Jody Watley. Another Chapter. Let’s Go 2020. New Year Wattage.

Jody Watley 2020 Happy New Year Photo Candid

Jody Watley. Welcome 2020.

 

Many best of shares on my social media and a bit of reflection – check them out on Facebook and Instagram. In gratitude for each day, I’ve never been one to focus on time – however there is a significance of not only a new year, but a new decade. 2020 baby! Let’s get it.

Just l i v e. If you never try, or set goals – you have nothing to aspire for.

In my mind there were a list of things I was going to cover but once writing they didn’t feel that important to me and didn’t want to make this super long.

What I know is each day is a new opportunity to begin anew, learn from life and lessons, continue with each breath of life to cherish each day and those we love, support them and allow their growth – and please pay attention to actions –  not words from people but those words do often matter too – pay attention to the energy you allow.

Appreciate each day, opportunity and lesson, be open to possibilities. Dwell in possibility.

The past is a touchstone to let it teach, energize, inspire, and/or also remember in fondness those who have touched our lives and may no longer be present physically.

Pay attention to people, bringing this up again –  especially those you allow into your life as their motives may not always be genuine or healthy. Like my Mom likes to say ‘..more will be revealed…” and that is true once you focus in with that 2020 – it’s all there for better or worse.  Not everyone in your circle is rowing, some may be poking holes. Reflect, just don’t get stuck there and always use your knowledge. Recognize health is wealth – I’m not talking muscles and all of that but your overall well being, mentally and physically so you don’t end up with ailments you could have avoided in many cases – self care. As I wrote in ‘Sanctuary’ as a reminder that our home environments no matter how big or small are so important – fill your walls with happy times, peace of mind..a safe place…

People will think and believe what they want – let them, speak your piece if you choose and move on. If they don’t like you in the first place their mind is made up even if it’s fake info and don’t really care for the truth at all. This was ever apparent after my Open Letter “Jody Watley Speaks Out” to Shalamar fans in 2016 – wanting it to put to rest the lies, misperceptions, aspersions that have been cast upon my name regarding the reunion topic and beyond. Not only did I speak truth, I provided receipts to back up everything presented, still people persist with the false narratives. The invitation was extended for an American Farewell show or tour two or three times during the decade – it was not only declined but torched with more lies and disrespect, a point that shouldn’t be surprising as it has gone on for decades and so it’s something I hope people let go of – the effort was made from my end. Lessons learned as always — 2020 vision baby! Clarity.

It gets tough when your reputation and or character is being attacked – pick up Don Miguel Ruiz’s ‘The Four Agreements’ so do what you need to do..and then at a point just leave it be.  “The Four Agreements” continues to help me as a practical guide for living. Forgiveness is a beauty and wellness elixir and like saying no to unhealthy fast food, be careful of what you consume on social media.

Some people are still holding on to 40 years ago – I’m not one of them. This decade reaffirmed my realization a lot of people don’t like the truth and are gullible to lies it’s all around just look at the state of American politics ..not to mention blind to the fact a cell or smart phone is not a mere toy or device but is a useful tool for just about anything you’d like to learn,listen to, etc. Be smart and remember everyone is not your friend.

Live life – forget your age…and remember you teach people how to treat you.

My song ‘Another Chapter‘ written at the conclusion of the 90’s going into 00’s still holds true.

Let’s all move forward with clarity and gratitude…. don’t beat yourself up too much no matter what – we are all works in progress as we continue on this journey of life. There will be highs and lows – missteps and triumphs. We all experience days where the mood will be despair and more days full of hope and enthusiasm.

It’s ok to change direction, just don’t get stuck, fearful of mistakes .. try to live with and surround yourself with joy. Another book I recommend that I read a long time ago and re-read not long ago is ‘Conversations With God’ – Neale Donald Walsch. The answers are always here for us and people show you who they are all the time ..pay attention.

Every day is a gift, your life is your own when all is said and done  – never let anyone make you forget that.

 

Wattage!

Jody Watley Classic Image. Rolling Stone Magazine Issue 502 Solo Debut.

Jody Watley Rolling Stone Issue 502 1987

Jody Watley – Solo Debut Feature

Rolling Stone Magazine

June 18, 1987 – Issue 502

Cover Story: Robert Cray

 

 

This was a big deal for me at the time in another of firsts.. my former group Shalamar had never been featured in a magazine like this. Everything about my solo debut is significant because no one predicted it or expected it.

