Jody Watley Prevails in Shalamar Trademark Registration Challenge.

A Motion to Dismiss was filed on my behalf back in October 2017 by my trademark attorney Michael L. Lovitz, IP Law. The Trademark Cancellation case has remained suspended since that time pending the courts decision. This Shalamar trademark challenge brought against me four years ago was finally heard and ruled on by the Trademarks and Appeals Board (TTAB) and entered into public record on February 15, 2018.

The trademark registration challenge case brought against me by Petitioner and Plaintiff Carolyn Baldwin (stage name Griffey) was Dismissed With Prejudice (no chance of appeal) by the Trademarks and Appeals Board as no evidence of record was ever  presented nor entered into the challenge that proved her sole ownership or past registration claims. I could not be more pleased with the outcome.

With a litany of false and slanderous statements made against me to the public over these four years by Baldwin, her mother former singer Carrie Lucas common law wife of Solar Record’s Dick Griffey, Baldwin’s colleagues and representatives (including Michael Gardner, Vijay Bhuchar, Zak Patel, Jemma Hatt admin of “Shalamar “Friends” social media pages created after my registration of the mark, Hipolito Rodriguez and Randy Lopez of RDMJ Entertainment), cyber-bullying, implicit in undermining my trademark rights, with threats, tampering with booking agents (Sal Michaels and Pyramid Entertainment, Pollstar), promoters, and media outlets such as Soultracks’ Chris Rizik, Eurweb’s Lee Bailey  (“The Trademark Belongs To Me!!” interview with Baldwin), UrbanMusicScene, as well as The Tom Joyner Morning Show (Howard Hewett interview 2016) where baseless claims and accusations of fraud against me were made without my opportunity to refute the false claims in their efforts to ruin my reputation as well as undermine, thwart and encourage non-support of my new group endeavors now named ( Jody Watley ft. SRL). This is just a sampling of some of what I’ve endured in this  difficult chapter that I intend to put even further behind me, as I’ve already tried to do the past couple of years before this ultimate outcome in my favor by the TTAB.

I remain the legally registered owner of the Shalamar trademark in the United States of America as registered with the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office). As a result of this process I’ve also been able to put an end to false and misleading ads by Baldwin and her colleagues (Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniel) under the guise of “Carolyn owns the name, so she can do whatever she wants to do including use old photos of Shalamar to advertise with your (Jody Watley) likeness …”   The charade is over.

The Terminated challenge is public record via the TTAB website for any avoidance of doubt.

I hope my efforts will inspire other artists to be more diligent about business matters and for those who have been in groups to be more proactive in how their likeness is used in the public, avoiding misrepresentation to talent buyers and fans over time allowing others to benefit and profit from your original works, image and likeness potentially damaging your own livelihood in the process.

 

Cancellation

Prosecution History

Terminated.

Baldwin Shalamar Challenge Dismisall History

Dismissed with Prejudice.

Dismissal Jody Watley Shalamar Trademark

 

 

Jody Watley. MadameNoire. Black Women Portrayal In The Media.

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Jody Watley. Photography Albert Sanchez

I’m really happy MademeNoire writer Ann Brown picked up on that part of my Open Letter, see what questions they posed: Here

Jody Watley Addresses Recent Unsung

 

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Stop the Lies.

 

Keeping it 100 read what I had to say with Michael P. Coleman in response to my open letter “To Those It May Concern”  Here

Jody Watley Speaks Out. An Open Letter.

My hope is after this lengthy post, all of you who need to, can move on instead of telling me to, when I have moved on my life as well as solo career represents that.  I’ve said for decades I’m thankful for the lessons learned and experience of my brief tenure in Shalamar. I’ve never been angry, resentful or any number of things I’m accused of. I thank all of them for their actions because ultimately it led  me to live my best life and step into my destiny as a successful solo artist. People have tried to manufacture fake narratives, drama and imaginary beefs where none exist beyond in their own ego’s and mind. Self projection. 

For some none of these facts will mean anything and you’ll still think what you want – that’s fine too. This post is also for me though – needed to get this off my chest and put these facts out here – so I write and backtrack all of this for this blog.

A Howard Hewett post from Facebook, pictures taken from my phone and posted on my pages with video

 

Howard constantly says he hasn’t spoken to me in 40 years – clearly a lie intended to create negativity directed at me, This is 2016 – we were on  a flight from Philly to LAX – UPDATE– fast forward 2022, he’s still saying we haven’t spoken. 

 

Expressing my frustration at the false narrative in my post from 2016. I don’t understand why Howard has continued to act like there is beef (lol as if we are rappers) it’s alway cordial when we cross paths – we have had a couple of in-depth  conversations over the years.


Instagram post from August 2016 sent to me by one of my fans


Recording session for my “Flower” album in 1997 with Howard and Jeffrey – the unreleased song was called “Just One More Time” which I ended up doing solo because Craig didn’t like how it sounded with the guys and didn’t want to try another song. Yet they perpetuate the lie there are differences going back to when I quit in 1983. It’s just not true, some can’t accept that I did move on and very happy in my life and solo career. Photo courtesy of  Eclipse Content.

 

For decades.. an excerpt sent to me from a longtime supporter of mine – Howard badmouthing me as far back as 1990. We were never friends -yet here he is trying to make me look bad and my circle of which he was never a part of to begin with.

Providing you with a timeline of communications over the years..starting with recent events as they are most relevant, unless you’re a person stuck on events of 20 and over 30 years ago – then working my way to the 1996 – Babyface reunion over 21 years ago that people including Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Daniel, TV-One/Unsung etc are still making much ado about nothing over and being dishonest about it – flat out lies. Trying to make it as if there are ongoing differences when there are not, at least not on my end. I’m simply living my life and handling the business of Jody Watley in my professional life.

We’ve had a few conversations including in the adjoining trailer on Top of The Pops for the Babyface taping, a lengthy phone conversation following that time where both Howard and Jeffrey leaned in on telling me I wasn’t shit without Shalamar despite my massive solo success which made me think how happy I was that we no longer worked together. They were still very disrespectful and incapable of any level of earned respect. There would be later communication years later – so this notion of no contact is completely false, though it is a narrative that permeates throughout the internet fueled by Howard in attempts to damage my reputation and create the false narrative of me being some angry woman – this by someone I only worked in a group with for a mere 4 years nearly 40 years ago. 

I usually adhere to the following: what people say about you is none of your business..don’t waste time explaining things to those committed to not understanding and always think of Don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements” – the second agreement is to not take things personally much of what people say is a reflection of them.. there are times though lies must be addressed.

