Tag Archives: Jody Watley Images

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

Jody Watley – Breaking Barriers In Fitness Media

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Jody Watley “Dance To Fitness” was not just a hit but a cultural milestone; a groundbreaking moment, proving that a Black woman and recording artist could lead in this space championing fitness, inner peace, wellness and self-care.

 In the late 1980’s and early 90’s, the fitness video market was largely dominated by celebrities like Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons and fitness powerhouse Denise Austin. 

Her video provided much needed representation in the fitness and wellness industry. She showed that health, dance and exercise are for everyone, inspiring many who had never seen themselves reflected in mainstream fitness culture. 

As a Grammy-winning artist and style icon, Jody Watley in the Creative Concept role as well, choosing to incorporate her own music from her first two blockbuster solo albums. “Most all music in fitness videos were generic due to copyright and licensing restrictions.” The approach for “Dance To Fitness” was making fitness fun and accessible for everyone to popular music. This mindset was a catalyst influencing later celebrity fitness projects that combined non-generic music and exercise. That fact that it reached #1 underscores its mass appeal and commercial success. Jody’s trailblazing opened doors for future Black entertainers to the fitness and artist branding space from workouts to other celebrity driven brands, endorsements and products.

Furthermore, the fact that it reached #1 underscores its mass appeal and commercial success. It wasn’t just a niche project-it resonated widely, proving that there was a strong demand for diversity in fitness media.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we look back and celebrate this trailblazing achievement for a true trailblazer and her commitment to representation in the wellness, self-care, fitness arena and artists taking advantage of branding and opportunities on the entrepreneurial and business side.

Watch New Video Short of “Dance To Fitness” : Jody Watley Youtube Channel – Here

Celebrating the Impact of Jody Watley’s Video Classics Vol. 1

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In an era when music video compilations were not as commonly recognized as albums, Jody Watley achieved success with her Video Classics Vol. 1. The collection was certified Gold, another major achievement as a solo artist.

Jody Watley was among the first black female artists to have a music video compilation achieve this level of success. The video featured short insights from Watley throughout discussing her inspirations, concepts and collaborations with the directors.

It demonstrated the strong demand for her visual artistry beyond the music. This underscored her impact as both music and visual trendsetter and style icon; proving her influence extended beyond radio hits. Her music videos highlighted her trendsetting fashion, free style movements. From “Real Love” to “Friends” ft Eric B & Rakim and “Looking For A New Love” she set trends that influenced a future generation of artists.The Gold certification validated her work as a visual innovator in the MTV Era, helping to pave the way for future artists to release similar projects. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we note that this cultural milestone, Jody Watley Video Classics Vol. 1 reinforced her status as a multi-dimensional artist with staying power beyond the charts.

During the late 80’s and early 90’s music videos were primarily seen on MTV, BET, VH-1 or Friday Night Videos on WTBS. The commercial success of Video Classics Volume 1, helped solidify music video compilations as a viable product, paving the way for future artists to release similar projects.

Did you / Do you have the collection on VHS / Laserdisc?!

30th Grammy Awards: Jody Watley Takes Best New Artist

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On this Day: Mar 2, 1988: Jody Watley wins Best New Artist at 30th Grammy Awards held in New York City, Radio City Music Hall.

The award was presented by Architect of Rock & Roll Little Richard in one of GRAMMYs most memorable moments along with David Johansen  (New York Dolls / Buster Poindexter)

Additionally, the Chicago born singer/songwriter was nominated for 3 awards. A presenter that night to Best R&B Vocal Male in which the King of Pop Michael Jackson was a nominee.

The Grammy Museum WALK OF FAME, features one commemorative disc for each year of the GRAMMY Awards from 1958 – ongoing since the Grammy Museum opened in 2008 in downtown Los Angeles. Each disc contains the winners of the big four categories: Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year.

