Tag Archives: Grammy Winners

Jody Watley’s Flower 1998 Spotlight In Hidden R&B Gems

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Album cover of Jody Watley titled 'Flower', featuring a close-up of Watley resting her chin on her hand against a green chair.

Happy Anniversary to Jody Watley ‘Flower‘Released on this day — March 31, 1998 (UK) via Atlantic Records — and later finally made available across digital platforms, Flower didn’t meet commercial exceptions for the album due to delayed worldwide release but remains a standout her ongoing discography.

A forward-thinking blend of R&B, soul, and dance, the album features production from an all-star lineup including D’Wayne Wiggins, Malik Pendleton, Jamey Jaz, Masters At Work, Andrea Martin, Bryce Wilson, along with Watley herself and Derrick Edmonson (Affection album collaborator).

✨ Highlights include:

• “Off The Hook” — #1 Billboard Dance, #23 R&B, Hot 100 entry (D-Dot Remix featuring Rakim.

• “If I’m Not In Love” — #2 Billboard Dance

• “Loving You So” — featuring Rahsaan Patterson, included on Dr. Doolittle Soundtrack starring Eddie Murphy.

“16,” written by Watley 1 of several of her compositions for the album, was later covered and reimagined as “Sweet 16” by Destiny’s Child on their multi-platinum album ‘The Writings On The Wall.

The album also includes “Just One More Time,” originally recorded as a group collaboration with members of Shalamar. The label ultimately opted for a different direction, leading to Watley re-recording the track as a solo version for the final album release.

A group of four individuals posing in a music studio, with a recording console in the foreground.
Producer Jamey Jaz, Jody Watley, Howard Hewett Jeffrey Daniel. 1997 Westlake Studio. Recording “Just One More Time for Jody Watley’s “Flower” album.

The label ultimately opted for a different direction, leading to Watley re-recording the track as a solo version for the final album release.

The album was supported by numerous music magazine covers geared to the R&B demographic including Blues & Soul, women’s magazine BE (Black Elegance), the UK’s Black Echoes.

There were many high profile television appearances including the top shows of the 90s including The Rosie O’Donnell Show, an hour special on BET’s Planet Groove bookended by an radio promotional tour to the urban market targeted for this album.

🌸 “Flower” is a true gem of late ‘90s contemporary R&B/Soul, dance and continued evolution for the singer, songwriter, producers independence, and commitment to artistry, not remaining stagnant or stuck in the past.

Revisit • Explore • Stream Flower at the digital platforms of your choice.

Check out the new video collage celebrating the anniversary release on Jody Watley YouTube: Here

#JodyWatley #FlowerAlbum #MusicAnniversary #90sRNB #DanceMusic #RnBClassic #WomenInMusic #AtlanticRecords #NowPlaying #MusicHistory

About The Artist:

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY® Award–winning Best New Artist and 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon. 

Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s and 90s with Top 10 hits including the iconic hits “Looking for a New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified “Real Love,”  + more. 

6 Top 10 Hot 100 Hits, 13 #1 Dance Hits, 15 top 40, 2 #1 R&B Singles & Albums, 3 #1 Dance / Electronic Albums.

Jody Watley has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across R&B, Pop, Dance, Jazz, Electronica — from the 1980s to today. Her latest release, Let’s Dance Vol. 1, reached #1 on iTunes Top Dance Albums in July 2025.

An award-winning songwriter (BMI Medal of Honor, Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame), Watley is ranked by Billboard among the Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time and Top 65 Hot 100 Female Artists of All Time. Her honors include Black Music Honors Crossover Icon and the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Chicago native is also celebrated as a fashion and cultural trailblazer, Watley has been featured in GAP & SAKS 5th Avenue ad campaigns, VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, People Magazines Most Beautiful Issue and more. 

A pioneer at the intersection of music and style, Jody Watley’s multi-decade, multi-generational career continues to evolve with a legacy of sound, fearless authenticity on her path; not chasing trends or charts just quality timeless music – with a style and spirit that endures.

