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Everlasting Authentic Inspiration from Grammy Winner Jody Watley

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GRAMMY Winning Music Icon Jody Watley Kicks Off November With An Everlasting Authentic Message of Inspiration and Encouragement.

Jody Watley performing at an outdoor event, wearing a stylish outfit with a fan in hand, surrounded by photographers and audience members.
Jody Watley. Photo Courtesy of Sean McCracken 2025. All Rights Reserved.

A brand-new month is here, and with it comes an opportunity to reset, reflect, and continue moving forward with gratitude. Many are facing unprecedented challenges, but remember — even when life tests us, we can choose resilience, optimism, and self-care.

As I wrote for my 2024 single “Everlasting”: “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, gotta stay up – just keep moving on – stay everlasting.. never give up and don’t let the worst of life get the best of you..” Now more than ever, understanding the magnitude the challenges many face which may feel overwhelming. Let these lyrics be a reminder that your journey, growth, and light have purpose.

My songwriting has always been reflective and an extension of a strong commitment to resilience while overcoming life’s challenges. If you can reach out and be of assistance to others, do so – donate to food banks, pay off a child’s lunch program.. every little bit helps.I’d add as well to allow for grace – practice patience, kindness and empathy because you never know what someone else might be going through in your daily interactions offline an online.

This message also aligns with the energy of the current album “Let’s Dance Vol. 1: Hit Them Beats” — a vibrant call to move your body, prioritize wellness, and take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health, movement and exercise is known to lower stress and anxiety levels, blood pressure and benefits mental well-being. Movement is healing. Dancing, walking, cardio, and simply showing up for yourself no matter what. It was my message in 1990 when releasing the groundbreaking “Dance To Fitness” Workout video.. Inner peace, wellness .. timeless messages.

Cover of Jody Watley's 'Dance to Fitness' video, featuring Jody in a stylish outfit with bold text elements.
Jody Watley smiling brightly while holding a disco ball, with vibrant text overlay that reads 'JODY WATLEY LET'S DANCE VOL. 1 Hit Them Beats'.

✨ Stream the music. Available at Digital Platforms Of Your Choice.

📺 Check out new uploads on the official Jody Watley YouTube channel.

📱 Follow Jody Watley on social media to stay updated daily.

💫 And thank you — always — for your continued support. Your positive engagement keeps the creative energy flowing.

Wishing everyone a month filled with gratitude, momentum, and joy. Let’s continue to move forward — together.

About the Artist:

Jody Watley — American singer, songwriter, and producer. Grammy winner for Best New Artist (1988) a 3 time nominee in addition to MTV, American Music Awards and NAACP Image Award nominations. She multi-platinum solo artist, and trendsetting style icon. Featured in VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, and Rolling Stone +more, Watley also fronted groundbreaking campaigns for GAP, l.a. Eyeworks, and Saks Fifth Avenue, and launched her own label Avitone Recordings in 1995, before being independent was a trend as a vehicle to release her music after leaving MCA Records in 1994 after 8 blockbuster years and memorable commercial multi-chart singles.

Known for iconic hits like “Looking For A New Love,” “Real Love,” and “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, her genre-spanning catalog embraces R&B, Pop, Dance, House, and Jazz across the decades 80, 90, 2000 – present + more

Jody Watley is also known for her  trendsetting style leading to features in VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone and groundbreaking ad campaigns for GAP, l.a Eyeworks & Saks Fifth Avenue, and best selling fitness fitness video “Dance to Fitness”. Jody Watley is also founder of Avitone Recordings established in 1995 as an independent vehicle to release her music after leaving the major label system. In 2025 to mark the 30th Anniversary of her Avitone label she released “Let’s Dance Vol. 1- Hit Them Beats” which vaulted to #1 on the U.S. Top Dance Electronic Albums Chart on July 11 in addition to #1 on the Amazon Music UK Top Dance Electronic Albums Chart.

Watley is also noted for her advocacy for the LGBTQ community, as well as women’s and artist rights and has established herself as a powerhouse in the music industry. 

She  continues to inspire fans with her talent, positivity and resilience in addition to a consistent flow of quality music.

A proud advocate for women, artist rights, and the LGBTQ+ community, she continues to inspire through music, style, and authenticity.

Keep It Moving With Jody Watley’s LET’S DANCE Vol. 1

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A woman with curly hair wearing a denim jacket, holding a disco ball close to her face, with a soft expression and vibrant makeup.

