Before it was a trend and popular viral accessory, Jody Watley made the handheld fans iconic. 

In the late 70s, teen Jody Watley lit up Soul Train and discos with her bold fashion, signature dance style. In fact, long before they became a viral accessory and incorporated into concerts by artists onstage-Jody Watley was making a statement.

With her ever-evolving fashion, fearless hairstyles, and signature use of fans in dance routines, Watley influenced a generation.

As Ebony Magazine once wrote:

“It’s not uncommon to see young women dancing the night away with fans whirring to the disco beat… another of Jody’s innovations.”

Nelson George wrote : ~Nelson George “The Hippest Trip In America – Soul Train and the evolution of culture and style – William Morrow Imprint of Harper Collins Books 

“..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..”

From silver shorts to prom dresses, from long ponytails to vintage glam, Watley was the moment—decades before social media.

Now, as the fan dance craze returns in songs like “Boots On The Ground,” it’s time to give credit where it’s long overdue the origins in black culture of which Watley was at the core.

She reintroduced the fans in 2014 with the release of her “Nightlife” single from the “PARADISE” EP a contemporary nod to disco and dance. The oversized custom painted fans were and continue to be emblazoned with her name, and other associated terms like “Wattage”

Watch this tribute on Official Jody Watley Youtube Channel – Here to a timeless icon and dance pioneer, turned Grammy winning artist, writer producer and style icon.