Jody Watley’s Larger Than Life: How The Album Redefined R&B

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Album cover of 'Larger Than Life' by Jody Watley featuring her in a vibrant yellow feathered garment, posed with one leg bent and wearing high black boots.

Celebrating a milestone 🎶✨

Released March 27, 1989 — the platinum-certified second solo album “Larger Than Life” from Jody Watley.

A defining project of the late ’80s, the album delivered three Billboard Top 10 hits, with Watley contributing once again to the song narratives co-writing 9 of the 10 songs produced by Andre Cymone:

“Real Love” (Gold-certified), also her second R&B #1, “Friends,” and “Everything.”

“Real Love” — directed by Oscar-winner David Fincher— became one of MTV’s most nominated videos, pushing visual storytelling and fashion-forward aesthetics while cementing Watley as a true music and style trailblazer.

The groundbreaking “Friends” featuring Eric B & Rakim helped pioneer the fusion of R&B, hip-hop, pop, and dance (Source: Okayplayer), becoming one of the first crossover collaborations to hit the Top 10 across multiple charts. The video also featured voguing, street dance, with a cast of true New York club kids and sub culture icons such as Connie Fleming. The album also showcased emotional depth with the timeless ballad “Everything.”

Album Cover: Steven Meisel

Art Direction & Design: Lynn Robb | Jody Watley

Recognized among the greatest visuals in music history, Larger Than Life is featured in 1000 Record Covers by Taschen.

Stream Larger Than Life and explore the ongoing music discography of Jody Watley across your favorite digital platforms.

About the Artist:

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY® Award–winning Best New Artist and 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon. 

Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s and 90s with Top 10 hits including the iconic “Looking for a New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified “Real Love,” she has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across R&B, Pop, Dance, Jazz, Electronica, 80s, 90s, 2000s-Present including 2025’s #1 iTunes Dance Electronic Album “Let’s Dance Vol.1”

To date she has 6 Hot 100 Top 10 Singles, 13 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 Number 1 R&B Singles, 15 Top 40 Singles, 3 Number 1 Dance Electronic Albums in the 2000s, numerous UK Soul Chart Top 5 singles in her ongoing independently released music.

An award-winning songwriter (BMI Medal of Honor, Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame), Watley is ranked by Billboard among the Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time and Top 65 Hot 100 Female Artists of All Time. Her honors include Black Music Honors Crossover Icon and the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award + more. A former member of the group Shalamar (1977-1983), Jody Watley was a part of the Band Aid #1 UK charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas.

She was the first artist to brand herself and release a #1 Fitness Video to her music, in 1989, the first artist and black woman to appear on the cover of a Japanese fashion magazine, with the launch of SPUR that same year. 

Cover of SPUR magazine featuring a woman with long, wet hair, looking upward with a serene expression. The magazine title is prominently displayed in large orange letters.
Jody Watley – SPUR Fashion Magazine Japan Launch November 1989.

Celebrated as a fashion and cultural trailblazer, Watley has features in GAP, VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, People Magazine (Most Beautiful Issue) and more. 

A pioneer at the intersection of music and style. Her multi-decade, multi-generational career continues to evolve since her early Pop R&B era with MCA (1986-1994) through progressing into her independent label Avitone era 1995 into the present. 

Jody Watley Shares New Updates and Latest Album

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Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with curly hair, wearing a denim jacket, holding a disco ball, with vibrant makeup. Text overlay reads 'Jody Watley Let's Dance Vol. 1 Hit Them Beats'.

Stay connected with the latest from Jody Watley. The Official YouTube Channel continues to feature new uploads including the inspirational ‘Wattage Thoughts’, career highlights celebrating decades of music, style and culture and lots of music including new releases.

Question:

“What’s the latest on Jody Watley—what’s she up to now?”

Answer:

Still thriving. Still creating. Still evolving.

