Jody Watley. Legends of Soul Tour Diary 5. Scenes.

On the road to Carlise.

On the road to .. from our base in Liverpool in the Mercedes Vito. © 2014 Jody Watley

Rhyl Pavilion - gorgeous theater.  © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Rhyl Pavilion – gorgeous theater. I always go to the stage first to get the vibe. © 2014 Jody Watley Images

A view from my dressing room - heavy winds and rain by the sea. ©2014 Jody Watley Images

A view from my dressing room in Rhyl, my second stop upon arrival – heavy winds and rain by the sea. Most dressing rooms don’t have windows, let alone a view of any kind.   ©2014 Jody Watley Images

Ok..so an afternoon pre-show 'snack' - all for fun of course. © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Early Pre-show silly shenanigans  after plates were shoved in my direction for my constant photo taking – – all for fun and laughs of course..the joke being all the food being washed down with a ‘Diet Coke.’ The KFC took me back to my teen Soul Train days when all we got was a cold two piece snack and a cold soda – which none of us minded just to be on television getting exposure on the road to pursuing our dreams..who knew I’d be in North Wales one day and they’d have it. I would have preferred salad greens..lol.  The key to life must include a sense of humor!   © 2014 Jody Watley Images

"Get your Legends of Soul Tour programs!" © 2014 Jody Watley Images.

“Get your Legends of Soul Tour programs!” Testing out my camera options on the black and white and color accents!  © 2014 Jody Watley Images.

Meet and Greet. Rhyl Pavilion. © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Pre-Show Meet and Greet for those who purchased tickets (serious autographs collectors) for first two rows. Rhyl Pavilion. © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Chillin' in my dressing room before meet and greet vortex , just killing time - #selfie © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Chillin’ in my dressing room before meet and greet vortex ,  candles burning, listening to music – one of the few times I’ve had my own dressing room (Hallelujah!!) just killing time – #selfie © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Backstage with David, we call him King David. Anders Knudsen. © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Backstage with Matt Kern  and another cutie Anders from Denmark (they’re both new artists /musicians, with this driver gig as an adventure to learn the business ropes.. so I will be able to say I knew them when! © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Little Anthony having a laugh backstage as we wait to go back to hotel. © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Little Anthony having a laugh backstage as we wait to go back to hotel. © 2014 Jody Watley Images

5 minutes and I'm on. © 2014 Jody Watley Images

5 minutes and I’m on. Ready for showtime in sequins and glitter stiletto’s by Jerome C. Rousseau – yes!  © 2014 Jody Watley Images

My view backstage - partial of the band. © 2014 Jody watley Images

My view backstage – partial of the band. © 2014 Jody Watley Images

A real cutie, all of our drivers are hot! © 2014 Jody Watley Images.

Matt is a real cutie, all of our drivers are rock star  hot! © 2014 Jody Watley Images.

After a near two hour drive..back at our hotel -some of us overstay the customary 'fabulous buffet'  and the security screens go up - closing time. © 2014 Jody watley Images

After a near two hour drive..back at our hotel -some of us overstay the customary ‘fabulous buffet’ and the security screens go up – closing time, “Where are my keys?!” . © 2014 Jody watley Images

We’re in the home stretch now..

It’s In The Music!

Jody Watley. Legends of Soul Tour Diary. Three.

One of my indulgences at home and travel are luxury candles. Photo © 2014: Joy Watley Images

One of my indulgences at home and travel are luxury candles – treat yourself to something nice I say! Photo © 2014: Jody Watley Images

A beautiful day in Liverpool. Photo: © 2014 Jody Watley Images.

A beautiful day in Liverpool. Photo: © 2014 Jody Watley Images.

Beatles 50. A capture from HMV..nice to see an actual 'record' store still exists! © 2104 Jody Watley Images

Beatles 50. A capture from HMV..nice to see an actual ‘record’ store still exists! © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Retail Therapy. I love my scarf - 60% off Vivenne Westwood - longtime style favorite! © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Retail Therapy. I love my scarf – 60% off Vivenne Westwood winter sale – longtime style favorite! © 2014 Jody Watley Images All Rights Reserved

Pre-Show Meet and Greet for those who purchased tickets for first two rows  © 2014 Jody Watley Images Halifax Victoria Theatre

Pre-Show Meet and Greet for those who purchased tickets for first two rows © 2014 Jody Watley Images Halifax Victoria Theatre

Vanity table, dressing room - Halifax. © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Vanity table, dressing room – Halifax. © 2014 Jody Watley Images All rights reserved.

