On June 27, 1998 Jody Watley “If I’m Not In Love” The Remixes were released and would eventually reach the 2 spot on the Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart. Dance music has always been a part of the Jody Watley music journey and discography. The original recording was a very melancholy ballad from the album “Flower” very much fumbled by Atlantic Records at the time. The remixes of “Off The Hook” would also be a Billboard Dance Club Play topping the chart at Number 1.
June 27- 11 years prior was also significant in that the subsequent Jody Watley classic “Still A Thrill” would peak at 3 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1987.
Jody Watley – “Still A Thrill” Goes Top 5 Billboard R&B, Watley’s 2 single from multi-platinum debut.
Billboard Charts #3 Hot R&B, #8 Dance, #56 Hot 100
The first artist or entity allowed to film a music video in the Paris Opera House, thank you to director Brian Grant.
“I wanted to showcase my power register in the vocal range, initially a concept to present to Grace Jones as a possible duet that didn’t come to fruition. Andre slayed this groove and then I came up with the title, theme melody and lyrics, it was magic and an instant if not underrated funk jam. It was a hit but faltered somewhat on the pop side because it was so different from ‘Looking For A N ew Love’. It was important to me at this time to showcase as well that black girls could be different, edgy, and international.I loved those Duran Duran videos shot on location.
The theme of the video was ‘Paris By Night, it always makes me smile when people tell me they have made it a point to travel to Paris and go to the Opera House and take photo’s on the grand entrance staircase. There is no choreography or choreographer to show me what to do, no stylist to tell me what was cool to wear. All the dancing is freestyle and created in the moment with Tyrone Proctor who I’d known from my Soul Train days as a teenager. Another fact that distinguishes me from other artists at that time – no team of dancers, high style and singular focus. I didn’t want to be like anyone else and was clear of my vision of who I am.”
Watch Jody Watley ‘Still A Thrill” Full Video on Youtube: Here
Hear thoughts on collaborator & producer Andre Cymone:
“I Want Your Love” Peaked at #1 on the Billboard Dance chart!
Written by Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers who I’ve known for many years gave me his blessing and also dropped in his signature guitar licks – this is one of my favorite CHIC songs and it was done with the utmost love, respect and joy.
