I’ was pregnant with my wonderful son Arie and definitely had a more pared down style. Writing songs and conceptualizing for what would become 1993’s “Intimacy” album as my marriage was unraveling and my label had changed ownership – again. “Affairs of The Heart’ was also still being promoted by Universal Music Group Japan.
The A&R and promotions staff had also changed. They didn’t really love my creative direction musically however what has always been important to me is not get stuck in a box if formula and sameness -so to say I was introspective is an understatement.
Being a black girl from Chicago and seeing myself featured on Japanese magazines, British magazines and so on is something that has always been special. Rather than let these benchmarks collect dust in a garage or storage unit – I’m bringing some of them into the digital realm because it’s a part of the Jody Watley history and story that preceded the internet and social media.
I’ll have to locate the full article and feature and not just cover as well as the first time I was on the cover in 1988 for my solo debut.
YOU Magazine. Daily Mail On. Sunday. Jody Watley in Azzedine Alaia – Classic Image Of The Week.
Jody Watley. YOU Magazine, The Mail On Sunday The Daily Mail Newspaper U.K.
December 1991 “Affairs of The Heart” Interview
Interview by Chrissy Iley
Photography: Mike Owen
Make-up: Paul Starr
Here are a couple polaroids from my collection from that session:
Jody Watley – Wattage!Custom suit by Richard Tyler.
Excerpt:
“Frail and delicate she may appear, but Jody Watley feels trapped by the image of the exotic songbird. Now, with a new solo album “Affairs Of The Heart” on the way and a little self-help psychology, she aims to soar”
“Since going solo, I’m very much a control freak. No one can be as passionate about my career as I am. It’s me, self expression, something I’ve wanted to do since I was 5…no one knows better as well that if you look a certain way – you’re going to be fighting to prove you’re also smart..”
“..If I’m good to myself I’ll be good to everyone else..I want to be remembered for what I have to say, the singer, the songwriter not the singer with Shalamar..”
As an artist always moving forward, these social media speciality days are an opportunity to share my past which is a part of my history and continued evolution. It’s good to be reminded that I’ve never lost myself in the midst of my ongoing desire to evolve, get better but remain true to myself. Women in any business are always fighting to be taken serious, to convey substance, value and intelligence as we are often the first to be demeaned and marginalized. In the music media often the tone is dismissive or condescending in some way..I’m not sure that has changed over the years unfortunately.
I love beauty and fashion and it’s a part of who I am and I’m proud of that – however it’s always been a dilemma at the same time, a double edged sword in a way because the substance is often overlooked — I continue to navigate this all these decades later.
Discovering all sorts of gems trying to organize the vast press clippings in my archives. I’m fortunate to have hits in other countries like the U.K. though I rarely get over there going back to my early releases in the 80’s and 90’s on the Official Charts, and later on their Dance and Soul Charts.
Backstage – Selfie. Jody Watley – Wattage!Ready to rock!Jody Watley. Footprint Arena. Mega 104.3 – 20th Anniversary Concert Bash – Photography by Anna WellingtonJody Watley. Footprint Arena. Mega 104.3 – 20th Anniversary Concert Bash – Photography by Anna WellingtonJody Watley. Footprint Arena. Mega 104.3 – 20th Anniversary Concert Bash – Photography by Anna WellingtonJody Watley. Footprint Arena. Mega 104.3 – 20th Anniversary Concert Bash – Photography by Anna WellingtonLights of Love! Jody Watley. Footprint Arena. Mega 104.3 – 20th Anniversary Concert Bash – Photography by Anna WellingtonJody Watley. Footprint Arena. Mega 104.3 – 20th Anniversary Concert Bash – Photography by Anna WellingtonJody Watley. Footprint Arena. Mega 104.3 – 20th Anniversary Concert Bash – Photography by Anna WellingtonJody Watley. Footprint Arena. Mega 104.3 – 20th Anniversary Concert Bash – Photography by Anna WellingtonJody Watley. Footprint Arena. Mega 104.3 – 20th Anniversary Concert Bash – Photography by Anna WellingtonReal Love – Runway Strut! Jody Watley. Footprint Arena. Mega 104.3 – 20th Anniversary Concert Bash – Photography by Anna WellingtonPose. Jody Watley. Footprint Arena. Mega 104.3 – 20th Anniversary Concert Bash – Photography by Anna Wellington
The Mega 104.3 20th Anniversary Concert Bash was a nonstop party on the bill with other vets like Candyman, Tag Team. Rob Base, Montell Jordan, Midnight Starr, Lisa Lisa, Zapp. The atmosphere was electric – a great time was had by all.
It was an honor to be receive invitation and opportunity to perform 2 of my classics (I chose Don’t You Want Me & Looking For A New Love) and The National Anthem by the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium for their Black Heritage Pre-Game Show. I’d previously performed the anthem many years ago at Staples Center at an LA Sparks Playoff game.
The weather was perfect – not too hot with a gentle breeze. I really tried to be present in the moment from the minute I arrived..especially since I’d never been to the this historic stadium in the majestic setting of Chavez Ravine.