Reading some of the comments, questions..prompted this very lengthy post because I’m tired of the lies against me with regard the whole “Shalamar Reunion” subject – the unnecessary cyber bullying and harassment I receive over a group I quit decades ago is just beyond comprehension.

This was going to be a short blog, however once I began working on it –  I figured this may as well be as in-depth as possible. If you’re in a hurry or have a short attention span -you can skip ahead to where I address the lies that have gone on too long by Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Daniel, Carolyn Baldwin (Griffey), various former Solar Records loyalists, Unsung and others involved. I come with receipts, as they say. That’s really what this post is all about, the truth to stop the lies…though I’m sure they will continue to my detractors and those committed to what appears to be a longstanding Jody Watley smear campaign.

All I’ve done is get on with my life and career with outstanding merit and achievements of my own – much to the chagrin of some. There are decades of interviews with me on record saying despite all of it and not all of it was bad..I remain in gratitude for the beginning of my professional career – it helped me learn the business and as a young woman forced me to overcome a lot of things.

For decades now I’ve said in interviews the unexpected death of my father changed how I view and live life. It’s too short to be unhappy, not living and creating our own fulfillment of joy, not to mention – not being compensated fairly. God and the universe are the ultimate provider of my blessings – my parents were my vessels and early teachers in life. ‘She needs to remember where she comes from..” my life began long before Shalamar and did not end there.

It’s no secret that Black women are generally the most marginalized, disrespected, diminished, and dissected across social media and in society. It makes no difference if you’re the First Lady of the United States – a black woman.

We get demeaned constantly – it’s our hair, our weight, our looks, never good enough for some – doesn’t matter the socioeconomic background or level of intelligence either. Often some of the negativity and hate sadly comes directly from other black women and men. In the midst of being an artist it was my duty to raise another intelligent, strong daughter knowing the challenges not just of being a human being, a woman – add to the mix a girl and woman of color. I have many achievements to be proud of in an ongoing career – that includes hit singles and albums, first of their kind celebrity high profile ad campaigns (GAP, Saks Fifth Avenue, LA Eyeworks), fashion layouts (Harper’s Bazaar, VOGUE, Rolling Stone) where few if any black artists were showcased at the time and other significant benchmarks to numerous to list in an ongoing career- as well I am the only Grammy winning solo artist to emerge from Shalamar…but the one continuously unfairly maligned as the one who needs to get over some imaginary petty grudge and bitterness that has been manufactured by others to suit their own personal feelings and bias against me – because in my 20’s I made a decision to walk away from a situation that did not serve my happiness, was bad business, included consistent demeaning behavior by some but as I’ve said would not trade it..was not all bad, and even in the – it was life lessons and I’m glad it happened.  Proud to have been part of a beloved R&B trio already in the history books – as I went on to make my own solo history. I am blessed and always in gratitude as I continue to evolve and grow and to have stepped into my ultimate destiny to be solo star, writer, producer, entrepreneur, style icon – JODY WATLEY.  The bitterness is in others.

If anyone is under any doubt who received the backlash from Unsung – just visit some of the comments around the web.  A sampling of comments directed at me:

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This was one that I came across actually made me laugh since no man has ever taken care of me. As a note to Jamone, I’m still single-handedly sending my youngest to college and have always been the self-sufficient bread-winner-even during a brief marriage. A self financed artist and label owner since 1995; there are men on my payroll having employed men for decades, from producers, co-producers,  remixers, band members, photographers, designers, executives and other staff. So yea..”..gold digging bitch”.. Smh – the misogyny is real.

No one can ever make you feel less than you are without your consent, so these types of comments don’t phase me, I have to laugh. My sound and style contributed to the success of Shalamar –  if some people don’t think so, cool. Doesn’t change my life, career or the past contributions and what I’m doing now.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion..and when you’re tagged they want to make sure you know  their opinion – such as Charmaine and Jo Ann – other black women. There are hundreds like them venting hatred of me and others in the public eye – there’s also a lot of love. That’s where my focus is, however it’s important not to live in that bubble. Sometimes you’ve got to see the hate.  If you check Jo Anne Fair’s page you’ll see Christian scriptures, although very judgmental of me .. typical. I wonder when people leave a negative comment, does it make them feel pleased with themselves in that moment..probably. Glad to not be them and I think of Don Miguel Ruiz “The Four Agreements” – the second agreement is to not take things personally, the garbage people try to inflict upon you is really what they feel.

It’s amazing as well that if I’m so insignificant, as some say and post to me..why do I keep ending up as the focus of these Unsungs?  As of right now, today and as trademark owner – as long as they don’t use my likeness, or any false misleading tactics, Howard is free to be Shalamar featuring Howard Hewett , Jeffrey Daniel and Carolyn Griffey like they’ve  been doing.. and remember there was a Shalamar after both Jeffrey Daniel and I both quit (cue DeLisa Davis, Micki Free, Sidney Justin). Make sure to keep supporting Howard, Jeffrey and the Baldwin Griffey group (keep reading), especially you Charmaine who took time to tag me, though she doesn’t follow me. It’s totally fine with me if anyone thinks Shalamar is Howard, that’s great what would be the reason for a reunion in that case?!  Jody Watley went on to make a name for myself – separate from Shalamar and not an easy feat.

No doubt there will be no response after presenting these hard facts because you bitter Shalamar fans don’t like the truth, you want to exist in the lies and emotions in your own heads.

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From a thread on my Facebook page where I posted recent airport photo with Howard.

This isn’t really about a Shalamar Reunion, this is all anti Jody Watley from my point of view rooted in envy. People take voiceovers from Unsung “..Jody Watley has declined all reunions” (something I’ve never said) which is a flat out lie – as gospel.

“Unsung” – I’m not. Having achieved what many black artists strive for – crossover success. There’s no reason for me to have a grudge with anyone, but there are those who definitely hold a grudge against me because of my solo success and independence. I’ve never been a ‘just fall back in line’, ‘know your place’ ‘do what you’re told’ kind of gal.

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A triumphant night! A kick ass solo debut! Pure Joy! Some folks are still mad and can’t get over it.

Workers of iniquity want to see you fail or go crawling in a hole of contrition somewhere, fall off, self destruct..who knows.

Stop wasting energy. People post to me “Life is too short..let it go” Let what go?? I say follow your own advice it has nothing to do with me.

Focused as always on my life, career and moving forward working on and releasing new music – new ventures, collaborations is what I’m about in my professional life.