Looking back, I see a determined, authentic and self-assured young woman no matter those who were against me and expected my demise…I’ve always believed in myself and tenacious about living my own life and being happy as much as I can.

Trendsetting style and attitude, letting black girls know we could be eclectic, ‘weird’, offbeat..whatever box you want to check off too.

 

I recommend it.

 

Wattage!

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 & SRL The Passion On Soulbounce

Soulbounce Review and Stream

Jody Watley. My Grammy Moment on Billboard

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My career has evolved and continued as an artist, songwriter, producer and entrepreneur.  I’ve endured many challenges and obstacles while holding on to being as true to myself and as authentic as I can be — not easy in this industry. As I’ve always said, I never wanted to be stuck in a box, the pop box or machinery of the industry to maintain a certain level of ultra commercial appeal. My influence continues as reflected in my bio and the range in genres reflected from my discography..winning the Best New Artist Grammy has always seemed to be a controversial, maligned and marginalized by some – for me it remains a blessing an unlikely achievement that I remain proud of and thrilled to have received ..read some of what it meant to me at the time: Billboard

Jody Watley. Nightlife Classic Soul Mix Now at iTunes.

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The ‘Nightlife; Soulpersona Classic Soul featuring Gerald Brown (another Shalamar original), is one of the mixed that helped propel “Nightlife” to Top 5 Urban in the UK – it’s finally at iTunes after popular demand! Get it!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nightlife-classic-soul-remix/id797324164?uo=4

Nightlife Update – All Things Fabulous

“Nightlife” with it’s call to “be fabulous” forget your worries – get yourself together,  is really my way of encouraging a call to lift yourself up, to have fun. “It’s in the music” because it is about music where so much inspiration and energy lives as a great resource, let it use you – I do! When you’re releasing music independently, so much depends on not simply my efforts but others getting behind and supporting. There’s something to be said about that aspect in today’s commercial commerce driven marketplace – what a concept, focus on ‘the music’ and the hope to inspire others. We can change the world with one smile, one dance at a time – I know it sounds cliche but for me it’s truth.

The single moves up to #14 Pop in the UK in Music Week and #40 Hot Dance Club Play on Billboard. The single peaked at #5 Urban in the UK – which is still quite awesome. It’s not so much about charts and sales but I’m proud of this as an addition to my discography – it’s really always about moving forward and being proud the work; that’s really success. Thats said, I do love proving that a veteran woman artist, writer, producer and style diva can still hang without pandering and with a level of class and my signature authenticity. There’s a core group  people working with me, supporting me because they believe ‘in the music’ and not because of financial gain. We are connected by  a passion and love for the music, the arts and a time when it was really more focus on ‘music’. The work I continue to do and with the integrity I try to bring appears to inspire others which gives me confidence and hope for all of us out here still trying to do things the right way. It’s all very organic and I’m thankful to those working with me on this and of course you the ones helping to get the word out there through your actions, buying the single and sharing my posts. Thank you.

Fabulous! My daughter and son – who always encourage me as must as I encourage them and tell me I’m the best Mom in the world – which fuels me on my darkest days and always reminds me what’s most important.  Thank you Count De Money (Julien and Raphael Aletti- Aletti Brothers Music) Bill Coleman of Peace Bisquit, Gerald Brown, Juanita Stephens PR, Steve Ripley at Soulfood Music,  Music House UK, Craig Jones, Niven Govinden, Matt Waterhouse, Moto Blanco, Jodie Harsh, Dave Doyle, Soulpersona, Luminodisco, Claudia Cuesta of Maxi Promotion, Patrick L. Riley of ‘Life of Riley’ and Dave Higdon of Poptastic Confessions, (early blogging supporters of ‘Nightlife’) along with Okayplayer, Soulbounce, Soulculture UK, Centric TV who got behind the single early — Fabulous!! Thank you Rosero McCoy, John ‘Havic’ Gregory, Christos Garkinos of Decades Inc, Billy B.,  Albert Sanchez, Sandra Green,  Billy Johnson at Yahoo Music, Access Hollywood,  Uptown Magazine, Isoul Harris, Essence Magazine, Jet, Ebony, Soulbounce, Singersroom, Lee Bailey at Eurweb, Urbanbridgez, Wax Poetics, Wallace Butts, Van Roy, Shawn West, Brian Walmer, Vernon Sze,  Steve and Laura Hall at Future Disc Systems, Bryan Rabin and Adam Bravin aka Adam Xll of Giorgio’s, Steven Willis, Harwood Lee, Christina Grady and all DJ’s and outlets supporting this effort…and anyone I forgot to mention my apologies, it’s not intentional. My hardcore fans – I love you!