Hello September! 🍂✨

As we step into a new season, Jody Watley sends a message of appreciation to take a moment to say thank you for helping make this summer one to remember! My new album, LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats), became a #1 U.S. iTunes Dance Album and also hit #1 on Amazon UK’s Hot New Dance/Electronic chart! 🪩💿

This milestone is so special because it celebrates not only 40+ years of my solo journey but also 30 years of independence as an artist, songwriter, and producer on my own label, Avitone. Your love, streams, shares, and support made it all possible. 🩵🩷

But this isn’t just about summer — it’s about keeping the energy alive into fall! 🍁 Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a walk, dancing in your living room, or just need a mood boost, LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 is here to keep you moving, inspired, and uplifted.

Let’s make this season one of joy, wellness, and music that moves us — together. 🎶✨

Close-up of Jody Watley smiling widely, holding a disco ball, with vibrant makeup and styled hair, against a colorful background featuring the text 'LET'S DANCE VOL. 1 Hit Them Beats'.

🎧 Stream “LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats)” → Here

💃🏾 Just push play… and keep dancing into fall! If you don’t dance, that’s OK, add it to your workout, cardio playlists or just vibing at home.

Subscribe to the Jody Watley Youtube channel to keep up with exclusive video uploads as well as Follow Jody Watley on Social Media Verified Pages.

About The Artist:

Jody Watley is a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum artist, songwriter, producer, and style icon. With 6 Billboard Top 10 Hot 100 hits, 13 No. 1 Dance singles, and a genre-spanning catalog—from R&B, Pop, and Hip Hop to Jazz, Electronic, and House—Watley is listed among Billboard’s Top 60 Female Artists of All Time.

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. Her solo career continues to thrive with critically acclaimed and chart-topping releases.

Jody Watley’s The Makeover: An Innovative Album Release Journey

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Album cover for Jody Watley's 2006 release 'The Makeover,' featuring a stylized image of Watley with text stating '#1 iTunes Top Dance/Electronic Albums 2006.'

On this day in 2006, Grammy-winning artist Jody Watley released her 8th full-length album, The Makeover — a bold and forward-thinking project that fused timeless style with modern electronic dance grooves. This aligned with the concept rooted in reminding people to not get so caught up in celebrity culture which was becoming ‘a thing’ with the onset of social media at the time. In addition she spoke on superficial beauty standards, inspired ironically by a layout she’d seen in a VOGUE Italia cover story called “Makeover Madness”. Jody Watley says in the liner notes to be your own personal superstar.

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Shifting Paradigms in Music Releases

Long before independent releases and creative brand partnerships became standard practice, Watley redefined the album rollout experience. For The Makeover, her Avitone label partnered with Virgin Megastore, high-end cosmetics brand Shu Uemura, and select beauty salons for an exclusive direct-to-retail launch. Fans were treated to live performances, meet-and-greets, autographs, and even full beauty makeovers — turning the album release into a glamorous, multi-sensory event.

“Cannily cross-marketed with her appearance on Bravo’s “Workout” .. finds space in the material for layers of fresh meaning.- Time Out NY

“new paradigms..damned if the album didn’t debut as the chain’s best selling release..” Hits Daily Double 

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Chart-Topping Success Without Radio

Screenshot of the Virgin Megastore top ten album sales chart from August 15, 2006, featuring Jody Watley's album 'The Makeover' at number one.

The results were undeniable. The Makeover debuted at #1 on Virgin Megastore’s chain-wide sales chart, holding the position for five consecutive weeks — without the push of a radio single. On iTunes, it entered at #3 on the Top Electronic Albums chart, rising to #1. Eventually spawning three Top 5 Billboard Dance hits:

• #1 – “I Want Your Love” (also #1 UK Commercial Pop, giving Watley her first UK #1 in 20 years 🇬🇧)

• #2 – “Borderline”

• #5 – “A Beautiful Life”

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Reimagining the Familiar, Creating the New

The Makeover masterfully blended fresh originals with inventive reworkings of pop classics. Watley’s interpretations of “Borderline,” “Love Hangover,” “Waiting in Vain,” and CHIC’s “I Want Your Love” sat seamlessly alongside originals like “Bed of Roses,” co-written with acclaimed UK collective 4Hero.

Production credits included Watley herself alongside Rodney Lee, with contributions from King Britt, DJ Spinna, Ron Trent, 4Hero, and Mark de Clive-Lowe — a roster that underscored the album’s genre-crossing sophistication.

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Legacy & Influence

As the follow-up to 2003’s Midnight Lounge, The Makeover solidified Watley’s reputation for innovation in both music and marketing. Its success foreshadowed the now-common trend of artists creating immersive, lifestyle-driven release campaigns. Nearly two decades later, The Makeover still feels fresh — proof that style and substance never go out of fashion.