Being dragged into unwarranted negativity and fake drama from a recent TV-One Unsung Howard Hewett –  basically Unsung Shalamar Part 2 was like OK, this again? My image, name and likeness were used to drive views in social media and ratings for the broadcast walking a thin line into libel and defamation – lies, lies and more lies.

Unsung / TV-One / Unsung Producers:

TVOne_Unsung_Ad_HowardHewettStory

Front and center. Jody Watley my name and likeness used for lies and distortion to help get ratings and generate fake drama.

 

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Hash-tagged, fake drama, marketing for ratings. it was supposed to be about someone else’s career right? Interesting juxtaposition of the male figures Howard and Jeffrey in the shadows with Jeffrey’s posture aimed to point at – who else..Jody Watley.

Here are some facts, to be clear I had very volatile interactions with both Howard and Jeffrey in the past from verbal and physical abuse for starters, as soon as I choose to leave Shalamar it was over and behind me from my point of view, all was forgiven – I was free to begin anew with lessons learned of that time .. that said The “Jody Watley has refused ALL requests for Shalamar Reunion” lie and narrative was first broadcast in 2009 with Unsung Shalamar but has been long perpetuated by Howard and his people and some in urban media. At the time because so many people wanted to know my thoughts on the broadcast. There were so many glaring omissions so I expressed my thoughts in Jody Watley Unsung Unfiltered on my Youtube channel. The omission of original male lead Gerald Brown was glaring in as much as he was clowned by Jeffrey Daniel in the episode about him waiting on a phone call – though the producers never reached out to Gerald to substantiate or get his side of what led to his departure. Gerald is included in my Unfiltered Part 8 the conclusion. Watch

In 7 years, more has happened as life and business have gone on. The production company A. Smith and Co has updated it to include the daughter of Dick Griffey who has never sang on one song with Shalamar – not one hit or album yet they revised to include her, a woman who has a personal vendetta against me which began with her father. Still no Gerald Brown though, who sang on our hit “Take That To The Bank” it’s all very shady.

I registered the Shalamar trademark to stop false ads, akin to stopping identity theft – not to stop anyone from touring – period.

Using old photo’s of Shalamar with me in it a ploy to help market and sell shows while putting Carolyn Griffey’s name next to my face was unethical no matter how much they said screw you, Dick Griffey owned all the photo’s so we can do what we want. My actions were nothing personal nor designed to stop anyone from working. I have no differences with anyone beyond the false ads..not to mention using old recordings with my vocals to help market shows.

That said – here’s the real deal and why I’m tired of the constant lies and misinformation purposely put out to create backlash, negative sentiments with the black/urban fans of the old group with regard to me. Misinformation is designed to undermine and damage my personal reputation and professional livelihood.

Howard and Jeffrey have not been trying to work with me for twenty years – they are under contract to the Griffey family who has dictated who they can work with if they are to do ‘Shalamar’ and that female is Carolyn Baldwin (Griffey), this fact that neither Howard or Jeffrey will acknowledge in favor of the tired narratives they peddle came out during Carolyn’s challenge.

Howard and Jeffrey and I went into the studio to record a song my ‘1998 Flower’ album at the behest of Atlantic Records,Craig Kalman – in the end the song wasn’t used, neither of them every mention the recording session – rather they keep imaginary ‘beef’ going instead which continues to cause me to be harassed, disrespected, and smeared.

Here we are in recording session 1997 for a reunion recording for my ‘Flower’ album. Producer Jamey Jaz, Howard, Jeffrey. Photo courtesy of Eclipse Content.

 

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When registering the mark which became effective May 23 2014 USPTO #4,530,877 (covered already in various interviews and blog posts here on my site) – I’d extended an invitation to Howard to join me for a few dates, as well as a potential reunion discussion was had – they turned it down unless Carolyn Griffey was involved which I found baffling -until I found out what was really going on.

It was strictly business and protecting my own brand against false ads, bait & switch to which Carolyn Baldwin (Griffey) and her mother felt she had every right to misuse including putting her name next to my likeness as if  Jody Watley was never in Shalamar.

Email Excerpts November 3, 2014:

Grudge?

Blocked! I attempted to look up a tweet Howard had tagged me in last year to the effect of “People are asking what I think of @jodywatley ..I’m not interested in that..” It was something to that effect, as I tend to do – simply ignored it. Back in 2015 his tweet to me was followed by a series of tags/tweets from his friends online bully Vijay Bhuchar (the Shalamar/Shalamar Friends friend and  t-shirt vendor in the UK) and oddly singer Phil Perry. I never responded nor acknowledged it. I had to laugh at loud when I saw “You are blocked..” Really? Who’s mad?

**Update (Sept.12, 2016)  thank you to the fan on Twitter who pulled this tweet I was referring too and a few more..”

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The line-up that tours the UK with Carolyn; a woman who never song on one hit single or classic album is now #TheRealShalamar ? Ok…

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Bloop!

I googled this…as an example of the constant lies “Howard Hewett Talks Rift with Jody Watley..” October 2015..Majic1023  — https://twitter.com/mymajic1023/status/660280161863147520

“..you can’t still be mad after 30 years..” referring to me, Jody Watley  when really Howard must be speaking of himself  ” further adds “..she got the trademark illegally..” more lies and slander from Howard Hewett on Tom Joyner Morning Show

http://blackamericaweb.com/2015/10/30/howard-hewett-talks-rift-with-jody-watley-possible-shalamar-reunion/

What rift????!Mad at what??!!   I am tired of these lies, but still not mad, and classy enough to smile when we bumped into each other at the airport.

In this instance I have every right to be annoyed at the constant attempts to damage my reputation to put a damper on the love and respect that so many do have for me.  The above links interview are after these emails initiated by me further disproving the constant need to mislead the public, attempting to create a negative backlash ..

Stop the lies, and attacks against me. I’m not the one with the grudge – clearly, why someone continuously creates a false narrative of imaginary differences is beyond. It’s called gaslighting.

2009 before airing of Unsung: Shalamar


With Howard in 2011 when I was on Grammy Board LA Chapter – always cordial and upbeat. Why he continues to peddle the fake narrative of bitterness, jealousy, grudge holding is what he must feel inside, not me at all.  I wish him healing and inner peace.

When I reached out to Howard October 13, 2014..it took him nearly a month to see it..check it and a year later October 2015 he continues to speaks of  the imaginary ‘..rift..’ instant airtime with Tom Joyner..who, I’d add – never had me to come on and reply to these lies and allegations..