© 2014 Little Anthony still sounds like a teenager and has lots well earned admiration. Meet and Greet; Halifax United Kingdom

My Mom will love this – but I appreciate it as well. Little Anthony of the Imperials still sounds like a teenager onstage, hits every note with charm and has lots of well earned admiration  and love – great songs and artistry survive trend and youth!. Meet and Greet; Halifax United Kingdom © 2014 Jody Watley Images All rights Reserved

I'm in awe of this man - Dennis Edwards the last remaining 'LIVING' lead singer of the Temptations. Meet and Greet Halifax, UK.  © 2014 Jody Watley Images

I’m in awe of this man, love him to pieces my fellow Aquarian – Dennis Edwards the last remaining ‘LIVING’ lead singer of the Temptations. Meet and Greet Halifax, UK. © 2014 Jody Watley Images All Rights Reserved

Meet and Greet, Halifax. © 2014 Jody Watley Images, All Rights Reserved

Meet and Greet, Halifax. © 2014 Jody Watley Images, All Rights Reserved

Grooving backstage with Candi Staton - my goodness such great music out here, taken for granted in the states but HIGHLY revered here in the United Kingdom. © 2014 Jody Watley Images. All Rights Reserved.

Grooving backstage with Candi Staton in St. Helens United Kingdom Theatre Royal – my goodness such great music and artistry out here, taken for granted in the states but HIGHLY revered here in the United Kingdom. © 2014 Jody Watley Images. All Rights Reserved.

Pre-show Chill out..waiting, to get dressed, Halifax Victoria Theatre. Not that glamorous! © 2014 Jody Watley Images

Pre-show Chill out after meet and greet..waiting – Halifax Victoria Theatre. Not that glamorous – forgot my candle too! © 2014  Jody Watley Images All Rights Reserved

David Gest poses with two of my fans after the show - 'Get in the car David!" © 2014 Jody Watley Images

The inimitable David Gest host of “Legends of Soul Tour’ after a prompt poses with two of my fans after the show in Halifax, United Kingdom and then – ‘Get in the car David -it’s cold and rainy outside! © 2014 Jody Watley Images

I’m having a wonderful time – with all of the drama, back stories, anecdotes, twists and turns – I love it, another unique experience of a lifetime! A sold out – Liverpool Philharmonic up next!

Jody Watley Legends of Soul Tour Diary. One.

On the road from Skegness, United Kingdom. © 2014 Jody Watley

On the road,  leaving  Minehead, United Kingdom. © 2014 Photo by Jody Watley

Keeping my eye on the driver for more reasons than one. © 2014 Jody Watley

Keeping my eye on the driver for more reasons than one. © 2014 Jody Watley

Driving and traveling from one destination to another make sure to take in the scenery and remember it’s the journey, not simply the destination in this life we live. The David Gest Presents: Legends of Soul Concert tour began with a chaotic schedule, for a few days where was no wifi which drove me crazy I’ll admit. It’s the little things right? I had to laugh what did we do before. I filled my downtime instead with writing and some good old fashioned book reading.

The scenic photographs were taken from the front seat of the Mercedes Vito a group of us were in.  While the others slept on this just past dawn departure, I was keeping an eye on the scenery and the driver, riding shotgun as they say, to make sure our very handsome driver didn’t fall asleep at the wheel as I was convinced he’d been up all night!

David Gest Presents Legends of Soul Concert Tour Schedule:

legendsofsoul_scheduleofshows

Jody Watley. Anything Is Possible.

If anyone had suggested when I was growing up that one day I would tour with and celebrate my birthday with one of the voices of the legendary Temptations whose music I grew up on and love so much – I’d say ‘yeah right!’ and then I would have giggled uncontrollably.

Fast forward, February 3, 2014 – Liverpool, England with Dennis Edwards of The Temptations one of the great male voices in soul music – and music period ..  giggled uncontrollably!

It doesn’t have to be this type of thing, but truly anything in life is possible – just keep pushing forward.