Watch the New Video Short : Official Jody Watley Youtube Channel: Here

Jody Watley: A Crossover Icon in Music History

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Jody Watley Grammy winning music style icon, singer/songwriter/music producer was celebrated in 2017 as “Crossover Music Icon” on the television broadcast presentation Black Music Honors. As March kicks off Women’s History Month let’s take a look back at an everlasting honor. The delightful tribute performances by R&B stars Vivian Green and Sevyn Streeter are now viewable on YouTube if you missed the original airing. Watch it Here: OmazingTV

Crossover Music Icon Honoree – Jody Watley Black Music Honors 2017
Crossover Music Icon Honoree Jody Watley with performers in tribute Sevyn Streeter and Vivian Green

Black Music Honors 2017: As quiet as it’s sometimes kept, Grammy award winning artist, songwriter, producer Jody Watley, one of Pop /R&B and Dance music’s most enduring pioneers has been at the forefront of some of the most groundbreaking trends and movements in modern pop culture – political statements, music and music video innovation, and the place where all those tracks meet. Check just a fragment of her résumé:

  • The video for her classic 1987 song “Still a Thrill” (from her Grammy-winning eponymous debut album of that same year) dazzlingly incorporates waacking, the underground freestyle dance (think of it as an even more beat-driven cousin to voguing), and is the first time a major pop star used their artistic platform to showcase this particular means of body expression. But Ms. Watley had actually brought the dance to widespread American attention a few years earlier as a teenage dancer on the iconic TV show Soul Train. Now, waacking has fans and practitioners around the globe, many of whom use the music of Ms. Watley in their routines as a show of respect for an OG who has  kept the flame burning.
  • Jody Watley was the first black woman and artist to release a million selling fitness video in 1989. An early adapter to what was to come with artists taking control of their potential extensions in business as “brands” with her vision forward “Dance To Fitness” set to her own Pop/R&B hits from her first 2 albums.
  • Jody Watley was one of few black female artists selected to crossover into groundbreaking celebrity ad campaigns for GAP and l.e. Eyeworks 1988 and 1989. Later she would be featured in an unprecedented 15 pages in the prestigious Fall Catalog for luxury retailer Saks 5th Avenue in 1996.
  • Her groundbreaking 1989 cut “Friends” carved the template for both R&B/hip-hop and pop/hip-hop fusions to come, as it was the first time a rapper (the legendary Rakim, of Eric B. & Rakim) wrote original verses for an R&B/pop song.
  • The video for “Friends” was a landmark of subversive/progressive representation that has still not yet been matched – or given its due as a taboo-shattering cultural artifact. Set in an underground New York dance club, and featuring performances by Ms. Watley and Eric B. & Rakim, the club’s denizens are made of up straight, gay, and transgender folk, of all races, body shapes and sartorial aesthetics. B-boys jostle alongside drag queens, Rakim rocks the mic, and Jody serves face and fierceness. It’s a warm utopian vibe. The gathering is organic, and lacks the opportunistic marketing tactic of gay-friendly advocacy that is now on trend for pop divas.
  • The catchphrase “Hasta La Vista Baby” for her mega debut single “Looking for a New Love” became a pop culture phenomenon along with her signature jumbo hoop earrings and eclectic swag separating her from other artists; a freestyle girl mixing high, low funky couture with high end and vintage.
    • Long before making his mark as a film director, David Fincher (Se7en; Fight Club) cut his stylistic teeth on Ms. Watley’s sleek, hugely influential music video for the 1989 smash “Real Love,” perfecting a signature visual look that he would later impart to other pop divas.
    • Unhappy with the constraints of being on a major label, she parted ways with her industry home and started her own label Avitone Recordings in 1995. Through it she has released four critically acclaimed CDs (Affection, 1995; The Saturday Night Experience, 1999; Midnight Lounge, 2001; The Makeover, 2006, Paradise, 2014) which have collectively spanned the genres electronica, ambient, R&B, and House. They’ve also reinforced her roots in and solidified her ties to the global dance underground, as everyone from 4Hero and King Britt to Masters at Work and Junior Vasquez jumped at the chance to work on these projects. She has also collaborated recently with Modern Funk Impresario Dam-Funk, and folk artist Peter Harper continuing to reflect an artist not confined to a stereotypical music boxes.
    • A fashion-forward visionary from her Soul Train days, Ms. Watley never used a professional stylist but, as a solo artist with a singular vision and keen instincts, carved her own look by weaving vintage clothing and contemporary street fashions from her own closet with high-end pieces from fashion designers who hadn’t yet caught the public or industry eye (Jean-Paul Gautier; Rifat Ozbek.) Photographers from the legendary Francesco Scavullo to firebrand Steven Meisel lined up to work with her. For her iconoclastic and influential eye, she was honored with a feature in VOGUE Italia’s groundbreaking “Black Issue” in 2008.

