Tag Archives: Jody Watley Best New Artist 1988

Celebrating the Impact of Jody Watley’s Video Classics Vol. 1

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In an era when music video compilations were not as commonly recognized as albums, Jody Watley achieved success with her Video Classics Vol. 1. The collection was certified Gold, another major achievement as a solo artist.

Jody Watley was among the first black female artists to have a music video compilation achieve this level of success. The video featured short insights from Watley throughout discussing her inspirations, concepts and collaborations with the directors.

It demonstrated the strong demand for her visual artistry beyond the music. This underscored her impact as both music and visual trendsetter and style icon; proving her influence extended beyond radio hits. Her music videos highlighted her trendsetting fashion, free style movements. From “Real Love” to “Friends” ft Eric B & Rakim and “Looking For A New Love” she set trends that influenced a future generation of artists.The Gold certification validated her work as a visual innovator in the MTV Era, helping to pave the way for future artists to release similar projects. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we note that this cultural milestone, Jody Watley Video Classics Vol. 1 reinforced her status as a multi-dimensional artist with staying power beyond the charts.

During the late 80’s and early 90’s music videos were primarily seen on MTV, BET, VH-1 or Friday Night Videos on WTBS. The commercial success of Video Classics Volume 1, helped solidify music video compilations as a viable product, paving the way for future artists to release similar projects.

Did you / Do you have the collection on VHS / Laserdisc?!

Jody Watley Celebrates 38 Years Of Multi Platinum Solo Debut

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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. 

Jody Watley – Best New Artist 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. Celebrating Little Richard.

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Rest In Peace To The Architect of Rock n Roll. Originator. Innovator. Influencer
LITTLE RICHARD.

Little Richard was also a part of one of the great nights of my life and career, winning Best New Artist at The 30th. GRAMMY Awards in NYC and one of the broadcasts most legendary moments.
My condolences to his family, friends and loved one’s.
Rest In Peace and We Thank You For Blazing a trail that influenced and created a path for so many, including me to be my unique self regardless if credit is given for the influence. The fact that it was Little Richard that God, the universe aligned with The Recording Academy to make it be him on that night to make it not just another award handed out but a legendary television moment really I appreciate even more now looking back on it – Little Richard, the originator made me a double winner that night and forevermore.

Jay Thomas Jody Watley Little Richard

A lot of laughs this day back in 1988 with on air personality/actor Jay Thomas and Little Richard at Los Angeles’ Power 106 Radio Station; when radio was Pop/R&B and Rock – this was not long after that legendary Grammy night — we were at Power 106 for interview with Jay, photo taken by Boomer Servantez another popular on air personality at the time. Rest In Peace Little Richard as well as Jay Thomas who passed away in 2017.