JodyWatley_DennisEdwards_LegendsofSoul_Aquarians_Birthday_Cake

An amazing birthday cake in the form of a Chanel handbag! © 2014 Jody Watley

An amazing birthday cake in the form of a Chanel handbag! © 2014 Jody Watley

Aquarian Birthday King and Queen! © Jody Watley All Rights Reserved.

Aquarian Birthday King and Queen! © Jody Watley All Rights Reserved.

Jody Watley. Nightlife Interviews. 2013 Rewind and Forward.

Jody Watley. Nightlife. Photo Courtesy of Jody Watley Music (c) 2013

Jody Watley. Nightlife. Photo Courtesy of Jody Watley Music (c) 2013

JodyWatley_NIGHTLIFE_SINGLECOVER_1

NIGHTLIFE: written by Jody Watley (Jody Watley Music, BMI) Julien Aletti, Raphael Aletti (Aletti Brothers Music, BMI) Produced by Count De Money for Peace Bisquit and Jody Watley – Remixes by Moto Blanco; Jodie Harsh, Dave Doyle, Soulpersona, Luminodisco, released on Avitone.

Despite the accessibility of information and frequent posts on all of my social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest), some seem to lag or simply too lazy to read and actually get updated to see what’s NEW with Jody Watley. “Any new music coming?” What have you been up to?” It’s all here and out there. In the event you’re sincere with interest and have missed or overlooked the numerous updates and interviews, I’ve compiled a easy to follow list of links to read, watch and get plugged in. “Nightlife” featuring Gerald Brown another fellow original Shalamar lead built momentum beginning in the summer of 2013 and continues going into 2014 (NIGHTLIFE moves to #18 Hot Billboard Dance Club Play will it will peak in the Top 20), and I prepare for the next single – It’s In The Music!

The “Nightlife” video is still to be released with the single still on the rise on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Charts – the edit took longer than we all thought, but’s it nearly done. There really are no rules in the music industry these days especially for independent  artists – it still takes a while to get the word out, without some sort of scandal! With the video, as with anything I do – it has to be right or not at all for me. Limited edition vinyl is available in the boutique. Do you have yours?

Upcoming Concerts: Billboard Live Osaka and Tokyo, Japan: Jan 18-22, 2014. David Gest presents Legends of Soul UK, get info: HERE. I look forward to doing select cities in 2014 in support of “Nightlife” and the forthcoming “Paradise. Expect a couple MAJOR surprises this year and a bombshell or two!

Okayplayer:

Jody Watley “Nightlife” -Single Preview Edit

“..Jody Watley delivers upon arrival..”

http://www.okayplayer.com/news/jody-watley-nightlife-single-preview-edit-mp3.html

CentricTV, Editors Choice:

“…the relevancy of this tune proves that Watley is a master class in how to keep a career in dance and R&B music going..”

http://www.centrictv.com/music/articles/2013/08/07/new-music-jody-watley-nightlife.html

The Urban Link, Jody Watley “Nightlife”

http://theurbanlink.net/2013/07/27/newmusic-jody-watley-nightlife-single-preview-edit-jodywatley/

Soulbounce: “Jody Watley Loves The Nightlife”

“..there are some talents who are living and breathing examples of diva-dom such as Jody  Watley..”

http://www.soulbounce.com/soul/2013/08/jody_watley_loves_the_nightlife.php

Ebony Magazine: Sonic Boom  The Weeks Hottest New Music: Jody Watley “Nightlife”

http://www.ebony.com/photos/entertainment-culture/sonic-boom-the-weeks-hottest-music-112#axzz2cCSI52ib

Urbanbridgez: Jody Watley Reunites With Shalamar’s Gerald Brown for New Single:

http://urbanbridgez.com/ubgblog/2013/08/09/music-preview-jody-watley-reunites-w-shalamars-gerald-brown-on-nightlife/

Poptastic Confessions:

http://poptasticconfessions.blogspot.com/2013/08/nightlife-by-jody-watley-available-for.html

Poptastic Confessions: Nightlife #1 Song of 2013

http://poptasticconfessions.blogspot.com/2013/12/1-song-of-2013.html

The QHBlend: Jody Watley From Soul Train to Nightlife:

“..Watley continues to define her artistic destiny unapologetically; it’s something in the reality television era of ‘R&B Divas’ that should be savored.”