Vinyl arrived today – yaaay! Details on when they’ll be at my online boutique. I have to number and sign them – limited edition Ba-By! Excited to be filming the final footage for the “Nightlife video tomorrow at my favorite place to dance : Giorgio’s!

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BE Fabulous!

Jody Watley. Photo of the Day.

Photo: Wallace Butts Albert Sanchez Make-up Billy B. (c) 2013 Jody Watley

Photo: Wallace Butts Albert Sanchez Make-up Billy B. (c) 2013 Jody Watley

 

This is a candid from a session just completed with Albert Sanchez captured by my best friend and assistant Wallace Butts.

Make sure to pick up my new single “Nightlife” featuring backing vocals by another original Shalamar lead Gerald “Take That To The Bank” Brown. Available at iTunes, eMusic, Google Play and other select digital retailers.

Jody Watley In Chengdu.

My trip to Chengdu was awesome, another blessing of an experience for all of us. To perform as a part of the Night of Fortune GRAMMY All-stars Concert at Chengdu Stadium in front of 40,000 fans left me speechless – until the Panda Tour which was the icing on the cake. I’m thankful to God for continuing to bless me to do what I love, on my own terms and to live a balanced life beyond ‘entertainment.’

Greeting Sign which also came with a beautiful flower bouquet. Chengdu

Greeting Sign which also came with a beautiful flower bouquet. Chengdu

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Program Cover. This is what the stage looked like. Chengdu Stadium.

John "Havic" Gregory, Jody Watley, and Rosero McCoy Rehearsal Check Chengdu Stadium June 7, 2013

John “Havic” Gregory, Jody Watley, and Rosero McCoy Rehearsal Check Chengdu Stadium June 7, 2013

I loved this moment with some of the children's chorus!

I loved this moment with some of the children’s chorus!

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The children’s chorus sang a beautiful and moving song – brought me to tears – this was evening rehearsal.

There was a great tribute to Michael Jackson with rare footage from the GRAMMY archives before the children came out for a dance tribute medley.

There was a great tribute to Michael Jackson with rare footage from the GRAMMY archives before the children came out for a dance tribute medley.

With a staffer who wanted to give me flowers.

With a staffer who wanted to give me flowers.

Chengdu, Stadium as the fans were coming in.

Chengdu, Stadium as the fans were coming in.

There were many Chinese CantoPop Stars a part of the "Night of Fortune" GRAMMY Superstars Concert.

There were many Chinese CantoPop Stars a part of the “Night of Fortune” GRAMMY Superstars Concert.

With lead Michael Jackson Tribute Performer. Chengdu Stadium.

With lead Michael Jackson Tribute Performer. Chengdu Stadium after the concert onstage in the rain!

 

Took a quick photo with my iPhone of the audience while getting set for my performance!

Took a quick photo with my iPhone of the audience while getting set for my performance!

Jody Watley (c) 2013 Chengdu, China

Jody Watley (c) 2013 Chengdu, China
With two of my favorite guys John  "Havic Gregory" and Rosero MCoy at after-party

With two of my favorite guys John “Havic Gregory” and Rosero MCoy at after-party

At Sunshine Panda Nursery on the Panda Tour, Chengdu.

At Sunshine Panda Nursery on the Panda Tour, Chengdu.

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With President of Recording Academy Neil Portnow at Cocktail Reception

With President of Recording Academy Neil Portnow at Cocktail Reception

Getting presented a custom pair of shoes by Sheme, high end shoe designer of China

Getting presented a custom pair of shoes by Sheme, high end shoe designer of China

Red Carpet Mayhem. Chengdu China Global Forum Invited Guests and Night of Fortune  Grammy All-Stars Reception

Red Carpet Mayhem. Chengdu China Global Forum Invited Guests and Night of Fortune Grammy All-Stars Reception

With  Leo "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing"  Sayer one of music's great from the 70's and Gospel powerhouse Yolanda Adams at luncheon.

With Leo “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” Sayer one of music’s great from the 70’s and Gospel powerhouse Yolanda Adams at luncheon.

More pics and video to come! In the meantime, you can read an article: HERE