Fans can also stream Watley’s latest album “Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats” released on her independent label Avitone Recordings – a vibrant dance project celebrating the 30th anniversary of the label founded in 1995. “Let’s Dance Vol. 1,,” reached Number 1 on the iTunes Top Dance / Electronic Albums Chart and Amazon Music UK July 11, 2025.

iTunes charts displaying the top 40 US Dance Albums, featuring Jody Watley at #1 for 'Let's Dance Vol. 1 Hit Them Beats'.

Just announced on her channel another new project is on the way in 2026. Jody Watley will be one of the headline acts of the Ultimate Disco Cruise sailing February 2027 in a very rare concert appearance, since she stepped away from concerts and touring. “It’s a perfect opportunity to do some of the cuts from Let’s Dance including the classic “Love Hangover” along with many classics spanning decades from Disco to Pop, R&B, Dance, Funk, Contemporary Nu Disco from her discography. Plus, who doesn’t love a cruise full of festive people?!”

Promotional poster for the Ultimate Disco Cruise featuring Jody Watley and various artists, scheduled for February 21-26, 2027, in Fort Lauderdale, Grand Turk, and Puerto Plata. Includes images of Kool & The Gang, Gloria Gaynor, The Spinners, and others, with a call to use a discount code.

The Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond is BACK in 2027! 🪩 Put on your dancing shoes, pack your disco glam and get ready to celebrate the greatest Disco, Dance, Soul, Funk, & Party Music EVER! Use promo code JODYFAN for special cabin savings. 

www.UltimateDiscoCruise.com/JodyFan

About The Artist:

Grammy Winning Music Icon Jody Watley. Jody Watley is a GRAMMY® Award–winning Best New Artist and 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon. 
Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s and 90s with Top 10 hits including the iconic “Looking for a New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified “Real Love,” she has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across R&B, Pop, Dance, Jazz, Electronica. Learn more: Here

Jody Watley Wins Best New Artist GRAMMY On This Day In 1988

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A woman with curly hair smiles and holds a Grammy Award, wearing a colorful jacket and large earrings against a backdrop featuring the Grammy Awards logo.

#OTD March 2, 1988: Jody Watley wins Best New Artist at the 30th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. 🏆

Presented by rock & roll pioneer Little Richard and David Johansen, it remains one of the night’s most unforgettable moments.

Her solo debut was seismic — not a transition, but a reinvention.

#1 R&B “Looking For A New Love”

Billboard Hot 100 Top Tens “Don’t You Want Me” & “Some Kind Of Lover”

Dance chart dominance

Fashion world embrace (Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone)

Major ad campaigns & cultural impact

She wasn’t continuing a career — she was redefining it.

Her Best New Artist win is permanently honored at the Grammy Museum’s Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, celebrating winners in the Top 4 categories.

A circular plaque commemorating the 30th Grammy Awards, featuring categories such as Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year, along with the date March 2, 1988 and notable winners.

#JodyWatley #BestNewArtist #GRAMMYs #MusicHistory #WomensHistoryMonth

From Solo Breakthrough to Blueprint: Jody Watley 1987

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A black and white portrait of a woman with long, flowing hair, posing thoughtfully while wrapped in a textured sweater. The name 'Jody Watley' is artistically written in red across the top.

OTD February 23, 1987 — A Cultural Reset in Pop & R&B

On this day, Jody Watley released her self-titled debut album, JODY WATLEY— a groundbreaking statement of independence, innovation, and style that redefined what a modern female pop & R&B artist could be.

More than a debut, this was a bold artistic rebirth.

Emerging from group success to claim her own creative vision, Watley delivered a genre-blending body of work that fused pop, R&B, dance, and fashion-forward imagery — helping shape the sound and visual language of late-’80s pop culture and the MTV era.