http://theqhblend.wordpress.com/2013/08/20/jody-watley-from-soul-train-to-nightlife/

Bossip: Jody Watley New Single NIGHTLIFE: Here 

Soultrain: Jody Watley “Nightlife Single Preview”

http://soultrain.com/2013/08/06/jody-watley-nightlife-single-preview/

Blues and Soul: Jody Watley “Nightlife” Single Preview

http://www.bluesandsoul.com/review/2122/jody_watley_nightlife/

Soul11: Jody Watley Back with New Joint “Nightlife”

http://soul11music.blogspot.com/2013/08/new-joint-nightlife-jody-watley.html

FreshasFrankie: Jody Watley Nightlife Single Preview

http://freshasfrankie.com/jody-watley-nightlife-single-preview-edit/

The Los Angeles Examiner: Jody Watley Releases New Single “Nightlife”

http://www.examiner.com/article/jody-watley-releases-new-single-nightlife

Singersroom: Jody Watley Releases New single “Nightlife”:

http://singersroom.com/content/2013-08-05/Jody-Watley-Nightlife-Single-Preview/#ixzz2bAdvdUSZ

Interviews:

Wax Poetics Issue 57, cover story with Dean Van Nguyen, Music Maverick

http://www.waxpoetics.com/wax-poetics-magazine/issue-57

Yahoo Music: With Billy Johnson Jr. — 3 parts video interview Why Jody Watley’s New Single Is a Call To Get Fabulous

http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/hip-hop-media-training/why-jody-watley-song-call-fabulous-005235527.html

Uptown Magazine, Uptown Unplugged: ICONIC with Isoul Harris, Jody Watley Talks Trendsetting Fashion and Music

http://uptownmagazine.com/2013/11/iconic-jody-watley-talks-trendsetting-fashion-and-music/?utm_campaign=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_source=fb

Ebony: Jody Watley Is Still A Thrill with Miles Marshall Lewis

http://www.ebony.com/video/entertainment-culture/jody-watley-is-still-a-thrill-interview-999#axzz2jMP04lbE

JET Magazine: Catching Up With Jody Watley

http://www.jetmag.com/entertainment/music/catching-jody-watley/#.Uo6vYqUdf-k

The Singersroom: Jody Watley is Back Talking About Being An Innovator, The Music Industry, Radio and More

http://singersroom.com/content/2013-10-22/Jody-Watley-Is-Back-And-Talking-About-Being-An-Innovator-The-Music-Industry-Radio-Waacking-More/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#22275

The Amalgamation Interview: Talking Shalamar, Career and New Music

http://www.amalgamationmag.com/website/music/jody-watley-the-amalgamation-interview/

USAToday Sports: Chop-Up with Jason Jordan: Jody Watley

http://socialhub.usatodayhss.com/blogs-main/staffblogs/item/1225-celebrity-chop-up-jody-watley

Eurweb: Jody Watley Wants To Put Dance Back In The Mix

http://www.eurweb.com/2013/11/jody-watley-wants-to-put-dance-back-in-the-mix-with-new-single-nightlife/

The Life of Riley: Jody Watley Talks to Patrick Riley, A Nightlife To Remember

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/9/10/a-nightlife-to-remember.html

Essence Magazine: Queen of Nightlife Jody Watley Shares Top 10 Picks (Style/Fashion)

http://photos.essence.com/galleries/nightlife-queen-jody-watleys-top-10-nye-picks

Shulman Says: Jody Watley Talks Nightlife (3 part interview)

http://www.shulmansays.com/archives/BOSVIEW/Talking-NIGHTLIFE-with-Jody-Watley—Part-1/

http://www.shulmansays.com/archives/BOSVIEW/Talking-NIGHTLIFE-with-Jody-Watley—Part-2/

http://www.shulmansays.com/archives/BOSVIEW/Talking-NIGHTLIFE-with-Jody-Watley—Part-3/

Ebony Magazine: Jody Watley Shares Spicy Nightlife Recipe (Food/Entertaining)

http://www.ebony.com/life/recipe-jody-watleys-nightlife-chicken-333#axzz2pZonpUmt

Madame Noire: Jody Watley Talks Career, New Music, Entrpreneurship (Business); Here

Musicians Institute Foundation: Grammy Award Winning Artist Jody Watley Shares 7 Tips for Aspiring Artists (Business/ Guest Celebrity Blogger): Here

Sister2Sister Magazine (December 2013):

JodyWatley_Sister2Sister copy

Sophisticates Black Hair (January 2014): A Look Inside A Music Icons Paradise

JodyWatley_blackshairophisticates

JodyWatley_Sophisticates_BlackHair_page_2

Upscale Magazine January 2014: Legends Jody Watley Soul Power

JodyWatley_Legends_Upscale copy

Jody Watley Upcoming Tour Dates.

