NC WYCW CW 2:00 PM Joplin-Pittsburg MO KSNF NBC 11:30 PM Meridian MS WTOK ABC 12:30 PM Orlando-Daytona Bch-Melbrn FL WFTV ABC 2:00 PM Providence-New Bedford RI WLWC CW 2:30 PM Palm Springs CA KAKZ IND 7:00 PM Raleigh-Durham (Fayetvlle) NC WRDC MNT 8:00 PM South Bend-Elkhart IN WBND ABC 2:00 PM Toledo OH WMNT IND 11:00AM
SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 Chicago IL WGN CW 10:00 PM Lafayette, LA LA KDCG H&I 3:00 PM San Antonio TX KSAT ABC Washington, DC (Hagrstwn) DC WDCW CW 4:00 PM
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 Chattanooga TN EFLI CW 3:00 PM Madison WI TWV CBS Tyler-Longview(Lfkn&Ncgd) TX KTPN MNT 3:00 PM
OCTOBER 8, 2017 New Orleans LA WUPL MYNET 4:30 PM New Orleans LA WUPL MYNET 5:00 PM
OCTOBER 15, 2017 Abilene-Sweetwater TX KRBC BOUNCE 12:00 PM Billings MT KSVI BOUNCE 1:00 PM Boston (Manchester) MA WUTF BOUNCE 11:00 AM Bowling Green KY WCZU BOUNCE 12:00 PM Birmingham (Ann and Tusc) AL WBRC BOUNCE 12:00 PM Biloxi-Gulfport MS WLOX BOUNCE 12:00 PM Burlington-Plattsburgh VT WFFF BOUNCE 11:00 AM Des Moines-Ames IA KCWI BOUNCE 12:00 PM Denver CO KTFD BOUNCE 1:00 PM Erie PA WFXP BOUNCE 11:00 AM Evansville IN WTVW BOUNCE 11:00 AM Flint-Saginaw-Bay City MI WEYI BOUNCE 11:00 AM Fargo-Valley City ND KRDK BOUNCE 12:00 PM Ft. Myers-Naples FL WGPS BOUNCE 11:00 AM Ft. Smith-Fay-Sprngdl-Rgrs AR KFTA BOUNCE 12:00 PM Grand Junction-Montrose CO KREX BOUNCE 1:00 PM Green Bay-Appleton WI WFRV BOUNCE 12:00 PM Greenwood-Greenville MS WMYA BOUNCE 12:00 PM Hattiesburg-Laurel MS WDAM BOUNCE 12:00 PM Indianapolis IN WNDY BOUNCE 11:00 AM Lake Charles LA KPLC BOUNCE 12:00 PM
Super awesome my second album “Larger Than Life” featuring the groundbreaking collaboration “Friends” ft. Eric B & Rakim, “Real Love” and the ballad “Everything” is amongst these great albums! When people tell you it can’t be done – prove them wrong, focus on your goals, always have a vision, work hard, pray and believe in yourself. Click to read the full list. Black Music Honors 2017 Crossover Music Icon Honoree
It was an epic night in Nashville, Tennessee at The Tennessee Performing Arts Center as I was the recipient of the Crossover Music Icon Award. I’ll be doing a more extensive post but wanted to share a few photos.
En route in a custom couture lace tux by Kevan Hall.
Red carpet and a post show exchange with host Rickey Smiley about a “workers of inequity” inspirational video he posted last year that was very timely.
Dancers ready to back up Sevyn Streeter and Vivian Green in the Jody Watley tribute.
Front row baby! Looking forward to a great show and nervous about what I was going to say because I didn’t write a speech, just wanted to be in moment and enjoy the night.
With Sevyn Streeter and Vivian Green after the tribute- they were so awesome and kind wanting to do me proud – they did.
My dear friend , SRL mate and renowned choreographer Rosero McCoy had all dancers on point for the night – and for moral support too!
With Teddy Riley and Damian Hall from Guy.
With my best friend Wallace Butts from Avid Music Inc – friend through thick and thin.
Got a big hug from Jackie Jackson of The Jacksons recipients of Lifetime Achievement Award – great to see them honored – overdue and well deserved.
They have pivotal moments in my life-making this night even more special.
You’ve got to be willing to be ridiculed to open the door wider for the next generation in life, music, politics – all of it.
I intended to make that point in my speech but ended up in another direction. It means everything to receive this recognition.
With renowned Hip hop /rap artist DaBrat.