The album’s impact:

✨Winner of the 1987 Grammy Award for Best New Artist – Awarded in 1988

✨ 3 Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 Hits:

• “Looking for a New Love” (#2)

• “Don’t You Want Me” (#6)

• “Some Kind of Lover” (#10)

✨ 3 #1 Dance Singles

✨ 1 #1 R&B Single

✨Certified Multi-Platinum (3 million U.S. / 4+ million worldwide) #1 R&B Album / #10 Top 200 Albums

The project also featured a duet with global superstar George Michael and production from production team including André Cymone, David Z., Bernard Edwards, and Patrick Leonard.

Even more significant — Watley co-wrote 6 of the album’s 9 tracks, establishing herself not just as a performer, but as a songwriter, visionary, and architect of her own image.

At a time when few Black women in pop were granted full creative authorship and fashion autonomy, Jody Watley stood at the intersection of music, high style (blending couture, vintage, custom designs) into her own Jody Watley Style, and most importantly empowerment to “Believe In Yourself” “Be Yourself” no matter what — influencing generations to come.

This wasn’t just a successful debut.

It was a breakthrough moment in pop history.

Jody Watley’s debut wasn’t just a moment.

It was and continues to be the mindset; decades into her ongoing progressive Solo career. 

#JodyWatley #NewArtist #GrammyWinner #1987 #MusicHistory #BlackMusicExcellence #WomenInMusic #PopCultureIcon #RNB #DanceMusic

Discover. Revisit. Stream. Playlist add to decades of ongoing Jody Watley Music.

est New Arts

Jody Watley Independent Artist Success New Message To Fans

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Jody Watley continues her powerful independent run as “Everlasting” (Alex Di Ciò Mix) reached #2 on the UK Soul Chart (Feb 2024) — her 4th Top 5 entry between 2018–2024 🇬🇧🔥

A smiling woman with long black hair wearing a brown top, with the text 'JODY WATLEY' prominently displayed below her.
Grammy Winning Solo Artist Jody Watley, 2026. Photo Courtesy of Avitone Recordings

In this special montage, Jody also shares a new message to fans — reflecting gratitude, momentum, and what’s ahead.

Longtime collaborator Alex Di Ciò brings his signature soul sophistication to the sound, contributing to the continued evolution of modern soul and dance.

Their synergy also powers Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats, which reached #1 on UK iTunes & Amazon Dance/Electronic charts July 2025, featuring Alex mixes:

• “The Essence”

• “The Beat Don’t Stop”

With previews teasing a new 2026 project, the message is clear — to the casuals forever out of touch… she’s always delivering.

Independent. Consistent. Everlasting.

Watch the Video Message Here on The Jody Watley Youtube Channel

#JodyWatley #AlexDiCio #UKSoulChart #Everlasting #IndependentArtist #DanceMusic #SoulMusic #Avitone

About The Artist:

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY® Award–winning Best New Artist and 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon. 

Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s and 90s with Top 10 hits including the iconic “Looking for a New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified “Real Love,” she has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across R&B, Pop, Dance, Jazz, Electronica. 

Her latest release, Let’s Dance Vol. 1, reached #1 on iTunes Top Dance Albums in July 2025.

An award-winning songwriter (BMI Medal of Honor, Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame), Watley is ranked by Billboard among the Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time and Top 65 Hot 100 Female Artists of All Time. Her honors include Black Music Honors Crossover Icon and the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award + more.

Celebrated as a fashion and cultural trailblazer, Watley has features in GAP, VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, People Magazine (Most Beautiful Issue) and more. 

A pioneer at the intersection of music and style, her multi-decade, multi-generational career continues to evolve since her early Pop R&B era with MCA through her influential independent label era and beyond. 

Always Something To See and Hear – Jody Watley Youtube

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From the iconic Jody Watley classics to fresh new releases — plus behind-the-scenes moments and inspiring vlogs — there’s always something to see & hear.

A close-up of a woman wearing sunglasses and a large straw hat, smiling while speaking to the camera. Text overlay promotes Jody Watley's YouTube channel.

