Tag Archives: Jody Watley Avitone Recordings

Jody Watley – 20 Years of The Makeover

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20 YEARS OF JODY WATLEY — THE MAKEOVER

Album cover for 'The Makeover' by Jody Watley featuring a close-up of her face with curly hair and bold eye makeup, highlighting its recognition as #1 on iTunes Top Dance/Electronic Albums in 2006.

Happy 20th Anniversary to Jody Watley’s critically acclaimed 2006 album, The Makeover — a groundbreaking independent release that was as much about shifting paradigms as it was about music.

Released through Watley’s independent Avitone Recordings, The Makeover became an early example of the changing landscape for independent artists and innovative music retail partnerships.

In 2006, Avitone partnered with Virgin Megastore, beauty powerhouse Shu Uemura and local beauty salons for an exclusive The Makeover release campaign featuring special in-store appearances, live performances, autograph signings and fan beauty makeovers.

The result?

The Makeover debuted as Virgin Megastore’s #1 exclusive new release, remaining at #1 for five weeks — without a traditional radio single driving the release.

A list of the top ten hottest selling albums from Virgin Megastore for the week ending August 18, 2006, featuring artists like Jody Watley, Rick Ross, and Cassie.
A digital news article titled 'HITS daily double' featuring a section called 'rumor mill', discussing Virgin Megastores and Jody Watley's album 'The Makeover'.

The album also made its mark digitally, debuting at #3 on iTunes Top Electronic Albums ultimately reaching #1 and producing three Billboard Dance Top 5 hits:

“I Want Your Love” — #1 Dance

Billboard chart history for Jody Watley, featuring the Hot 100 ranking with 7 number 1 hits, 16 top 10 hits, and 20 songs total. Highlighted song is 'I Want Your Love,' which peaked at #1 on June 16, 2007.

“Borderline” — #2 Dance

“A Beautiful Life” — #5 Dance

Watley’s sophisticated reimagining of the CHIC classic “I Want Your Love”, featuring guitar by Nile Rodgers, also reached #1 Commercial Pop in the UK, giving Jody her first UK #1 in 20 years.

But The Makeover was about more than reworking familiar classics.

It was reimagining the familiar and creating the new — blending electronic, dance, soul, ambient pop and sophisticated club music with original compositions from Watley, a singer-songwriter-producer continuing to create on her own terms.

The album brought together an extraordinary roster of collaborators including Nile Rodgers, King Britt, 4hero, DJ Spinna, Ron Trent, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Chris Brann and Rodney Lee.

And the title itself carried a deeper message as well as the cover art opting not for a beauty shot but a threshold aesthetic – blank canvas clean slate open to personal interpretation.

At a time when social media and celebrity culture were accelerating society’s fixation on appearance, Watley used The Makeover to explore beauty, image, aging and the unrealistic expectations placed on women — themes that remain remarkably relevant 20 years later.

As an independent artist and founder of Avitone Recordings since 1995, Watley recognized the importance of the Virgin Megastore partnership as a milestone not only for her music, but for the possibilities available to independent artists.

20 years later, The Makeover still sounds like the future.

Reimagining the familiar.

Creating the new.

Owning the journey.

Download. Stream. Discover. Rediscover this groundbreaking independent Jody Watley release at the music platforms of your choice.

About Jody Watley:

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer recognized as a style icon. Winner of Best New Artist in 1988, only the third black artist in recording academy history at the time. Jody Watley is listed in Billboard as one of the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time and Top 100 Black Solo Artists Of All Time. One of the defining female artists in Pop/R&B/Dance music and culture 80s and 90s, Jody Watley is the recipient of Crossover Music Icon from Black Music Honors 2017  with an ongoing diverse music discography spanning R&B / Pop / Dance /Hip Hop / Spoken Word/Electronic / Jazz / Adult Contemporary 80s, 90s, 2000s-Present 

As a solo artist, for over four decades; the Pop and R&B singer-songwriter -producer has 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles (Looking For A New Love, Don’t You Want Me, Friends ft. Eric B & Rakim and more), her video for the now classic hit “Real Love” remains one of the most nominated MTV VMA’s of all time, 13 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and multi-platinum albums , a gold single and video compilation in the USA alone as a solo artist in addition to a #1 million selling fitness video.

Watley’s eventual fusion of jazz, and deep house music makes her one of music most versatile artists. Recent releases have continued to impact UK Soul Radio and a growing social media presence with recent Youtube Silver Creator Award in 2025.

The versatile songstress and Chicago native was recognized by People Magazine in their 50 Most Beautiful People Issue, and appeared in breakthrough ad campaigns for GAP, Saks 5th Avenue and LA Eyeworks of many ongoing milestones in her solo career. 

Learn More: https://jodywatley.net/jodywatleybio/

Jody Watley’s The Dawn: Record Of The Week Recognition

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Image promoting Jody Watley's song 'The Dawn' (Alex Di Ció Remix) which is ranked #1 on the UK Soul Chart Breakers as of June 15, 2026. The chart includes other artists and their tracks including Drake

Jody Watley’s “The Dawn (Alex Di Ciò Remix)” Reaches No. 1 UK Soul Chart Breaker & Earns Record Of The Week Honors (June 15, 2026) . Continuing an iconic legacy rooted in quality music and style.

