Jody Watley Sony Hall New York and Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre Recap.

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Jody Watley. Sony Hall. Sold-out. (fan photo).

Sony Hall New York, August 16, 2019 was phenomenal. New York is always a special place, my Mom is from Harlem,my son graduated college there and lives there. It’s also extra special to see him when I go there to work too.

I won my Best New Artist Grammy in New York’s legendary Radio City Music Hall, been inspired to write songs from the vibes of New York, filmed my ‘Friends’ video there to capture that real authentic vibe with Eric B & Rakim, club kids and beyond, trendsetting fashion shoots for Harper’s Bazaar, Saks – cover of Essence Magazine back in the day..you name it. I’ve performed in the Big Apple countless times over the span of my over 3 decade solo career and counting..this ranks as the best.

There are so many rave reviews pics and video on social media (especially Instagram) – here are two that really say it all!

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Via Instagram

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Via Twitter. Love!

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Jody Watley. Photography by Trudy Giordano

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Jody Watley. Photography by Trudy Giordano

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Jody Watley. Photography: Dara Seans

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Jody Watley and John ‘Havic’ Gregory – SRL.

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Jody Watley – A Music Journey, performing a few of my Shalamar classics with SRL.

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Fan photo capturing a moment, Sony Hall 2019.

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Real Love. Striking a pose.

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I  had not planned to do ‘Still A Thrill’ in this show. The setlist included rare gems like ‘Nightlife’ Soulpersonal Classic Soul mix, Saturday Night Experience, the current SRL hits, ‘Precious Love’ soul mix, ‘Skin Deep’ from ‘Midnight Lounge’ a piano and vocal only ‘Everything’, the jazz bossa nova of ‘Waiting In Vain’ and more along with classic hit staples. I ended up taking a few spontaneous requests resulting in a spirited a cappella section.  Video capture by Trudy Giordano.

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Jody Watley and Nate Allen Smith. Photography Trudy Giordano. Sony Hall 8.16.19

 

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Multi-talented Nate Allen Smith, male lead – SRL. Singer, songwriter, dancer, model.

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The soul collective. Jody Watley & SRL.

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Jody Watley. Wattage!

 

Thank you to the wattage crew and everyone who came, sold-out the venue (this means so much) and made it truly a magical night of music – a night to remember full of precious love.

 

After New York, we were off to Atlanta for the concert with Jeffrey Osborne.

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JFK Airport.

Beautiful outdoor setting. Older more reserved crowd than I’m accustomed to and as the case with older R&B audiences –  there’s always an initial sense of  sitting in judgment maybe skeptical of what Jody Watley was going to bring to the evening. My perception is this age demo are more of the upset I’m not longer with Shalamar though it’s been nearly 4 decades and I’ve been successfully putting it down solo for over three decades and counting – always evolving and getting better with time.

The skeptics always learn..I bring a first class, high quality soulful show with lots of style, heart and my brand of soul, full of positive messages and hits – including a couple from my Shalamar days.

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Jody Watley. Photo by Bill Coker.

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Photography: Norman ‘NV’ Johnson

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Jody Watley – Photography: Norman ‘NV’ Johnson

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Jody Watley & SRL. Mable House Barnes Amphitheater.

 

 

Up next and closing out summer 2019:

Saturday August 24, 2019 – Groove 99.3 and Pacific Concert Group Present – Summer Bash, Bakersfield, CA Stramler Park (multiple acts)  – Tickets

August 31, 2019 – WorldOne Concerts Presents Rewind Funk & Soul – Thunder Valley Outdoor Amphitheater – Tickets (Multiple acts)

September 7, 2019 – Blue Note Hawaii – Jody Watley ‘UnPlugged’ – Tickets

Jody Watley – Essence Magazine Cover. Classic Image of The Day.

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Jody Watley Classic Photo of The Day. Celebrating Josephine Baker.

Jody Watley in Essence Magazine 1989

Jody Watley in Essence Magazine

 

I had the opportunity to see Josephine Baker when I was a little girl. My mother took my brother and I to see her at The Regal Theatre. Later, after becoming an artist myself, I nearly won the role to play her on the HBO movie “The Josephine Baker Story” ultimately the role went to actress Lynn Whitfield. Ms. Baker was obviously much older when I saw her, but I’ll never forget how mesmerizing she was and thinking back on it now – I also realize what a blessing it was to witness this icon while she was alive. I’ve read many books on her fascinating life – and what a life she lived through it all.  What a trailblazer.

 

Josephine_Baker_1950Josephine Baker; Josephine Baker (June 3, 1906 – April 12, 1975) was an American-born dancer, singer, and actress who came to be known in various circles as the “Black Pearl,” “Bronze Venus” and even the “Creole Goddess”. Born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, Missouri, Josephine later became a citizen of France in 1937. She was fluent in both English and French.

Baker was the first African-American woman to star in a major motion picture, Zouzou (1934) or to become a world-famous entertainer. Baker, who refused to perform for segregated audiences in America, is also noted for her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. She was once offered unofficial leadership in the movement in the United States by Coretta Scott King in 1968, following Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination. Baker, however, turned down the offer. She was also known for assisting the French Resistance during World War II, and received the French military honor, the Croix de guerre.

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Visit the Official Josephine Baker Website: HERE

 

 

Jody Watley Gives Essence Magazine Top NYE Style Picks

 

Jody Watley: Photography Albert Sanchez, Makeup: Billy B.

Jody Watley: Photography Albert Sanchez, Makeup: Billy B.

From Essence Magazine: “Nightlife” Queen Jody Watley Top 10 NYE Picks:

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

Jody Watley – Nightlife and Promotional Day in New York

On Wednesday October 16, 2013 I did a day of press at a few outlets as well as meet and greets – lots of good vibes and enthusiasm which is always nice. I’m also in New York to celebrate and spend time with my son who turns 21 today. Words can’t express my love my for son and daughter – music is great but they are the core, meaning and balance of my life as “Mom.”

I Love New York! Photo (c) 2013 Jody Watley

I Love New York! Photo (c) 2013 Jody Watley

At SiriusXM with longtime supporter Larry Flick, Keith Cobb, and Director of Talent & Industry Relations Tracey Jordan

At SiriusXM with longtime supporters and host of The Morning JOLT Larry Flick, comedian Keith Cobb, and Director of Talent & Industry Relations Tracey Jordan (formerly of MCA back during my solo debut – always full of love and support).

With Arts & Culture Editor Miles Marshall Lewis at Ebony Magazine offices

With Arts & Culture Editor Miles Marshall Lewis at Ebony Magazine offices

Selfie, waiting in reception area, my first time at Essence offices!

Selfie, waiting in reception area, my first time at Essence offices! (c) 2013 Jody Watley

Jody Watley with staff of Ebony Magazine at offices in New York.

Jody Watley with staff of Ebony Magazine at offices in New York.

Photo (c) 2013 Jody Watley

Photo (c) 2013 Jody Watley

With Editor in Chief Emil Wilbekin and Senior Editor Patrik Henry Bass at Essence Magazine

With Editor in Chief Emil Wilbekin and Senior Editor Patrik Henry Bass at Essence Magazine

Jody Watley with Celia Smith, Fashion Editor of Essence Magazine

Giving you hair! Jody Watley with Celia Smith, Fashion Editor of Essence Magazine

Jody Watley and Essence Magazine staff. (c) 2013

Jody Watley and Essence Magazine staff. (c) 2013

- and after a long day of press and promotion - a pre-birthday pizza with my son, spending quality time together.

– and after a long day of press and promotion – a pre-birthday pizza with my son, spending quality time together.