Subscribe now to the Official Jody Watley YouTube Channel and stay connected to all things Jody Watley  

Wanna stay Updated on Jody Watley? Subscribe to the channel and blog right here.

Follow as well on Verified Jody Watley Social Media Pages

About The Artist:

Jody Watley is a Best New Artist GRAMMY®-winning, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon. 

With a diverse discography across multiple charts with 14 entries on The Billboard Hot 100 

Here are Jody Watley’s biggest Solo Top 10 Billboard Hits, of the 14 Total Solo Entries:

Looking For A New Love, Don’t You Want Me, Some Kind Of Lover, Real Love, Friends ft. Eric B & RAKIM, Everything. 

Ranked  by Billboard in the Top 25 of Top Dance Artists of All Time, Top 60 Female Hot 100 Artists of All Time, an inductee in Women’s Songwriters Hall Of Fame, Black Music Honors Crossover Music Icon Honoree + more.

Watley has built a diverse discography spanning R&B, Pop, Dance, Hip Hop, Electronic, Jazz, and Adult Contemporary from the 80s, 90s, 2000s from mainstream to independent critically acclaimed.  

Her latest release, 2025’s Let’s Dance Vol. 1, hit #1 on U.S. iTunes Top Dance Albums in July 2025.

An award-winning songwriter (BMI Medal of Honor, Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame). 

Jody Watley is also celebrated as a fashion and cultural trailblazer with features in GAP, l.a. Eyeworks, Harper’s Bazaar, VOGUE, Rolling Stone, and more. Widely regarded as a pioneer fusing music and style, she remains one of the architects of 21st-century Pop/R&B/Dance.

Everlasting Authentic Inspiration from Grammy Winner Jody Watley

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GRAMMY Winning Music Icon Jody Watley Kicks Off November With An Everlasting Authentic Message of Inspiration and Encouragement.

Jody Watley performing at an outdoor event, wearing a stylish outfit with a fan in hand, surrounded by photographers and audience members.
Jody Watley. Photo Courtesy of Sean McCracken 2025. All Rights Reserved.

A brand-new month is here, and with it comes an opportunity to reset, reflect, and continue moving forward with gratitude. Many are facing unprecedented challenges, but remember — even when life tests us, we can choose resilience, optimism, and self-care.

As I wrote for my 2024 single “Everlasting”: “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, gotta stay up – just keep moving on – stay everlasting.. never give up and don’t let the worst of life get the best of you..” Now more than ever, understanding the magnitude the challenges many face which may feel overwhelming. Let these lyrics be a reminder that your journey, growth, and light have purpose.

My songwriting has always been reflective and an extension of a strong commitment to resilience while overcoming life’s challenges. If you can reach out and be of assistance to others, do so – donate to food banks, pay off a child’s lunch program.. every little bit helps.I’d add as well to allow for grace – practice patience, kindness and empathy because you never know what someone else might be going through in your daily interactions offline an online.

This message also aligns with the energy of the current album “Let’s Dance Vol. 1: Hit Them Beats” — a vibrant call to move your body, prioritize wellness, and take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health, movement and exercise is known to lower stress and anxiety levels, blood pressure and benefits mental well-being. Movement is healing. Dancing, walking, cardio, and simply showing up for yourself no matter what. It was my message in 1990 when releasing the groundbreaking “Dance To Fitness” Workout video.. Inner peace, wellness .. timeless messages.

Cover of Jody Watley's 'Dance to Fitness' video, featuring Jody in a stylish outfit with bold text elements.
Jody Watley smiling brightly while holding a disco ball, with vibrant text overlay that reads 'JODY WATLEY LET'S DANCE VOL. 1 Hit Them Beats'.

✨ Stream the music. Available at Digital Platforms Of Your Choice.

📺 Check out new uploads on the official Jody Watley YouTube channel.

📱 Follow Jody Watley on social media to stay updated daily.