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HowardHewett_Email_Nov_2014_Shalamar_

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but yet months later, another year later he’s still peddling the fake ‘rift’ ‘Jody’s mad..’ lie.

What rift, other than the one Howard obviously wants people to think exists – and maybe it does within himself – maybe one day he can move on, let it go and stop being petty by peddling lies as well as those who work with him who hide behind troll accounts and bolding trying to tarnish my name across the web.

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It’s probably Jody Watley right? Wrong. When people make assumptions about things they are clueless about and have bought into this mythical – it’s her..she’s not willing to forgive nonsense. I moved on the day I left Shalamar on July 4, 1983.

Jeffrey Daniel.

Hadn’t spoken to Jeffrey in over nearly 15 years. He was desperate to talk to me. He, Howard, Caroyln and their manager Michael Gardner were up in arms about the fact I’d started a new group. Jeffrey contacted me through booking agent Sal Michaels at Pyramid, he had been a booking agent of Shalamar in the 80’s and we’d recently reconnected. Sal was being harassed and threatened with lawsuits to sabotage my efforts by Michael Gardner on behalf Baldwin, Jeffrey and Howard.

One of many emails threatening to sue (without merit) in an attempt to sabotage booking efforts.

I will only excerpt the relevant portion with regard to Shalamar and potentially working together.  Perhaps the question to him is why do you keep saying Jody is the reason there’s never been a reunion, though from his comments on Unsung, I think Jeffrey is suffering extreme memory loss and speaking with him confirmed my suspicion- that or denial. Knowing the facts of the Dick Griffey mandate and the fact they never asked me prior to that with any real specifics is what he should convey and recent talks rather than over 20 years ago.

Jeffrey Daniel January 2015 Email:

Maybe someone can ask Jeffrey why he hasn’t mentioned this most recent correspondence from last year – why the lie about Jody being the problem? What problem? Why is it he only brings conversation from the 90’s and not the most recent?

JodyEmailtoJeffrey_Followup_Shalamar_2015

Because Jeffrey and I exchanged conversation about his family, his children, his God-daughters in Lagos, my children, etc..I have only extracted what he said in regards to possibly getting together “Shalamar.” They went on to a festival ‘Let’s Rock Bristol’ – as my group had done the year before at Let’s Rock London. Not another peep from Jeffrey who I gather is powerless which is sad for him as the only original of those 3.

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Jeffrey_Email_Jan_2015 excerpt

For reasons only Howard and Jeffrey knows – they continue to perpetuate the lie that I’ve been the problem with “Reunion” knowing the truth is they haven’t asked me – even when they did a “Reunion Tour in the UK called “The Second Time Around Tour”  using my likeness mind you, to generate more commerce in fees. I was told by fans there of them telling the audiences I didn’t show, couldn’t make it but  was welcome anytime – also not true. This year I found out the real reason behind why they haven’t asked me – provided by Carolyn Baldwin (Griffey stage name) in some emails in her declaration.

Here’s an example of what led me to research the actual ownership as a refresher – I’ve covered this is a couple of other blog posts and interviews.

indigo2_shalamar

Pre-Trademark registration and the last ambiguous and or false misleading ad  they did don’t believe me? Check their respective facebook pages pre  May 2014.. and compare it to after May 2014 when they learned I’d registered the mark. I’ve never been asked to do any of these shows in the UK for those who’ve asked – yet they deceived the public and were able to increase their fees by making the ticket buyers believe they were seeing a ‘reunion’..  their manager said this was the old Shalamar with that classic 3..so if so, why this? They have tried to make people believe there was never a Jody Watley — or Delisa Davis for that matter, only Carolyn by using old photo’s with me – with her name.

 

songkick_baldwin copy_falsead

Shalamar from 1979 with me, Jeffrey and Howard – my name replaced with Griffey’s – under mandate from Griffey.

Read the ad..Imagine that – only the woman in the photo is me – Jody Watley.

indigo2_2011-copy_falsead_shalamar_howard_jeffrey

Look at this carefully – it’s me but they replaced my name with Carolyn, they were slowing trying to make her the original female. It’s like identity theft.

Email P Hunt UK TV Show Fraud Shalamar 2005 1

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The emails below became a part of the Baldwin (Griffey) challenge this year with the TTAB (Trademark and Appeals Board) – it made everything make sense.

Emails from Dick Griffey mandating who will be in “Shalamar” among other revelations. This is not proof of ownership, as a note – just someone demanding someone follow his demands – something they continue to do. This fact was certainly not covered in Unsung nor any interview they’ve done. Instead – they say Jody won’t do it..the truth is, they are doing what they were told by Dick Griffey dating back to 2001 apparently.

It’s easier to throw me under the bus than admit they Howard and Jeffrey work under the belief that “Shalamar” belongs to Carolyn (Baldwin) Griffey and they back her up. Why not include that in Howard’s Unsung..rather than the fake narrative? Instead, you get manufactured “beef ” so that the public can accept Carolyn and buy into the lie that “Jody Watley has refused all reunions..”

These documents are a part of the Baldwin challenge to my legal registration with the USPTO which stopped them for advertising in the UK using images that included me – Jody Watley and changing my name to hers – as if she were the original woman in Shalamar which is also of course not true. They had a charade going – I stopped it for those who question how I came to the trademark.  Even as owner at the outset, my attorney told them they could use the name just stop false ads.

The “Real” Shalamar according to Howard, Jeffrey and Carolyn:

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Howard Hewett, Carolyn Baldwin (Griffey) and Jeffrey Daniel. 2016

**Updated (Sept.12, 2016) thank you to the fan who in-boxed me on Twitter.

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Presented to my attorney Michael L. Lovitz, IP Law and in declaration documents.

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Entered as ‘evidence’ from Carrie Lucas, CL ..Carolyn Lucas, former Solar artist amd widow of Dick Griffey by her daugher Carolyn Baldwin (Griffey)

 

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– Interesting all around..my jaw dropped further when I got to the part about Griffey’s thoughts on “The Look” album. This is what they didn’t want to say in the first Unsung. This confirmed in writing for me that he’d allowed Howard to take over the album which drove a further wedge with Jeffrey who quit before the album was recorded after his part on ‘Dead Giveaway’ and then I quit during filming of video of ‘Dead Giveaway’ and just before the album release, we were both threatened to be sued and blackballed from the business –  the end of that era for Shalamar..while people still blame me ..