Additional UK radio support this week:

Record Of The Week — Starpoint Radio (UK)

Record Of The Week — Sunshine Radio (UK)

Written by Jody Watley.and Mark de Clive Lowe

Produced & Mixed by Alex Di Ciò. Another independent release via Avitone Recordings

“The Dawn (Alex Di Ciò Remix)” is available now on all major digital music platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, Beatport, TIDAL, and YouTube Music.

Thank you to DJs, radio programmers, music lovers, and fans worldwide for the continued support.

Support the music:

Stream

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Add to Your Playlists

Add to Your Jody Watley Collection: Here

A smiling individual with curly hair wearing a yellow t-shirt featuring an image and text of Jody Watley.
Jody Watley – The Dawn T-shirt

Jody Watley – New Single ‘The Dawn’ Coming June 12

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Digital album cover featuring Jody Watley, highlighting her face with long eyelashes and soft makeup. She is wearing a shiny, sequined top. The text includes 'THE DAWN' and 'ALEX DI CIO REMIX' in stylized fonts with colorful light flares.

 Kicking off Summer and Black Music Month!

Arriving June 12, 2026: “The Dawn” (Alex Di Ciò Remix) — the groove-heavy new single from GRAMMY® Award-winning music icon Jody Watley.

Experience a fresh evolution of rhythm, soul, and dance-floor energy as Jody Watley and acclaimed producer/remixer Alex Di Ciò deliver the perfect soundtrack for the season. The song is another Jody Watley composition. “It’s a tough time for a lot of people, and also quite a bit of negativity in the world. I think it’s always important to have songs that keep people motivated and in a positive mindset – to let go of worries and stress, My music is always a vessel for that.”

Dawn definition: Dawn is the period of the day when the first light appears in the sky, marking the transition from night to morning before the sun breaks the horizon at sunrise.Metaphorically, it refers to the beginning, emergence, or advent of something new (e.g., “the dawn of a new era”) “the dawn of a new day”

About The Artist:

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer and style icon. Named Best New Artist in 1988, she’s one of Billboard’s Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, with 6 Top 10 Hot 100 hits, 13 No. 1 Dance singles, 2  R&B #1s and genre-spanning success across R&B, Pop, Dance, Downtempo Electronica and Jazz. Her career longevity spans 5 decades in the music industry.

A visionary in music and fashion, Watley helped pave the way for Black women to break boundaries. Honored as a Crossover Music Icon by Black Music Honors, an inductee in Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame + more; her influence continues—decades strong and she remains an inspiration to many. Her most recent album “Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats” released July 9, 2025 vaulted to #1 on the iTunes Top Dance Electronic Albums and Amazon Music UK on July 11, 2025.

“The Dawn” Cover Art by Shawn West and Jody Watley. Logo Design: Ray Easmon.

Show Your Love For Jody Watley

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A close-up portrait of Jody Watley smiling, wearing a denim jacket, with large curly hair, holding a disco ball. The text 'JODY WATLEY' and 'LET'S DANCE VOL. 1 Hit Them Beats' is prominently featured in a colorful font.
Black t-shirt featuring a photo of Jody Watley smiling and holding a disco ball, with the text 'JODY WATLEY' and 'LET'S DANCE VOL. Hit Them Beats' overlay.

Show Your Jody Watley Love 💫

Step into the rhythm and celebrate the iconic style, music, and legacy of Jody Watley with the official Let’s Dance merchandise collection.

Inspired by the energy of the #1 Dance / Electronic iTunes Album Let’s Dance Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats), this exclusive merch drop is designed for fans who live for timeless grooves, bold fashion, and authentic artistry.

From statement pieces to everyday essentials, each item reflects the spirit of independence, creativity, and evolution that defines Jody Watley’s enduring influence.

✨ Whether you’re updating your wardrobe or looking for the perfect fan collectible—this is your moment.

Explore and Shop the collection now: Jody Watley Merchandise

Download the album on iTunes / Amazon Music +more

Streaming out music platforms of your choice.

About The Artist:

Jody Watley is a Best New Artist GRAMMY®️ award winner, 3 x Solo Nominee,  Multiple -platinum selling singer /songwriter/producer with a diverse ongoing music discography spanning decades.

R&B / Pop / Dance /House Music/ Downtempo Electronica / Jazz – 80s, 90s, 2000s. 

Jody Watley recognized as a style icon (VOGUE, People Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar +more) ranked by 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. Crossover Music Icon from Black Music Honors 2017, Inductee in Women’s Songwriter Hall of Fame + more.

As a solo artist, Jody Watley has amassed 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles including Iconic chart toppers “Looking For A New Love” (#1 R&B), “Don’t You Want Me”, “Real Love” (#1 R&B) and the groundbreaking R&B/Rap collaboration “Friends” featuring Eric B. and Rakim. 6 Top 10 Hot 100 Singles, 7 # 1 Dance Singles, which led to a Billboard Magazine Dance Chart Lifetime Achievement Award;  2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and platinum albums in the USA, Canada and Asia, a million selling fitness video and video compilation, groundbreaking ad campaigns + more.

Add a 2007 Billboard Dance Lifetime Achievement Award with 7 #1 Dance Singles, 2017 recipient of the Black Music Honors Crossover Music Icon Award and nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Awards and Soul Train Awards.

A visionary and trailblazer, she set the blueprint for the independent artist movement by launching her own label, Avitone, in 1995—decades before it became a trend. A former member of the R&B group Shalamar (1978-1983) , a participant in the historic Band Aid recording of “Do They Know It’s Christmas” in 1984: Jody Watley’s solo career continues to thrive with critically acclaimed and chart-topping releases.