💫 And thank you — always — for your continued support. Your positive engagement keeps the creative energy flowing.

Wishing everyone a month filled with gratitude, momentum, and joy. Let’s continue to move forward — together.

About the Artist:

Jody Watley — American singer, songwriter, and producer. Grammy winner for Best New Artist (1988) a 3 time nominee in addition to MTV, American Music Awards and NAACP Image Award nominations. She multi-platinum solo artist, and trendsetting style icon. Featured in VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, and Rolling Stone +more, Watley also fronted groundbreaking campaigns for GAP, l.a. Eyeworks, and Saks Fifth Avenue, and launched her own label Avitone Recordings in 1995, before being independent was a trend as a vehicle to release her music after leaving MCA Records in 1994 after 8 blockbuster years and memorable commercial multi-chart singles.

Known for iconic hits like “Looking For A New Love,” “Real Love,” and “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, her genre-spanning catalog embraces R&B, Pop, Dance, House, and Jazz across the decades 80, 90, 2000 – present + more

Jody Watley is also known for her  trendsetting style leading to features in VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone and groundbreaking ad campaigns for GAP, l.a Eyeworks & Saks Fifth Avenue, and best selling fitness fitness video “Dance to Fitness”. Jody Watley is also founder of Avitone Recordings established in 1995 as an independent vehicle to release her music after leaving the major label system. In 2025 to mark the 30th Anniversary of her Avitone label she released “Let’s Dance Vol. 1- Hit Them Beats” which vaulted to #1 on the U.S. Top Dance Electronic Albums Chart on July 11 in addition to #1 on the Amazon Music UK Top Dance Electronic Albums Chart.

Watley is also noted for her advocacy for the LGBTQ community, as well as women’s and artist rights and has established herself as a powerhouse in the music industry. 

She  continues to inspire fans with her talent, positivity and resilience in addition to a consistent flow of quality music.

A proud advocate for women, artist rights, and the LGBTQ+ community, she continues to inspire through music, style, and authenticity.

Jody Watley’s The Makeover: An Innovative Album Release Journey

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Album cover for Jody Watley's 2006 release 'The Makeover,' featuring a stylized image of Watley with text stating '#1 iTunes Top Dance/Electronic Albums 2006.'

On this day in 2006, Grammy-winning artist Jody Watley released her 8th full-length album, The Makeover — a bold and forward-thinking project that fused timeless style with modern electronic dance grooves. This aligned with the concept rooted in reminding people to not get so caught up in celebrity culture which was becoming ‘a thing’ with the onset of social media at the time. In addition she spoke on superficial beauty standards, inspired ironically by a layout she’d seen in a VOGUE Italia cover story called “Makeover Madness”. Jody Watley says in the liner notes to be your own personal superstar.

⸻

Shifting Paradigms in Music Releases

Long before independent releases and creative brand partnerships became standard practice, Watley redefined the album rollout experience. For The Makeover, her Avitone label partnered with Virgin Megastore, high-end cosmetics brand Shu Uemura, and select beauty salons for an exclusive direct-to-retail launch. Fans were treated to live performances, meet-and-greets, autographs, and even full beauty makeovers — turning the album release into a glamorous, multi-sensory event.

“Cannily cross-marketed with her appearance on Bravo’s “Workout” .. finds space in the material for layers of fresh meaning.- Time Out NY

“new paradigms..damned if the album didn’t debut as the chain’s best selling release..” Hits Daily Double 

⸻

Chart-Topping Success Without Radio

Screenshot of the Virgin Megastore top ten album sales chart from August 15, 2006, featuring Jody Watley's album 'The Makeover' at number one.

