“If 80’s funk was baseball I’d say Jody Watley hit a home run on this one.” AndresMusicTalk
Jody Watley 30. Classic, Rolling Stone Magazine 87.
It’s very rewarding to see the acknowledgment of the impact of my debut.
Check out another feature writeup on music blog: AndresMusicTalk “Jody Watley’s Debut Album Turns 30: It’s Been Some Kind of Love: Here
Jody Watley. Photography: Victoria Pearson.
Read the in-depth conversation with write Quentin Harrison, Albumism: Here
Never let anyone dim your sparkle or shine. Leave some of it everywhere you go! -Jody Watley
Jody Watley. Japanese music magazine feature.
Japan has always been a strong market for me since my solo debut. I look forward to going over next month, October for something new – this time Best Hits 80’s Meets Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.
We brought our new show to Harrah’s Atlantic City and really took things up a notch. It was another stellar experience, nothing but love from the crowd. Undeniably, our favorite moment of the show was a toss up between ‘Full of Fire’ which turned into a tribute to Prince..Levi really had the audience nearly in tears with his beautiful solo and impromptu playing..the spirit just took us there. We’d planned to extend ‘Still a Thrill’ and go into a few jams like DMSR, Erotic City, Sexy Dancer, Cool..just vibe it..but we ran out of time when it felt like we were just getting warmed up at 90 minutes!
‘Dancer’..you really have to be at one of the concerts to be a part of it. To get everyone moving and grooving so much fun and a blessing. The Shalamar Reloaded was enthusiastically received as well which of course is what we wanted. We are moving forward..that’s what life is about. Learn your lessons. take control of your choices and life and keep it pushing no matter what people have to say.
Here are some behind the scenes photo’s.
The squad in Atlantic City. Focused and ready. Soundcheck.
Nate Allen Smith. Jody Watley. Rosero ‘TophatRo’ McCoy. Jody Watley and Shalamar Reloaded Harrah’s Atlantic City 2016
Thank you Warren Bader and Harrah’s Atlantic City!
Nate Allen Smith – that smile says it all! Happy to be back at Harrah’s Atlantic City.
Meet and Greet. Trance Smith serving all black realness and slaying.
Meet and Greet!
Nate Allen Smith. Brian Walmer shows us a lot of love in social media and offline. Rosero McCoy.
Checking in..
This connection came through social media, Matthew tweeted he’d proposed to his longtime sweetheart ..because she was longtime fan of mine he’d bought tickets to the show as a surprise. I invited them to the VIP Meet and Greet so I could meet them both and congratulate them. #RealLove
Always ready to slay. Jody Watley and Shalamar Reloaded. Two hot sets of hits, new music and more – in one hot show. It’s an experience.
Levi Seacer Jr. our guitarist and former Prince and the NPG member, says it perfectly at the end of the short clip.
Jody Watley, Shalamar Reloaded and Dance Crew San Jose. SAP Center.
We took to the stage for a couple of Valentine’s weekend performances. With the Freestyle Jam concerts being multiple acts my concern being late in the show was potential time constraints. Sure enough, in San Jose being next to last, their schedule had apparently run behind. The DJ banter between acts went on longer I was told after the fact which made the schedule run long. Unfortunately, my already short set was cut short near the end as a DJ in a red dress was making her way onstage as I was making my way for a quick change before ‘Real Love.’ My tour manager motioned they had to cut and I was out of time. Slightly confused, I was like ‘OK..wow’ — long story short before I knew it the crowd was booing – as the DJ ‘Christie’ red dress told the crowd “Jody Watley had to leave..” – it was as is suddenly I was in the Roman Coliseum thrown to the lions! Shocked I said to my tour manager “What did she say?” Before anything further could be said – I was back onstage taking the microphone from her hand to address the crowd. “Don’t say that..that’s a lie, that’s not the truth..I don’t have to leave..you guys are running late – you cut my set..” or something to that effect is what I remember. The boo’s turned to cheers and chants of “Jody, Jody” – as I’m making my impromptu speech, Ms. Red dress is in my ear muttering some disrespectful things..and warning me I’d better get off the stage..
Needless to say – it could have all gone further south in an instant.
The jest of whaT I said from what I recall is to not let people disrespect you…
It’s a cutthroat business. As I made it to the dressing room in my fury and hurt I fell, twisted my ankle..as it was dark on the side of the stage. The first person I saw in the light was my daughter Lauren who was there visiting. I started crying and she told me everything would be OK..and reminded me that I’m the best Mom..and I have a lot of class and sometimes people don’t like that I have class and want to take me down..
To the station 98.1 – I could live with my set being cut short – but for anyone to lie without reason and to potentially in one act damage a reputation as a professional and esteemed artist was unnecessary and unwarranted. Reflecting on it and hearing from a multitude of fans who reacted on social media..some even saying Boycott the station, how they did me dirty, rude, disrespectful..it was a resounding win for me coming back to the stage to address the crowd. “They tried to throw Jody Watley under the bus.” DJ Christie did apologize to my tour manager and went on about how she was a big fan..however we all know actions will tell you everything a person needs to know.
Always stand up for yourself when you can and take power over situations like that. People with throw dirt on you in an instant and could not care less how it impacts you..so don’t be a doormat.
After that experience, I asked to be placed earlier in the evening so if other acts run late – it won’t impact me again.
Our experience at Orleans Arena was great. The station showed nothing but respect – the crowd was great. I’d done an on air interview with one of their women DJ’s Zenja Dunn a couple of weeks before – she was excited to meet me in person.
Radio Personality Zenja Dunn, Jody Watley and Connie.Vegas 105.7
Squad. Backstage Orleans Arena. Jody Watley, Shalamar Reloaded and dancers.
Jody Watley Hoops.
The beat don’t stop.
Up Next:
Feb. 26 – Miami Bank United Center / Freestyle Explosion
Feb. 26 – Orlando CFE Arena / Freestyle Explosion
March 10 – Private Event Hard Rock Orlando
March 19 – Cajundome, Lafayette, LA Southwest Black Rodeo
This journey with Nate Smith and Rosero began prompted by trying to correct misuse and false ads, and undoubtedly turned into something else fueled by God and the universe. As the year progressed, and as it goes with the journey of life we cleared hurdles, were dealt many challenges to overcome and an initial flood of naysayers — but I remained steadfast ad did Nate and Rosero who continued to have my back. In that – we really became a group, not fueled by cashing checks but with a similar passion for music, dance and having a good time. Our goals and objectives changed as the year went along. Here’s to the unexpected, new goals, new challenges to be overcome, new inspirations and 2016. Togetherness and teamwork.
The remix is produced by Jamie Von De / Bill Coleman and Peace Bisquit
Original SlowDance Video: Damien Sandoval
Edit: Christopher Burke
Logo Design: Ray Easmon