Jody Watley holding her album 'The Makeover' at a promotional event in front of a Virgin Megastore backdrop.

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Listen to The Makeover: Streaming at digital platform of your choice.

Follow Jody Watley on her official social media pages.

#TheMakeover #JodyWatley #Avitone30 #DanceMusic #Electronica #IndieArtistPower #JodyWatleyDiscography

Jody Watley Gives Us An Exclusive Making of ‘Dancer’

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A large group of dancers poses together in a studio with a brick wall backdrop, showcasing a diverse range of styles and expressions.

In continued celebration of 3 decades of Jody Watley independent label Avitone Recordings, she takes on an exclusive behind the scenes look for the making of the official video for the single DANCER, originally from her critically acclaimed glamorous soulful ride of “PARADISE”. The song is about self confidence no matter what you do in life onstage or off. It’s about the freedom of letting go.

A joyful woman laughing while participating in a dance rehearsal, surrounded by children and dancers in a studio setting.

Written by Jody Watley and Federico Costantini (Italy), DANCER is more than a club track — it’s a declaration of self-belief.

Hit Them Beats – Lose Yourself – Get IN the Music!

Watch the Newly Released Behind The Scenes Making of Exclusively on The Official Jody Watley YouTube Channel: Here

Stream the music at the digital music outlet of your choice for Jody Watley Music.

Jody Watley: A Legacy Of Sound, A Vibe That Endures

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Jody Watley – Let’s Dance Vol. 1 Now Number 1 on iTunes U.S. Dance Albums

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Jody Watley – “LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats)”

Currently Number 1 on iTunes U.S. Dance Albums!!!

Celebrating 3 decades of quality independently released music via Avitone! 

LET’S DANCE Vol.1 Hit Them Beats becomes Jody Watley’s third Number 1 Album on Avitone & 4th overall as a solo artist! 

After 8 successful albums and singles at MCA 1987-1994 (4 full lengths, gold and platinum albums, 2 remix albums, 2 Greatest Hits Collections) Grammy artist Jody Watley in 1995 started Avitone Recordings as the vessel to release her music independently.  

LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 Hit Them Beats is a celebration! 

▪️A new club-fueled compilation celebrating 30 years (!) of Remastered Club Classics, Top 10, #1’s and chart-topping faves of indie dance gems and collaborations released on Jody’s Avitone label.🎉🪩

▪️Vol. 1 features Craig C. Quentin Harris, Josh Peace, Mark de Clive-Lowe, John “J-C” Carr, Morgan Page, Love To Infinity, Jodie Harsh, Alex Di Ciò, Ron Trent, Brian Power

Download | Stream | Playlist | Share

Be Uplifted. Just Push Play!

27 Years of Jody Watley’s Flower: A Musical Journey

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Jody Watley‘s “Flower” Album Turns 27: Timeless Music Of Growth and Renewal. The Grammy winner came together with an esteemed array of collaborators for her 6th solo album. From select members of Organized Noize (Ivan Matias), Masters at Work (Louie Vega, Kenny Gonzalez), Tony! Toni! Toné! (D’Wayne Wiggins and Randall Wiggins) and Groove Theory (Bryce Wilson) as well as Rahsaan Patterson, Malik Pendleton, Cassandra Lucas, Phil Galdston, Deric Angelettie, and Derrick Edmonson all assembled to get down to the business of record making. Out of all these new faces, Edmonson was the only carry over from Flower’s antecedent Affection, as a Watley co-writer, co producer, the first release of Jody Watley’s independent offering from her Avitone Recordings, established in 1995.

While it’s true that the genesis of Flower had a bumpy start, the project eventually took on a joyful upswing during its creation. All of those assembled respected Watley’s progressive form of soul and sought to make it accessible to the black radio format of the late 1990s. Obvious hooks are planted among the fluid funk of Flower, none of them blocking the intelligence or sexiness of the lyrical thrust of the LP.

Watley’s way with a groove, whether a simmering midtempo (“Flower,” “Everything You Do”) or a punchy uptempo aimed squarely for the dancefloor (“Baby Tonight,” “I Don’t Want You Back”), was second to none. “Off the Hook” functioned at both paces on the affair, becoming its launching single. It’s original incarnation favors Quiet Storm posture, whereas its secondary shape—the D-Dot Remix—is that of an undeniable hip-hop banger that reunites her with one of that movement’s defining voices after their inaugural partnership on “Friends” in 1989: Rakim. 