 

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Tunde is Jeffrey’s longtime friend and ‘manager’

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email

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At Last!! A photo. The end of the charade, false and misleading ads. Baldwin (Griffey) had yet to remember she was the  owner after 14 years according to her subsequent challenge filed in August  ..but she did at last submit a photo for them to use at Indigo2 2014. They’ve been taking photo’s and posting since..even poached my new ‘Shalamar’ logo at one point boldy putting it on their first official photo session after 14 years..

Despite this and the recent public revelations in the United States – it was only after my registration that they began to mention her by name – in fact they just apparently introduced her in July 0f 2015..after using my likeness in the UK for years – the charade was over because of my registration.

2015 – the introduction, after 14 years..but she’s been in it since 2001 right?

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BET Awards 2014  – BET and Jesse Collins Ent. offered me a solo spotlight and Shalamar reunion surprise appearance – I agreed and in the end said no because the producers were not holding up to their end of the offer, we could not agree creatively as they wanted to turn it into something else entirely – again, this is a business one shouldn’t have to dim a light for others to shine and why do it if not for maximum impact, it was not about just getting onstage crooning ballads. Agreements are to be honored not baited and switched. BET, Jesse Collins, Mike Gardner manager and Howard Hewett were the reason this performance subsequently never happened. They wanted to add a Howard feature and I was fine with it..though it was not in their offer to me…it went downhill from there.

BET Acceptance Letter:

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Jeffrey Email RE: BET / Howard Email Excerpts:

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Essence Festival Pitch from Avid – 2014

In a follow-up phone call with with Wallace Butts of Avid Music Inc, it was reiterated there was no interest in a ‘Shalamar Reunion’ as I gauged interest post trademark registration.

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2011 –  After meeting concert promoter / producer friend to Howard Hewett Bill Hammond at a charity event, he was keen on discussing a possible “Reunion” tour. Bill has a past history in quality events. I pitched the “Farewell” concert for the USA to give closure to the American fans who are still interested.

This time it all fell apart when he told me he’d had a great conversation with Howard but that Carolyn would have to be involved and we’d need her permission, she’d need to be on background vocals – there was never another woman singing with Shalamar when I was in it – there was no need and no need to start. My voice and tone always held it down, nothings changed. Howard was looking out for Carolyn and that’s his choice so it’s perfect he continues to work for the Griffey’s and remain loyal to them.

I choose to have no dealings with the Griffey’s in any capacity – Dick Griffey himself was never a fan of mine and treated me with disrespect not to mention not properly compensating us – that era taught me what not to accept moving forward and I remain grateful for the experience, however those days are gone.

No smart business person is walking back into that situation. Any of the former members could have also done what I did and researched the trademark instead of accepting wolf tickets.

Bill Hammond Email: 2011 Farewell Tour Conversation

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Excerpt continued from March 29, 2011 email exchange with Bill Hammond

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I opted out of pursuing it further once Howard said Carolyn would have to giver permission and also be a part of it..No thanks.

THIS. The Charade. Hit Me Baby One More Time.

2005 – I was deep into ambient electronica ‘Midnight Lounge” era musically and creatively. It’s one of my best albums and most critically acclaimed. Jeffrey, Howard and Carolyn go on UK Hit Me Baby One More Time and are introduced as “Shalamar”  back together again – “Reunited.”  Jeffrey proclaims  “it’s like when we were here back in the day – not when Howard and I were here..when “we” were here as they all gather around to look at the footage. The video package with old footage features me – Jody Watley performing and intermixed with Carolyn implying it’s the same person – reunited remember. When she says “Oh, look – there’s Jermaine” that was like whoa – my best friend who wrote a song about me – Jody. Why use Carolyn to point out Jermaine..hmm – obvious. The charade begins. Was I asked to be a part of this? No.  Read earlier mandate by Dick Griffey..tell the truth guys.

WATCH!!

Carolyn, you’re not the original woman in Shalamar. Making sure she was not introduced by name in 2005. A simple Shalamar is back with a new member..but – no. The UK has been made to believe – she is me since 2005, until I stopped the falsehoods.

WATCH!! Jody Watley, the one some say insignificant to “Shalamar” always right there..my likeness and old Shalamar images, Soul Train..music video, performances..”They’re back!” Really?

How many closeups of me, Jody Watley can you count? Even Gerald Brown “Take That To The Bank” is used in the package as well. Notably though, when they take the stage there’s no distinction made of who is on the stage..that’s not me, Jody Watley but certainly I was used without permission..they could have had the real thing but they chose an imposter. Did they or any of their reps reach out to me? No and as I said, it all made sense once the emails provided by Carolyn for her challenge of my registration were in my possession as a part of this legal journey.

Going back, at the time my website was called missjodywatley.com – I was flooded with messages that Jeffrey and Howard were trying to pass some girl off as me on a TV show. This is how I came to know about it. I addressed it on the site and made it clear it wasn’t me and that what they were doing was not OK. I received an email from Tunde Babola, Jeffrey’s longtime manager and friend. I use to have to occasional friendly exchange with Tunde until that point. He admonished me for the post clarifying the charade – and told me to take it down. I said there was no reason to take it down and the false presentation wasn’t legal or right. He told me, and I’ll never forget it “Lest you forget, Dick Griffey owns Shalamar lock, stock and barrel..” to which my reply was “Well I own Jody Watley and this website lock, stock and barrel and if you don’t like my posts stay off of my website. I’ve never spoken to him since. When the video’s were posted on Youtube, it was truly flabbergasting to actually see what they’d done and it still is. I forgive them,  it’s all really low and pathetic to me. It’s a reminder of how shady this business and how people can be while in the public presenting something entirely different; including using the umbrella of being ‘a Christian.’ Your beliefs don’t make you righteous, your behavior does.

2000 – Jeffrey says he asked me once around this time to perform with them in his email to me from January 2015 and I turned it down. I don’t recall it, nor do I recall ever receiving a firm contract offer or anything of that nature. In 1999-2000 for was going into my experimental electronica era. The Saturday Night Experience Vol. 1 featuring Jody Watley. There was no photo of me on the cover, just sound waves.

I was burnt out on the commercial part of the business and more in the underground rejuvenation phase – as well I was deep into motherhood enjoying raising my children who have always been my priority. During this time, I also wanted to distance myself from the 80’s which had been so good to me and continue to pay my bills- over time, I came back around to that and put those songs back in my show.

If I did decline that one time, I suppose it wasn’t to be revisited? It’s as if in their world people and philosophies don’t change. Frozen in time, that’s how some are and that’s fine for them. They don’t  grow, change evolve -and remain  rigid, never progressing in life. People change their minds all the time -the next day, week, month or year…it’s kind of funny when you think about it. There’s a favorite moment,  a teachable lesson from daughter when she was little-she loved broccoli..and then she didn’t, when I asked ‘But I thought you liked broccoli..she replied “Well Mommie, taste buds change you know..” it’s a metaphor for life.

