Jody Watley. Let’s Dance Vol. 1 T-shirt – Make it Your Own!
Jody Watley’s latest album Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats energy isn’t just an album—it’s a mindset and a mantra to keep it moving. From adding to your playlists to your personal style statements, celebrate the spirit of Let’s Dance Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats) in your own way.
The official collection is all about expressing your connection to the music, showing support for Grammy winning Icon Jody Watley and her sustained independence 40 plus years as a solo artist and entrepreneur—navigating the dance of life, perseverance and business.
Wear it. Share it. Dress it up or down!
Jody Watley – Let’s Dance Unisex T. Dress it Up or Down. Make it Your Own.
And if you haven’t yet—press play, add 2025’s #1 iTunes and Amazon Music UK Dance Electronica Album Let’s Dance Volume 1 – Hit Them Beats, released via her Avitone label celebrating the 30th Anniversary of forming the label; to your playlist. Keep the music in motion.
Just Push Play for a Non Stop Mix. Jody Watley “Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats”
Explore the lasting impact of Jody Watley’s Video Classics, Vol. 1 (1991), the RIAA Gold-certified music video collection that helped redefine the MTV era. From groundbreaking visuals and high-fashion imagery to iconic hits like “Looking for a New Love” and “Friends,” discover how Watley became a pioneering force in music video history and visual storytelling.
Long before visual albums became the norm, Jody Watley was setting the standard.
Jody Watley helped transform the intersection of music and fashion with Video Classics, Vol. 1. This retrospective highlights the cultural significance, visual artistry, and enduring influence of one of the first major music video compilations released by a Black female artist.
Jody Watley: Video Classics Vol. 1 (1991) is an RIAA Gold Certified music video compilation, groundbreaking as one of the first by a Black female artist.
Released via MCA Records on VHS and Laser Disc, it featured music videos from her early multiplatinum solo albums, including iconic hits like “Looking For A New Love” “Friends” featuring Eric B & Rakim, and the 6 time MTV VMA nominated video “Real Love” alongside insightful interviews discussing her visual style and video inspirations specific to each director and filming on location in London, England and Paris, France.
Tracks Included: “Looking for a New Love,” “Still a Thrill,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Some Kind of Lover,” “Most of All,” “Real Love,” and “Friends”.
Impact: Validated Watley as a visual innovator in the MTV era and highlighted her collaborations with directors.
Significance: Showcased her transition from Shalamar to a pioneering solo dance-pop artist with high-fashion imagery.
Jody Watley is a GRAMMY-winning artist, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, and global style icon.
Named Best New Artist in 1988, she ranks among Billboard’s Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, with six Top 10 Hot 100 hits – including iconic hits “Looking For A New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” featuring Eric B. & Rakim, and “Real Love” and more.
She’s also earned seven No. 1 Dance hits, two No. 1 R&B singles, and success across R&B, pop, dance, electronica, and jazz—building a genre-spanning catalog that continues to evolve.
A true visionary in music and fashion, Watley broke barriers for Black women globally—becoming the first artist and woman of color to appear on the cover of a Japanese fashion magazine, and among the first artists to merge music, branding, and lifestyle with her Dance To Fitness movement.
Recognized by Vogue, People, and Harper’s Bazaar, her influence extends beyond music through iconic campaigns for GAP, LA Eyeworks, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Her honors include Black Music Honors’ Crossover Music Icon Award, induction into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, and multiple nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV VMAs and NAACP Image Awards.
A pioneer of independence, she founded her own label, Avitone, in 1995—well ahead of today’s artist-owned movement.
Decades into her career, Jody Watley continues to thrive with critically acclaimed, chart-topping releases. Her latest album, Let’s Dance Vol. 1, reached No. 1 on iTunes Dance and Amazon UK charts.
Her influence endures—timeless, trailblazing, and still setting her own standard – authentically, independently.
Jody Watley. All Rights Reserved 2026 Avid Music Inc
Jody Watley shares a special Wattage Thoughts message this Easter Sunday—reflecting on renewal, spring cleaning, and the importance of decluttering your life, not just your home. 🌸✨ Watch NEW Youtube Video Short: Here
A reminder that growth begins within—clear the space, reset your energy, and move forward with purpose, faith, and gratitude.
Celebrate the season of renewal with inspiration from Jody Watley
Jody Watley is a Best New Artist GRAMMY®️ award winner, 3 x Solo Nominee, Multiple -platinum selling singer /songwriter/producer with a diverse ongoing music discography spanning decades.
R&B / Pop / Dance /House Music/ Downtempo Electronica / Jazz – 80s, 90s, 2000s.
Jody Watley recognized as a style icon (VOGUE, People Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar +more) ranked by Billboard as one of the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time, Top 100 Black Solo Artists Of All Time. Crossover Music Icon from Black Music Honors 2017, Inductee in Women’s Songwriter Hall of Fame + more.
As a solo artist, Jody Watley has amassed 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles including iconic chart toppers “Looking For A New Love”, “Don’t You Want Me”, “Real Love” and the groundbreaking R&B/Rap collaboration “Friends” featuring Eric B. and Rakim. 6 Top 10 Hot 100 Singles, 13 # 1 Dance Singles, which led to a Billboard Magazine Dance Chart Lifetime Achievement Award; 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and platinum albums in the USA, Canada and Asia, a million selling fitness video and video compilation.
2007 Billboard Dance Lifetime Achievement, 2017 recipient of the Black Music Honors Crossover Music Icon Award and nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Awards and Soul Train Awards.
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 including 2025’s “Let’s Dance Vol. 1 Hit Them Beats” which vaulted to #1 on iTunes Top Dance /Electronic Albums on July 11 and Amazon Music UK’s Top Dance Electronic Albums,
GRAMMY Winning Music Icon Jody Watley Kicks Off November With An Everlasting Authentic Message of Inspiration and Encouragement.
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.
✨Stream the music. Available at Digital Platforms Of Your Choice.
📱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.
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. 🎶✨
🎧 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.
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
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.
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Listen to The Makeover: Streaming at digital platform of your choice.
Follow Jody Watley on her official social media pages.
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.
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 – “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
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.