With the incomparable Oleta Adams – she’s such a loving person too! I did the Colors of Christmas Tour with her several years ago and it was such a pleasure to sing with her – we also share a publicist and friend Tom Estey.
Backstage after the receiving my award for Crossover Music Icon. The statuette itself is so regal. I dedicated my award to my parents.
Rickey Smiley was a great host along with LeToya Luckett – I was doubled over in laughter.
Hanging out post show with LeToya Luckett- so kind. LeToya gave me the most exquisite perfume after I complimented how good she smelled (like gardenia and roses).
LeeLee from SWV always beautiful , effervescent and keeps it 100 – love and those ladies.
Watch the full clip.. I’m asked about Unsung..
One of the great nights of my life – this summer has truly been awesome despite all the ugliness of the world. I thank all past and present-and as always I look forward to keeping it moving to the next.
Thanks again Central City Productions, Don Jackson and Black Music Honors for truly making it a night to remember!
Airing Sept.2 syndicated television channels around the club and throughout October on Bounce network.
This show is also in support of funding for National African American Museum of Music.
As the world continues to turn for all of the bad and good..life keeps ticking. I choose to focus of the energy of always being the change I want to see and encouraging others – love is the message.
Diligence.
I’m Nashville as honoree “Crossover Music Icon” for my contributions to soul and pop music as trendsetter and Icon – it’s really even more special to be honored on same night as The Jacksons (rest in peace King of Pop Michael Jackson)..they were such an inspiration to me growing up as I’ve said along the way of my career and life journey- my Mom could tell you that! Music is such a powerful force in life. Heals, inspires, motivates, gives hope..and so much more. I’m so thankful to continue to spread joy and to also continue to inspire others to be yourself, stay strong and do you — no matter what people have to say.
The taping is this evening and will be televised in September and October.
This!
We still have a long way to go as human beings on planet earth…
In Nashville, I came across the reminder of how those who fight for change with the system being as it is are often penalized. Hats off to fighters for civil and human rights then and now.
What the commemorative sign reads : “On February 13, 1960 124 students from Nashville’s historically black colleges and universities walked into Woolworth’s, Kress and McClellan’s and sat down at the lunch counters and asked to be served to no avail. The students also targeted Walgreens, W.T. Grant as well as Harvey’s, and Cain Sloan Department stores. Their goal was to desegregate Nashville lunch counters. The student protesters experienced no violence until February 27. On that day at Woolworth’s and McClellan’s white resisters threw the students from their seats, punched, kicked and spat upon them. Nashville police only arrested the student protesters. 81 students were arrested and charged with loitering and disorderly conduct. Two days later, the court fined each student 50.00. They took a principled stand and refused to pay the bail and spent 33 1/3 days in jail. ” let that sink in and fast forward to 2017
Music Honors, Rosero McCoy (SRL) choreographer for the Jody Watley Tribute and other artists in the show snapped this photo.
Sept.2,2017 Jody Watley ft SRL. Yoshi’s Oakland (I’ll be doing a tribute to George Michael) and celebrating Jody Watley 30! As well SRL on the show and we will be previewing two new songs.
I’m absolutely thrilled to make this announcement.
Honoree Letter Black Music Honors:
On behalf of the Honoree selection committee for the Black Music Honors television special, we are pleased to notify you that we would like to honor Jody Watley with the prestigious R&B/Soul award on August 18, 2017 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, Tennessee otherwise known as Music City! The R&B/Soul award is presented to African American icons in the music industry that have made significant contributions in the shaping, building, and longevity of American Music.
Black Music Honors is a 2-hour musical honors special produced by Central City Productions, Inc. under the leadership of Don Jackson, with productions that include “Stellar Gospel Music Awards”, “Black College Quiz”, “Stellar Tribute to the Holidays”, and more. Black Music Honors was created to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments of those African Americans that have played a major role in shaping the Black music industry. By honoring Jody Watley, we will be able to show appreciation for the exceptional music she has created to enrich the world.
Industry greats that were honored at the inaugural taping include Dionne Warwick, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Staxx Records, Clarence Avant, and Big Daddy Kane. This 2-hour special will air in national broadcast syndication during the entire month of September 2017. We are a firm believer in teaching and preserving the foundation that has been laid for the future generation.
Ticket proceeds from this event will be donated to The National Museum of African American Music which was founded to recognize the many contributions African-American artists have made in shaping the soundtrack of American music. You can visit their website at http://nmaam.org.
Congratulations to the other 2017 honorees: Donnie McClurkin, Slick Rick, Oleta Adams, and R&B Group Guy. The show will be hosted by Rickey Smiley.