There are at least four formal downtempos on Flower, all of them prepossessing, but it’s the acoustic warmth of “16” that rises above that pretty pack to become not only the best ballad on the set, but one of the standout entries in Watley’s entire discography. On “16,” Watley writes and sings for young womanhood and captures all of the feelings of that unique, if sometimes bittersweet, journey. A year after its release on Flower, it found its way onto The Writings on the Wall (1999) as “Sweet Sixteen,” the second LP from a soon-to-be iconic girl group known as Destiny’s Child. – Quentin Harrison, Albumism –

Singles: Off The Hook

# 1 Hot Dance Club Play (Remixed by Masters At Work & D-Dot Hip Hop Remix)

# 23 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles

# 73 Hot 100

“If I’m Not in Love” (The Remixes)

# 2 Hot Dance Club Play

It’s Spring – be like a “Flower – continue to bloom and grow.

Revisit or Listen for the first time! “Flower” is streaming at all digital platforms. Learn more about the Jody Watley Discography.

Watch the NEW exclusive video upload on The Jody Watley Youtube Channel – Here

Jody Watley’s Larger Than Life: A Musical Evolution

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Jody Watley “Larger Than Life” Cover Art. Photography by Steven Meisel.

On March 27, 1989, Jody Watley, fresh off her GRAMMY win for Best New Artist, delivered her second solo album, “Larger Than Life.” More than just an album, this platinum-certified solid follow up showcased her evolution as a visionary in music, fashion, and artistry. Jody Watley co-wrote 9 of the ten songs, produced by Andre Cymone. “The concept of the album is about not playing yourself small – make it larger than life, go big, do it up!” Watley has stated.

Let’s break down the hits:

“Real Love” – A high-energy dance-pop anthem that became one of her signature hits, earning a Gold certification and an unforgettable MTV presence with its trendsetting video which remains one of the most nominated music videos in VMA Awards History.

“Friends” (ft. Eric B. & Rakim *groundbreaker one of the first R&B/Rap collaborations to reach Top 10 on multiple charts including the Billboard Hot 100). A pioneering crossover hit, blending R&B and hip-hop in a way that helped lay the foundation for future collaborations across genres; a fact largely overlooked to this day in mainstream media, R&B and Hip Hop Media. The video was also quietly notable for it’s inclusion of hip hop B-Boys, true NYC underground club kids, and iconic figures like Connie Fleming, Codie Ravioli, voguers, drag queens, transgender, combined making a mix of club goers co-existing at her Club Couture.

“Everything” – A beautifully heartfelt ballad that became another major hit, showcasing her versatility.  

Cultural Impact:

Beyond the charts, Larger Than Life solidified Jody Watley’s influence on music, fashion, and visual storytelling. From the  iconic style moments, the forward thinking collaborative approach with Eric B & Rakim, she set trends that artists still draw from today. 

Revisit this classic album by downloading or streaming from the digital platforms of your choice: or discover it for the first time. Great music has no expiration date!

To learn more about the Jody Watley Discography 80s, 90s, 2000-present: https://jodywatley.net/discography/

Jody Watley Day – Real Love At Georgia State Capitol

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In June 2022, Jody Watley was honored with Jody Watley Day at the Georgia State Capitol, recognizing her impact not just in music but in culture and humanity. Trailblazer. Icon. Inspiration.

Jody Watley with Rep. Billy Mitchell, Dr. Jacqueline Mohair and Dee Dawkins-Haglier

The Grammy winning artist also received the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to community service in making a difference through arts and entertainment as a positive influence.

Jody Watley Day at Georgia State Capitol.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month we honor women like Jody Watley-paving the way for next generation of contemporary artists and women breaking barriers, and continuing to inspire generations.

Jody Watley – Jody Watley Day At Georgia State Capitol

Celebrating Jody Watley’s ‘Real Love’: Chart Success and Fashion Impact

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March 18, 1989, marked the release of Jody Watley’s 6th smash hit solo single “Real Love” a song that solidified her status as a music and style icon. 

The second single from her platinum selling Larger Than Life album dominated the charts, hitting #1 on both the Billboard R&B AND Dance charts and soaring to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single also achieved Gold certification, selling nearly a million copies. The song was written by Jody Watley and Andre Cymone and produced by Cymone for MCA Records.

Beyond its chart success, “Real Love” made history at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards earning six nominations – one of the most nominated in the award show’s history. The stylish high fashion visuals directed by David Fincher, showcased Watley’s trendsetting influence, cementing her as a force in both music and fashion.

Decades later “Real Love” remains a timeless anthem of empowerment and independence. As we celebrate this milestone, it’s clear Jody Watley’s impact is as powerful as ever.

Download, Stream, Watch the Official Video – AGAIN on YouTube and work that runway walk!

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we celebrate Jody Watley. Learn more about the ongoing and diverse Jody Watley Discography