Jody Watley Celebrates 38 Years Of Multi Platinum Solo Debut

Posted on February 25, 2025 by Admin

JODY WATLEY self-titled solo debut album was released on February 23, 1987.

“It was her debut album, released by MCA Records although she had minor success in former group Shalamar, the impact of this album made Watley a cultural style icon in contemporary R&B, pop and dance music.

Its success culminated in Watley winning a GRAMMY Award for Best New Artist in 1988.

The album also produced 3 iconic Top Ten singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 : “Looking for a New Love” (#2), “Don’t You Want Me” (#6) and “Some Kind of Lover” (#10), what’s more there were additional chart hit R&B and Dance “Still A Thrill” #8 Hot Dance Club Play #3 Hot R&B Hip/Hop, #56 Hot 100 & “Most Of All“ #11 R&B, #8 Hot Dance Club Play, #60 Hot 100

3 #1 Dance Singles “Looking For A New Love”, “Don’t You Want Me”, “Some Kind Of Lover”, #1 R&B Single “Looking For A New Love.”

Additionally, the album also features a duet with superstar George Michael “Learn To Say No”, in fact, she is one of only a handful of women and artists Michael recorded with.

Lastly, the Jody Watley solo debut album has now sold three million copies in the United States. Over four million copies have been sold to date worldwide. Watley co-wrote 6 of the 9 songs. Production by Andre Cymone & David Z., Bernard Edwards (CHIC, Robert Palmer & Power Station) and Patrick Leonard.

In addition, T-Boz from mega group TLC cites Jody Watley’s vocals on “Still A Thrill” as an influence on her finding her identity and singing in a lower register. The breakout single “Looking For A New Love” with it’s catchphrase “Hasta La Vista Ba-By” became a pop culture phenomenon after later being used by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1991’s “Terminator – Judgement Day.”

The album came in 3 hues, black & white, purple and blue.

Hear Jody Watley’s thoughts on the 38th anniversary. Share your favorites from this debut and memories of your life in 1987-88 from this release on the Youtube channel video: Here

Learn more about 80s, 90s, 2000’s – present: Jody Watley Music Discography

Jody Watley Keeps It Moving With New DāM-FunK ‘EVERLASTING’ Remix

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Admin

Grammy winning artist, singer, songwriter and producer Jody Watley keeps it moving with a new “EVERLASTING” remix. The final in the installment is The DāM-FunK Remix.

DāM-FunK is a critically acclaimed artist, musician, multi-instrumentalist, producer, DJ modern funk trailblazer. On top of that he’s a style icon who blends the music with the culture.

“EVERLASTING” The Alex Di Ció mix was released on January 30, 2024. The uplifting song ranked in the Top 5 in sales in various countries including the USA, UK and Italy via Watley’s longtime independent label Avitone and reached #2 on the UK Soul Charts.

An uplifting anthem about being true to oneself and perseverance another meaningful addition to her ongoing discography spanning multiple decades and genres.

Written and produced by Jody Watley with longtime collaborator, soul and jazz musician Rodney Lee, additional production by Italy’s renowned DJ/Remix producer Alex Di Ció another offering from Watley’s longtime independent label Avitone Recordings, established in 1995.

“EVERLASTING” The Remixes arrived to all streaming digital platforms April 19 with contributions by a variety of new and renowned DJ/ Remix Producers. The legendary Quentin Harris leads the charge with his BSF Re-Production, remixing the track with his signature musical touch. The “Everlasting” remix set also features an electro pop rework by French newcomer Slowz, a deep house favorite by NYC’s The Illustrious Blacks & Amara Jaguar ; a funky UK rave up by John “J-C” Carr and Gianpeiero XP’s anthemic Italo-house vibes. The remixes quickly vaulted to #2 on the iTunes Top Dance Albums Chart.

“I just love Damon’s vibe and musical approach. Making a guest vocal appearance on his outstanding “Invite The Light” on the high vibrations of “Virtuous Progression” from 2015 was special, I became a fan of his music with his heralded Stones Throw debut album ‘Toeachizown’ – he is the king of modern funk with timeless music sensibilities. On top of that he has a genuine deep respect for the music and funk genre.He’s a bit of a historian of R&B/Funk music as well. Furthermore, Damon and I both share a strong belief in staying true to yourself as well as self-belief as artists. Being authentic – never giving up that’s what EVERLASTING is all about. Having a DāM-FunK remix to conclude the trilogy made perfect sense, it’s the icing on the cake.” – Jody Watley

Save the date, August 9, 2024 to Download | Stream | Playlist and Add to Your Jody Watley and DāM-FunK collections. Preview the Youtube Short: Here

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

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Admin

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!

JodyWatley_WattageLight_SonyHall

Via Instagram

Via Twitter. Love!

JodyWatley_Live_SonyHall_TrudyGiordanoPhotography

Jody Watley. Photography by Trudy Giordano

Jody Watley. Photography by Trudy Giordano

JodyWatley_WhiteSequins

Jody Watley. Photography: Dara Seans

Jody Watley and John ‘Havic’ Gregory – SRL.

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

JodyWatley_SonyHall_2019_NateAllenSmith_SRL

Fan photo capturing a moment, Sony Hall 2019.

JodyWatley_NazChambi_SonyHall_LiveShot

JodyWatley_NateAllenSmith_JohnHavicGregory_WatleyBackdrop_SonyHall

Real Love. Striking a pose.

JodyWatleyandSRLDance_SonyHall

JodyWatley_SonyHall_2019_LivePhoto

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.

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

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

The soul collective. Jody Watley & SRL.

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.

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.

JodyWatley_MableHouseBarnesAmphitheater2019

Jody Watley. Photo by Bill Coker.

Photography: Norman ‘NV’ Johnson

JodyWatley_MableHouseBarnesAmphitheater_2019_Pose2

Jody Watley – Photography: Norman ‘NV’ Johnson

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

Posted on July 22, 2018 by Admin

Soulbounce Review and Stream

Jody Watley. My Grammy Moment on Billboard

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Admin

jodywatley_grammyimage_vintagedress_bikerjacket

jodywatley_presspodium_grammy87

JodyWatley_Grammy_Clipping_Jacket

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 In Chengdu.

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Admin

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.’