Photography: Mike Ruiz Makeup: Billy B.

Photography: Mike Ruiz Makeup: Billy B.

Jody Watley LIve in Japan:

Billboard Live Osaka, January 18, 2014

Billboard Live Tokyo, January 20 – 21, 2014

David Gest Presents Legends of Soul Tour:

I’m looking forward to not only performing my current hit single “Nightlife” and a few  classics from my solo and Shalamar days as the original female lead in my short set as a part of David Gest Presents Legends of Soul but continuing to spread the word about my upcoming “Paradise” and other musical ventures on the horizon. To share the stage with acts that I grew up listening to (Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Review (Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Song For You..), Candi Staton (I dance to Young Hearts Run Free at Giorgio’s nearly every Saturday, Sheila Ferguson another original lead of the super group The Three Degrees). Gwen Dickey (Wishing On A Star) and I last crossed paths when she was a member of Rose Royce, and I a member of Shalamar. This is a personal honor for me – an adventure in an ongoing musical journey!

31 JAN 2014 9.00PM
BUTLINS Bognor Regis
0845 070 4734 | ONLINE
01 FEB 20144.00PM
9.00PM
BUTLINS Minehead
0845 070 4734 | ONLINE
02 FEB 20144.00PM
8.30PM
BUTLINS Skegness
0845 070 4734 | ONLINE
06 FEB 20147.45PM
ST HELENS Theatre Royal
01744 756 000 | ONLINE
07 FEB 20147.45PM
ST HELENS Theatre Royal
01744 756 000 | ONLINE
08 FEB 20146.30PM
9.30PM
BLACKPOOL Viva
01253 297 297 | ONLINE
09 FEB 20147.30PM
HALIFAX Victoria Theatre
01422 351158 | ONLINE
11 FEB 20147.30PM
LIVERPOOL Philharmonic
0151 709 3789 | ONLINE
13 FEB 20147.45PM
STOCKPORT Plaza
0161 477 7779 | ONLINE
14 FEB 20147.30PM
RHYL Pavilion
01745 33 00 00 | ONLINE
15 FEB 20147.30PM
CARLISLE Sands Centre
01228 633766 | ONLINE
16 FEB 20147.30PM
NEWCASTLE Mill Tyne Theatre
0844 493 9999 | ONLINE
19 FEB 20147.30PM
OLDHAM Queen Elizabeth Hall
0161 770 4083 | ONLINE
20 FEB 20147.30PM
HULL City Hall
01482 300 300 | ONLINE
21 FEB 20147.30PM
YORK Barbican
0844 854 2757 | ONLINE
22 FEB 20147.30PM
STEVENAGE Gordon Craig Theatre
081438 363200 | ONLINE

Calling All British Fans – Jody Watley Is Coming To Town.

© 2013 Jody Watley

© 2013 Jody Watley

Catch me on “David Gest Presents” Legends of Soul” along with some other great names, artists and songs in soul music history. It’s not usually my type of thing to do or be a part of, however I’m looking forward to the experience!

Butlins Bognor Regis Jan 31
Butlins Minehead Feb. 1
Butlins Skegness Feb. 2
St. Helens Theatre Royal Feb 6
St. Helens Theatre Royal Feb 7
Blackpool The Grand Feb 8
Halifax Victoria Theatre Feb. 9
Liverpool Hilton Feb 11
Stockport Plaza Feb 13
RHYL Pavilion Feb. 14
Carlisle Sands Centre Feb. 15
Motherwell Concert Hall Feb 16
Durham Gala Theatre Feb 19
Hull City Hall Feb. 20
York Barbican Feb 21
Scunthorpe Baths Hall Feb 22
Stockton On Tees Forum Feb 23
Bridlington The Spa Theatre Feb 26