The results were undeniable. The Makeover debuted at #1 on Virgin Megastore’s chain-wide sales chart, holding the position for five consecutive weeks — without the push of a radio single. On iTunes, it entered at #3 on the Top Electronic Albums chart, rising to #1. Eventually spawning three Top 5 Billboard Dance hits:

• #1 – “I Want Your Love” (also #1 UK Commercial Pop, giving Watley her first UK #1 in 20 years 🇬🇧)

• #2 – “Borderline”

• #5 – “A Beautiful Life”

⸻

Reimagining the Familiar, Creating the New

The Makeover masterfully blended fresh originals with inventive reworkings of pop classics. Watley’s interpretations of “Borderline,” “Love Hangover,” “Waiting in Vain,” and CHIC’s “I Want Your Love” sat seamlessly alongside originals like “Bed of Roses,” co-written with acclaimed UK collective 4Hero.

Production credits included Watley herself alongside Rodney Lee, with contributions from King Britt, DJ Spinna, Ron Trent, 4Hero, and Mark de Clive-Lowe — a roster that underscored the album’s genre-crossing sophistication.

⸻

Legacy & Influence

As the follow-up to 2003’s Midnight Lounge, The Makeover solidified Watley’s reputation for innovation in both music and marketing. Its success foreshadowed the now-common trend of artists creating immersive, lifestyle-driven release campaigns. Nearly two decades later, The Makeover still feels fresh — proof that style and substance never go out of fashion.

Jody Watley holding her album 'The Makeover' at a promotional event in front of a Virgin Megastore backdrop.

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Listen to The Makeover: Streaming at digital platform of your choice.

Follow Jody Watley on her official social media pages.

#TheMakeover #JodyWatley #Avitone30 #DanceMusic #Electronica #IndieArtistPower #JodyWatleyDiscography

Jody Watley – PARADISE EP (2014) | A Legacy of Sound

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Jody Watley posing with hands near her face, wearing a stylish black patterned outfit, with curly hair and the word 'PARADISE' prominently displayed in the foreground.

On July 28, 2014 Jody Watley released her “PARADISE” EP – a cohesive blend of nu‑disco, house, soul & jazz, following acclaimed albums “Midnight Lounge” & “The Makeover” from her Avitone Recordings. 

The EP features productions of Jody Watley with an international cast Count de Money/Bill Coleman for Peace Bisquit; Mark De Clive Lowe, Soulpersona and Luminodisco; plus live strings by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson.

“NIGHTLIFE” – the lead single and video – became Jody Watley’s 19th Billboard Solo Dance Top 20 hit (#18) and charted in the UK (#5 Urban / #6 Commercial Pop).

Tracklist:

Nightlife • Dancer • The Dawn • Tonight’s The Night (MdCL Remix) • Paradise • Sanctuary (Soulpersona Remix)

Photography: Albert Sanchez

Art Direction & Design: | Graphics & Logo Design Ray Easmon | Video Visuals Ray Easmon 

A milestone in Jody’s evolution as an artist, writer & producer, as well as for her Avitone Recordings.

“Watley’s R&B has always been progressive and the arc of Paradise is no different from Watley’s past endeavors―somewhat. This time, Watley exchanges the electronically charged rhythm and blues from her last three records with a classic / contemporary fusion of disco. 

Understand, this isn’t your little brother’s hipster disco, nor is it just a retroactive 70s redux. “PARADISE” melds elements of the aforementioned disco genre from today and yesterday. “ Quentin Harrison, Albumism 

Inspiration for Paradise? “It’s basically a party record created and inspired in classic soul dance records in many ways..a celebration of feel good music, with lyrics that make you feel like getting out, or turning up the volume in your car. Paradise is about living life and creating special moments today with music as the motivator, the backdrop. I’m very much about that – to remind people of that. “ – Jody Watley, Interview Excerpt 2014

Limited Edition CD Digipak + NIGHTLIFE vinyl were also released.

Revisit the vibes. Listen now & rediscover the journey.

“PARADISE” – A Legacy of Sound, A Vibe That Endures.

#JodyWatley #Avitone30 #AvitoneRecordings #IndependentArtist #PARADISE #itsinthemusic  #rnb #dancemusıc #nudisco