Adding more back story to this period – During this time I hired Jeffrey for shows to Japan to do “Shalamar” segment. Ironically Rosero from SRL was a dancer with me then and was on the trip.  The execs at MJJ had taken Jeffrey off payroll and he was having financial issues. I extended help to someone who I’ve always had a tumultuous off and on friendship, though he remains in denial about that fact. But even if we are no longer friends, I will help someone like that because holding onto tribulations is a waste of energy. After that trip in 2000 -we never spoke after that until January 2015 when he contacted Sal Michaels at Pyramid desperate to talk to me  – I’ll save that for my memoir.

90’s.

1998 – Just One More Time. Howard, Jeffrey and I went into the studio to record the song “Just One More Time” for Atlantic Records, it was written and produced by Jamey Jaz. We recorded, all three of us together on Beverly Blvd atWestlake Studios. This fact can be substantiated by Craig Kalman of Atlantic and other former executives such as John “Johnny D” DeMairo and Rich Christina. The song of which I have somewhere deep in storage on a cassette and recently asked Jamey if he had his copy and said no. It was scrapped in favor of my solo performance as Craig was unhappy with the outcome of it. He lost interest in perhaps trying another song because he said Hewett’s voice had lost it’s magic and we didn’t sound good together.  I have no idea why neither Howard or Jeffrey acknowledge this fact – but continue to go with the “..our hopes are dashed because of Jody Watley” even after decades. People comment to me with such conviction in their vitriol..forgive yourselves for attacking me over things you have no clue about and move on. Tell the truth guys. Why don’t you mention this???? Drama sells.

1996 – The Babyface Reunion Album —   Howard, Jeffrey and myself were in negotiations for a Shalamar Reunion album. At first, I wasn’t that into it. Babyface convinced me how great it would be and also he spoke of his past not always pleasant dealings with Dick Griffey. My potential deal was being negotiated by Rosalyn E. Jones, ESQ my longtime entertainment attorney. In the end there was no agreement – no deal could be reached. Howard’s manager wanted more money for him..we were not a group and hadn’t been for over decade and this harkened back to when I left Shalamar in the first place due to Howard; making his own side deals with Griffey  who was not paying me or Jeffrey what we deserved. To Dick Griffey we were always those ‘dancers’. That’s not badmouthing the man, that’s my experience and at one time Jeffrey’s – but he doesn’t  remember that. The break-up in 1983: Melody Maker – read what Jeffrey said when it was all fresh. HERE

This is business, I’m not a dancer, or some naive girl floundering and clueless.  I’m an established artist, a business woman. It wasn’t me trying to get more than everyone else though surely I’d earned the same right. Sure, it could have been cool but it didn’t work and I am a big believer that some things happen for a reason – pay attention to the universe and life. I have great respect for Babyface. I nearly worked with him when I was on MCA but it never happened..I don’t walk around pissed off that it didn’t work out. Life goes on, but that’s just me.

1996 – Top of The Pops Taping on Santa Monica Pier – all of us together…what is the reason TV-One, Unsung, A. Smith and Co Productions, Howard, Jeffrey continue to omit this? It doesn’t feed the Jody Watley has refused all reunions lie. I had no problem appearing with them although it was disappointing that they didn’t want to rehearse or work with a choreographer so we were just milling about in the performance – but that’s was just my input then. People need to stop acting like it never happened in favor of fake drama where there was none. Why isn’t this ever shown in these Unsung Shalamar episodes?

This video was uploaded by my company under the account Classic Shalamar on November 2011 another reaction to the false statement that Jody Watley has declined ALL Reunions made in Unsung Shalamar, 2009. Otherwise, it’s unlikely anyone else would have..Howard, Jeffrey, Babyface, LL Cool J, A.Smith and Co, Unsung, know of this video and taping in 1996 – but yet…I’ve refused ALL reunions. Stop it.

1996 – “For The Lover In You” Video Babyface  with Hype Williams. The blown out of proportion “Jody refused to film with us..”. I was flying in from concerts in Japan and it made sense in the end to simply film my scene on green screen as Hype said he was doing with all of us anyway from what I recall. An appointment with the stylist was made of Williams’ choosing, the awesome June Ambrose. She pulled hot pieces, I selected the leather maxi   – had no clue what Jeffrey and Howard chose – we were not a group. Dick Griffey told Babyface we could not use the name SHALAMAR because he owned it.

The day of the shoot each Howard and Jeffrey had filmed their scene by the time I arrived. Was there someone there who said, you can’t talk to Jody?  No, and no big deal. It was a job, I showed up, did my part and that was that. It was three people shooting scenes for a song we all had a part in. That said did I have concerns about how the vibe would be from two men I hadn’t worked with in a long time and had some negative and positive encounters the years since? Yes of course, anyone would have. This was about scheduling, not shade throwing.  Williams never said we can’t do this if you’re not all together.

I would totally acquised to that if that was the case. I never thought it would become an ‘issue’ for some and used as a part of a smear campaign.

If it were such a big problem for me and no one could ‘get Jody Watley in the room..and the “what shade went down” lie —  what changed in a few weeks for the taping of Top Of The Pops on the Santa Monica Pier? Why didn’t I  simply decline participating at all?  Why do you think this fact has been left out twice now on a national documentary series, which be repeated over and over?  It’s a better story and drama sells – the villian in this story has been purposefully made to be me – Jody Watley, the Grammy winning artist with the crossover career..Chew on that.

Despite these facts, when I bumped to Howard again recently at the airport (he’d dashed out quickly when he saw me on arrival after autograph seekers alerted me to his presence) as fate would have it we were on the same return flight. Trust me he was very much the cat who swallowed the canary when I was in proximity and he had to speak..I was cordial, we spoke, I filmed a video – we on the same flight and never said another word after that. I could have confronted him for all of the lies and false statements about me but as Michelle Obama said  “When they go low – we go high.”

Hewett also recently went on the Tom Joyner Morning Show and slandered me saying I’d committed fraud by registering the trademark, a claim without merit intended to damage my reputation. Lies and pettiness. Currently a Motion to Compel is pending with the USPTO Trademark and Appeals Board because Baldwin (Griffey) has yet to cooperate in proving her case. (Update: Baldwin Griffey lost her challenge with USPTO as of February 2017).

