Jody Watley opens up on disrupting and diversifying the dance floor and the fashion world for more than four decades…in the cover story for Canada’s IN Magazine’s November / December 2024 Issue “An Everlasting Icon”
Few singer-songwriters have been able to bridge the worlds of fashion and pop music in the way 65-year-old Jody Watley has. In the four decades she’s been recording, writing, singing, producing and performing, Watley’s Watley’s body of work has shaken zeitgeists, broken new ground and allowed us to understand the importance of understatement. Her upper hand is letting fierceness and coolness live together in harmony and verse. Any time Watley premieres a new song – such as her recently released “Everlasting” – she’s able to redefine our notions of what a diva means with her refined yet nonchalant vibe..
A Must Read! Check out the the full feature on Canada’s IN Magazine : Here
Grammy Award Winning artist Jody Watley reached a new milestone. Pandora recognized the music legend for her blockbuster debut 1987 single “Looking For A New Love” reaching the Million Streams Club. The Grammy nominated single was written by Jody Watley and Andre Cymone, produced by Cymone and David Z and is one of the defining singles of the 80’s with Watley’s popular catch-phrase “Hasta La Vista Ba-By” later popularized again by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator Judgement Day.
“I’m very proud of this newest milestone for one of my biggest hits. Always thankful that MCA’s Jheryl Busby insisted I needed to write one more song, after turning in my debut album. “Looking For A New Love” was that song! Good music has no expiration date and the ongoing streams are a testament to this for longtime fans and new generations to come. In addition, to continue to write, record and release quality music spanning 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s is a blessing.” – Jody Watley
Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer/entrepreneur, founder of indie label Avitone. With a diverse music discography spanning R&B / Pop / Dance /Hip Hop / Electronic / Jazz / Adult Contemporary 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20sJody Watley is recognized as a style icon and one of the architects of 21st century Pop/R&B/Dance music, an inductee into the Women’s Songwriters Hall Of Fame, listed in Billboard as one of the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time, Top 100 Black Solo Artists Of All Time.
As a solo artist, the Pop and R&B singer-songwriter was awarded the prestigious Best New Artist GRAMMY Award in 1987, only the third black artist in the history of the recording academy and broadcast to receive that honor.
As a Solo artist, JODY WATLEY has 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles, 7 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and multi-platinum albums in the USA alone. Her vast discography also includes million selling greatest hits video compilation and fitness video (a first for a black woman in the genre).
Her music has charted in other countries including Japan, Germany, Netherlands. In the UK, 5 Top 5 UK Soul Chart Singles, along with two Top 5 Commercial Pop / Urban singles add to her ongoing tally of hits though she says “Hits are great, though my priority is always simply writing and releasing quality music that can resonate with people in a positive way. That’s what my newest single “EVERLASTING” is about.”
Jody Watley speaks on new single “EVERLASTING” in new video upload. Equally important, the Grammy winning artist, singer, songwriter and producer has an ongoing diverse discography spanning 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s and 20s.
Jody Watley, a perennial figure in the music industry, continues to captivate audiences with her latest dance release, “EVERLASTING” The Remixes, which surged to the remarkable #2 position on the iTunes Top Dance Albums Chart. This accomplishment serves as another jewel in the crown of the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/producer’s illustrious career.
Despite Jody’s extensive track record of contemporary dance hits on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play Charts spanning multiple decades, this marks her premier Top 2 placement on the USA iTunes Dance Album Chart since her lauded “Midnight Lounge” album clinched the #1 spot in the Top Dance/Electronica Albums category back in 2003.
Jody Watley – 35 Years of Real Love & Larger Than Life. Photography Tim Fears. All Rights Reserved, Avid Music Inc.
On April 27, Grammy winning artist Jody Watley made it a Saturday night to remember at The Live & Up Close Theater at the beautiful Sycuan Resort & Casino near San Diego, CA. No backing dancers to distract; this was all about the artist connecting with her audience “Tonight it’s just you and I!” For nearly 90 minutes, Jody Watley with nothing to prove – proved she still has that IT factor and fully capable to rock a crowd. In addition to the music, the hits, the style, Jody Watley interjects a lot of spontaneous positivity, encouraging words and humor connecting with her fans throughout the show.
While celebrating the 35th anniversary of her platinum second solo album “Larger Than Life” Watley included an array of hits and fan favorites from her diverse discography. The concert also included her latest hit ‘EVERLASTING’ with an inspirational message. Near the end of the concert, there was a surprise rousing funky mashup of “Something New” from “Larger Than Life” mixed in with TLC’s “Ain’t To Proud To Beg”. “I’ve never performed this one live!” Watley exclaimed to the audience. We hope “Something New” becomes a mainstay in her future sets. The spectacular LED screen visuals provided another layer, state of the art element and dimension to the concert experience.
Jody Watley bringing the Wattage – Performing ‘EVERLASTING’ Visuals by Ray EasmonJody Watley Performs “Don’t You Want Me” in Vivienne WestwoodStyle Icon. Jody Watley – with a nod to “Real Love” 35.Jody Watley. Classic Steven Meisel Photography “Larger Than Life” – 35 Live & Up Close Theater.
The eclectic set list gave us a dose house music with inclusion of the Def Dub Mix of “I’m The One You Need” and the Alex Di Cio’ mix of another recent dance hit “Whenever.” A fun highlight was Watley bringing up a fan, Shaniece Cole who happens to be an actress and producer from Access Hollywood, for an impromptu dance off during “Still A Thrill.” Ms. Cole was dressed in an homage outfit referencing one of the iconic video looks from the mega solo debut hit “Looking For A New Love.” At the end of the song, Watley gave her custom handheld fan to Cole who was nearly in tears at the gesture and moment.
After Show Meet & Greet. Shaniece Cole and Jody Watley.
The underground classic aptly titled ‘Saturday Night Experience’ original mix opened the show. “I haven’t danced this much in years!” was overheard by one of the concert attendees.
Jody Watley. Photo Courtesy of Avid Music Inc. 2024 All Rights ReservedJody Watley. Photo Courtesy of Avid Music Inc. 2024 All Rights ReservedJody Watley. Photo Courtesy of Avid Music Inc. 2024 All Rights ReservedJody Watley chats with Sherry Shepard about her trendsetting style. Photo Courtesy of Andrew Werner All Rights Reserved 2024Jody Watley chats with Sherry Shepard about her trendsetting style. Photo Courtesy of Andrew Werner All Rights Reserved 2024
“A true trendsetting pioneer in music, video, fashion, and style, Grammy winning artist Jody Watley brought her signature flair to the screen, leaving viewers in awe.” Eurweb
NEW!! The first Jody Watley release of 2024 “EVERLASTING”
“This is a song to lift you up, to remind you that no matter what happens, you can get through it – Stay Up. Stay EVERLASTING..”
Release date | January 30, iTunes at the digital platforms of your choice. Jody Watley Artist Pages:: Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Youtube Music, Tidal…….
Catch a Sneak Peek of “EVERLASTING” on THE JODY WATLEY SHOW on SiriusXM The Groove Ch.51 currently streaming On Demand on the Siriusxm app until January 31.