Once received my custom Dodgers jersey – Number 42 in honor with baseball trailblazer Number 42 Jackie Robinson – also a Dodgers Legend breaking the MLB color barrier.
I usually get nervous before each performance..not a lot just enough to know I’m not jaded and still excited about what I do, always wanting to do and give my best.
My dancers John ‘Havic’ Gregory and Joseph Szekula and I were fitted with in-ear monitors which I never use but due to the stadium setting it was the only way for us to hear the music and not get the delay. We were positioned with our backs to the bulk of the crowd to perform for the cameras and television broadcast – that was interesting but we could feel the energy of the crowd throughout.
After performing 2 Jody Watley classics, it was anthem time..a sense of surprising calm came over me. Closing my eyes, just sang it with my heart and soul, choosing the warmth of my lower register allowing room for the modulation. Because I’m comfortable in so many genres, I wasn’t intimidated by the song at all. My main thing was to keep it simple and not try to do too much – simplicity is key for me, deliver the sentiment of the song. I didn’t sing it exactly how I’d been singing it on my morning walks or home..or the run-through in the press box with Dodger’s official organist Dieter Ruhele – the final higher note I had not rehearsed or planned, the crowd was cheering and that’s the spirit took me to the finish…it felt very much like a home-run!
After performing we went into the Dodgers ClubHouse for food (haven’t had a hotdog in probably 10 years but I had a world famous Dodger dog before going on to a more healthy salmon and fresh veggies – the selection was vast) and drinks and then on to watch the game vs. The Mets. The box seats were incredible and the day was capped off with a Dodgers win. Yaaay!
A special shout out to Pamela Broussard PR who really got this ball rolling! She’s simply the best. More video to come.
Really kind security guard – huge fan from way back. Harold was really sweet and very enthusiastic.
42. For Jackie RobinsonJoseph Szekula, Jody Watley, John ‘Havic’ GregoryIn the press box with Dodgers DJ – DJ Severe.With Dodger’s Official Organ Player Dieter Ruehle – we went over the anthem twice.On the field.Dodger Stadium. Black Heritage Day. Pre-Game.Joseph Szekula, Jody Watley, John ‘Havic’ Gregory
Passing the time – DJ playing jams – I know that song 🙂Pamela Broussard PR is the best!Los Angeles, CA – August 21: New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, August 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers) with new artist Maya B. who performed Black National Anthem.Jody Watley & Actor Anthony Anderson – there to throw out first pitch.Circle of Gratitude – on the one before we perform. Wattage on 3!!Los Angeles, CA – August 21: New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, August 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers)Los Angeles, CA – August 21: New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, August 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers)Los Angeles, CA – August 21: New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, August 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers)Los Angeles, CA – August 21: New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, August 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers)Los Angeles, CA – August 21: New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, August 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers)Los Angeles, CA – August 21: New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, August 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers)
Jody Watley National Anthem Snippet.Nailed it!Jody Watley. Photo Via The Dodgers.The Black National Anthem was performed by new artist Capitol Records Maya B Sound.Respect to 42.
In the stands – Dodgers cap off an unforgettable experience with a win against the mets!
Ready for Meet & Greet.A quick photo with 94.7’s Radio Legend Pat Prescott.Jody Watley. Morongo Resort & Casino – I met lots of enthusiastic and fans full of love.“Friends” are hard to find so be careful!2 Shalamar Originals & Alum – Jody Watley and Gerald Brown sing ‘Take That To The Bank”Take That The Bank! Gerald still sounds just like the record we recorded over 40 years ago!!I made a spontaneous venture into the audience during “Skin Deep” masks were coming off for quick pics.Looking For a New Love always means black tulle and of course signature hoop earrings!Tevyn Cole, Kayla Henry, Joseph Szekula, Jody Watley, John “Havic” Gregory, Jasmine BoyesKayla Henry, Joseph Szekula, Jody Watley, John Havic, Jasmine Boyes
Real Love. Finale. After slaying the stage – hot and sweaty – we stopped for a pose! Wattage Crew!! Joseph Szekula, John ‘Havic’ Gregory, Jasmine Boyes, Kayla Henry, Tevyn Cole. Big shout out to my band as well.
A great time was had by all!
Wattage!
..the next morning before leaving, stopped in coffee shop ..having never seen danish and pastries this large in my life. I didn’t get one..but did take a photo.
The danish were probably 10 x 10 round- the picture doesn’t do them justice – everything was massive! It would take me all week to finish.A quick fan photo. A quiet respectful approach but wanted to say he loved the show. You know I appreciate the love.
Ready to take tear that stage up!Jody Watley. Photo by Stevie Edwards.Jody Watley. ‘Friends’.Serving ‘lewks’ Jody Watley. Photography by Ken Brown, ChicagoI see you! Wattage!!Looking For A New Love – Tulle required!
A day of love and music!
At the airport – more love! Photo via Chris Barson.
Wishing everyone the best of the month. Set your positive intentions and work to manifest them, write them down to make them more real. The universe will often work with you when you are working toward your goals. It may not all go smoothly – but keep going that’s always key. Your choice – one day or day one.
I’ll be seeing some of you this month –
Chicago -August 7 – Northalsted Market Days Festival