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A fan, collector had these posters from 1980 and wanted me to sign on March 26, 2016 NYC BB Kings’s after a sold out show with Shalamar Reloaded. He’d asked Howard to sign after seeing him not long before..the way Howard signed and where he signed says a lot about his frame of mind with regards to Jody Watley. Grudge?

 

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The man  mentioned he told Howard he was wrong for that and to sign the other side of the poster after defacing the first. I signed this version. BB King’s  NYC March 26, 2016


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Philadephia International Airport – August 2019 – to this day he will act like he has not spoken to me in almost 40 years. Stop the lies.


Jody Watley, Howard Hewett 2011 NAMM, Recording Academy Booth

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The BET Awards 2014 and Shalamar – Business and Me.

 

Jody Watley Presents Club Paradise. Design Ray Easmon and Jody Watley

Jody Watley Presents Club Paradise. Design Ray Easmon and Jody Watley

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Mock-up of  stage for presentation treatment Jody Watley Segment BET Awards 2014 Proposal.

 

Shalamar Nightlife-ized.

Shalamar Nightlife-ized for Club Paradise. Design Ray Easmon

PrintFor the past 5 years, I’ve been approached by BET to reunite with Jeffrey Daniel and Howard Hewett for the BET Awards to close the show as surprise performers. Throughout the process, my representatives as a condition on with their desired Shalamar reunion of the particular renowned classic line-up in the evolving entity, that I be allotted a spotlight as well. With a solo catalog of hits it just business sense and recognizing the strength of what I bring to the table. Other artists who have come from groups and gone on to great solo success while also making a mark in pop culture request the same. At the core, it’s always down to business for me – nothing personal.  All parties agreed finally after 4 years of no to a “Jody Watley”, “we don’t want her to do that” by various people in other camps – so it seemed we were finally on for 2014. The reluctance or (dis)agreeance was baffling from a business point of view despite these hits which span R&B/Pop/Dance and Hip Hop (Friends with Eric B & Rakim). Having sold millions, and impacted pop culture through my music, video, style, etc. is something I will never allow to be diminished for the benefit and ego others as long as I live. With my fans, I always encourage people to not let their personal value be defined and diminished by others. We all have a choice of how we let other’s treat us. I live that as much as I can in my personal and business life. Some think ‘Oh, you’re not hot, or this or that anymore’ and believe that it’s an opening to get you to think less of yourself and drop your standards. I will never have that mentality. Understand a lot of people are still upset at my solo success – trust me. I say, never give up your power. On my official invitation letter it appeared they agreed, a solo segment for Jody Watley, a Shalamar reunion with Howard and Jeffrey. I was actually looking forward to it, try as some continuously go around trying to paint a picture of me as some sort of hold-out, or with personal differences.

As I’ve said for decades – I have no personal differences with anyone, don’t believe the decades of innuendo by Hewett and his team, Jeffrey and clueless Shalamar ‘fans’. The barrier is always business, creative and ego. Let’s put her in her place and marginalize all that she’s achieved. Never going to happen. I can’t force anyone to raise their standards, but I know I’ll never lower mine. Everything fell apart in May after a few conference calls.  Over the past year my team and I had worked to put something together for two iconic performances for myself as well as the ‘Classic’ Shalamar lineup. I didn’t want to take a call and go into this unprepared. Always be prepared even if other’s don’t expect you to be is my advice.  If you have followed my solo career at all, you should know this is nothing new. I plan, prepare, and always try to bring a level of fabulousness and style to what I do. As a woman, what I’ve learned is we have to be even more on point, because expectations are usually low or tinged with sexism.

I pitched something that would have made everyone look great. This was not just an opportunity from my point of view as was said “a chance to be on television in front of 8 million people”, as Hewett’s manager said angrily after the fact. For me, if it wasn’t going to be right, that was 8 million reasons to not do it. I don’t care about exposure, if it’s the wrong kind. I’ve never been about that. The politics in this business is real – what do you do? Keep pushing, keep doing the work and being true to yourself and keeping life in perspective. Enjoy the life and opportunities that come to fruition. There’s a lesson in everything. The possibility to reunite and perform with Rakim for our classic and groundbreaking “Friends” was thrilling. I teased this on my Facebook page, during a time discussions were taking place. There is no doubt, Rakim and I would have shut it down with that surprise performance alone, and it would have been perfect as Rakim with younger people is still seen as a Rap/Hip Hop god MC.  It made sense to design a high energy and fierce Shalamar segment which would feature “A Night To Remember.” That is not what Howard Hewett and his team, inexplicably BET nor Jeffrey Daniel wanted. Once we got into it, their terms changed, and I felt like it was all a bait and switch – typical of how some of them do business. BET and Howard’s manager wanted a ballad section – where they envisioned Shalamar coming out. A ballad segment beginning with Howard, which  I reiterate this was not in the original agreement that  “I” agreed to.  I still said fine. Let Howard do one of his ballads, which they wanted after my altered segment sans Rakim — then let’s hit them with “A Night To Remember.”

Their intention and vision was completely different. Rakim was cut, once the music medley was sent. If you don’t know, “Friends” featuring Eric B and Rakim is one of the first to feature the blend of Pop R&B/HipHop/Rap. The single was a multi-format hit single Pop, R&B and Dance. It’s a touchstone in popular music and a formula that became a dominant force in music – the collaboration with a full 16 bar verse. Respect. The ‘Club Paradise’ theme was cut, and the ability to mash-up my section into something with production elements, video screens, classic imagery, dancers, “Real Love” fashion walkers, etc. It was probably a mistake to begin with to try to link all of these performances, however it has worked for Justin Timberlake (MTV Awards brining out NSync) and Beyonce (Superbowl bringing out Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland for a Destiny’s Child moment).  For “A Night To Remember” my team and I had Jeffrey Daniel coming out in lights to showcase his body popping. Dramatic lighting, sound effects, the whole bit. Modern Shalamar logo, more use of the big screen – a full party vibe for the audience in the venue and at home watching.

This, from my point of view and how I saw it – was also something to generate positive social media as well not to mention any potential upside. No one seemed to care much about  an iconic moment – just let’s get those 3 together onstage. Some were just content to be on TV. The dance feature was dismissed as something that was being forced on them, from my perception “Well, Jeffrey wants to dance” of course he did – as if this was a bad thing? It was in my synopsis! Jeffrey’s dancing, as well as Shalamar as a group concept at our creation by Don Cornelius, the dance was one of the key elements that made Shalamar unique. Our choreography and style made us stand out as a perfect compliment to the music – which began with disco, no matter how much some might hate that fact. BET and Howard’s reps wanted a more ballad heavy presentation which for me would have been lackluster and would have ruined the impact. They requested a full medley with the group coming out on ‘This is For The Lover In You’. I said this isn’t a concert it’s television ‘moment’ let’s hit them with some fresh moves, the ultimate party jam and impact  of “A Night To Remember.”

Proper time would have been required to properly stage and rehearse including choreography to really ‘bring it.’ Some people involved don’t want to dance or be bothered with choreography it appears – that’s not Shalamar, nor is it me. 2 days to rehearse monumental performances wasn’t cutting it. I love to entertain and give 1000%. Bringing a sense of style is apparent in all of my work past and present. Although the Shalamar that Howard and Jeffrey have morphed into when they’ve done a few shows in the U.K. with their hired singer the dancing is gone, and that’s comfortable for them to simply sing behind Howard – this is not how Shalamar was created before he got there.  To each his own. They can get away with this once a year at Indigo2 in London (using my photo and likeness I’d add to assist with selling the show, one of the reasons I’ve now acquired trademark rights, do the show – stop using my likeness). They wanted to do what they do – I wanted to do what felt like the best for ‘television’ for everyone; something bigger and more exciting. It was not to be, again. This isn’t the first time, and for me at this point represents that are creative understandings and ways about doing business are too far about to bear. Big Boi had done a mash-up of “A Night To Remember” and we had him in our pitch, for the younger viewers if he was available — and I was aware he’d be in town for the BET Experience with OutKast. Shortly after it all fell apart, Mary J. Blige released her cover of the same song.

To me it was another sign from God and the universe. That was the song we were supposed to do – and I had agreed to do it! They were stuck on ballads as if this was the BET Lounge. Fail. They don’t get it and probably never will. To each his own. I felt compelled to write this so you the fans know what happened, as I’m sure there are those who behind the scenes will once again paint me out to be the villainess, and put words in my mouth or misrepresent what went down. They were the ones not willing to compromise. If it were me – I would have agreed to at least have a hot as fire version of ‘A Night To Remember’ for that segment as opposed to nothing at all. The concept of “Club Paradise” was also torpedoed, with new music on the horizon it also didn’t make sense for me to just go on and sing classics, as if my musical journey and continued evolution had stopped. The setting would have been a chic and contemporary one that would have been fabulous for everyone; not simply an uninspired ‘old-school’ moment where we are just onstage meandering about.

I will never be talked into doing something I don’t want to do – nor do I expect it from others. That is the great divide and why I work with like-minded people. Life is too short. Bringing forth a quality product in entertainment and not go through the motions is always important – but that’s just me. Creative differences derailed the BET Awards 2014 appearance. I was not willing to diminish my brand as Jody Watley nor the brand of Shalamar which I helped create and am now the legal trademark rights holder of to pump up someone else’s profile and ego. I look forward to rejuvenating the Shalamar brand, which really began with my inspirations for “Nightlife” a topic I’ve talked about over the past year – whether some were paying attention or not. “Nightlife” was a full circle moment bringing me back together with original Shalamar male vocalist Gerald Brown of “Take That To The Bank.” “Nightlife” went into the Top 5 in the UK (Commercial Pop and Urban) and garnered a position at #18 in Billboard on the Hot Dance Club Play Charts.  My love of disco, dance, dance music and fashion is at the core.

 

Perhaps at some point, the ‘Classic’ lineup can get together and get on the same creative page for a ‘Farewell Reunion Tour” which I did pitch some years ago as quiet as it’s kept, but was met with the same dismissive tone.  I’ve always said I’m not much for reunions however from a business standpoint, I have been open to it if done the right way – creatively, respectfully and equitable on the business end if it makes sense. However, as a business woman I see no reason to let the name “Shalamar” be relegated solely to the past, which was part of my enthusiasm to join forces with Gerald for ‘Nightlife’ and revisiting my own disco roots. Gerald and I will be doing a select round of Jody Watley Presents: Shalamar concerts with a spotlight and celebration of disco soul.

 

I have many exciting ideas for a younger generation and marketplace and look forward to working with my team to see them to fruition as acquisition and extension of my business umbrella, as well as for the classic heads that just wish to hear ‘the music.’ I’ve continued to work on my planned release of “Paradise” which is coming soon, and wish everyone the best. This is the same BET who have never invited me to be a part of Black Girls Rock – and I’ve certainly earned an appearance or two (performer, presenter, co-host, etc – that’s another blog) and the same Howard and Jeffrey who have allegedly been dissing me for years or sending others around to do it on their behalf, put publicly creating a false desire of a reunion. There is a lot of sexism in the media and marginalization of black women in particular, that point is not lost on me. The BET Awards have a terrific line-up this year, congratulations to Lionel Ritchie on his Lifetime Achievement Award – no one seems to hold it against him that he never reunited with The Commodores – but he’s a man in this business.

It would have been cool had it worked out but it was not to be. I’m totally fine with that. Artist with longevity and recognized to be a pioneer/trendsetter -songwriter, producer, entrepreneur (Avitone, Avid, JodyWatleyBoutique, Jody Watley Music,  Jody Watley MultiMedia Group, etc).

 

UPDATED: JULY 1, 2014 Lots of comments on my Facebook, under the thread. To those who say I should have just done Shalamar – Jeffrey and Howard could have certainly done the performance without me the past 4 and this years ceremony with Carolyn who they perform with in the UK which is more in line with they way they like to perform. I know what’s up – and made the right choice. I watched the BET Awards and enjoyed it. although I wish they’d found time to honor Bobby Womack somehow, or mention him by name in the “In Memoriam.” The segment with 90’s groups Troop, Color Me Badd, and Sylk for the “Throwback” Surprise Performance, which the fans loved. It did affirm my decision to not be a part of it. To my knowledge, none of those acts still record and make music but it was a good look ‘for them’.  I’m guess personally not ready to be relegated the the “throwback” surprise part of the show – again unless it can have the same production and excitement as other artists in today’s commercial music scene. This was probably on my mind as well – my career as a recording artist, songwriter, etc. continues. Perhaps BET will sponsor a  package tour for veteran acts who perform in the segment and keep the music alive beyond that moment – just a business thought.  I enjoyed the Lionel Richie speech and watching him receive his “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Either you come on to do something new, or you wait to be acknowledged properly — although they did turn around and misspell the Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient’s name on screen as  “Lionel Ritchie.”  The beat goes on.