• • Jody Watley in 2016 was ranked by Billboard Magazine as one of the Greatest Dance Artists of All Time on a list that includes Madonna, Beyonce, Rihanna and Katy Perry. – Ernest Hardy

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer/entrepreneur. Some of her iconic Top 10 singles include “Looking For A New Love” “Don’t You Want Me” the groundbreaking “Friends” ft. Eric B & Rakim, and “Real Love”. 

With a diverse music discography spanning R&B / Pop / Dance /Hip Hop / Electronic / Jazz / Adult Contemporary 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s Jody Watley is recognized as a style icon and one of the architects of 21st century Pop/R&B/Dance music. Jody Watley was 2017 recipient of the Black Music Honors ‘Crossover Music Icon’ Award for her early cultural influence and impact as a solo artist; other accolades include 2007 Billboard Dance Lifetime Achievement Award, along with nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Awards and Soul Train Awards.

In 2018 Billboard Magazine included Jody Watley in the Top 60 Hot 100 Female Artists Of All Time and Top 25 Top Female Dance Artists Of All Time. A 2022 Inductee into the Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame, Watley has also been recognized by performing rights organization BMI (Broadcast Music). “I’m really most proud to have songwriter and producer be a part of my resume and legacy as an artist.”

Learn more about Jody Watley: Biography and Discography

Jody Watley Songs Deep in The Category Of Love

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Valentine’s Day is one holiday set aside in the calendar but for Jody Watley it’s year round. Encouraging followers on social media to encourage practicing ove every day including practicing self-love and more love into the world in these unpredictable times.

Sharing a classic photo from her groundbreaking hit “Friends” featuring Eric B & Rakim, Jody Watley shared her choice of her first tattoo – “I chose cupid, a cherub because love is what I’m all about and I knew getting this angel of love is something I’d never regret. A year later I added the word LOVE beneath it.

Engaging the fans, Watley asked to hear thoughts about favorite Jody Watley LOVE songs. If you missed out, you can share in the comments on the video posted on the Official Youtube Channel- Here

Celebrating 5 Years of Jody Watley “Winter Nights” EP

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“The legendary Jody Watley has blessed our ears with another dynamic dose of sophisticated soul in the form of her new Winter Nights EP.  Comprised of three core tracks—each given the remix sheen by her frequent collaborator Alex Di Ciò—and bookended by piano-driven “Winter Nights” instrumentals, Watley accurately describes the song set as “perfect for cozy winter nights to warm you up.” – Albumism

Jody Watley “Winter Nights” EP Turns 5 Years Old. Released on February 7, 2020 just before the pandemic and subsequent lockdown. It seems the world hasn’t been the same since. It’s always a comfort to have music to bring warmth to life, that’s what “Winter Nights” represents in many ways.

The EP was an instant favorite on UK Soul Radio vaulting to the #2 spot on the chart and Number 1 on various stations around the territory.

Devoted fans flocked to purchase the Exclusive Limited Edition CD Digipaks sold out via the online boutique. Nothing like a physical copy for your collection.

Watch the video trailer : Here

Stream or download the “Winter Nights” EP at the streaming platform of your choice. Your support is appreciated.

About the Artist:

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/record producer/entrepreneur. Some of her iconic Top 10 singles include “Looking For A New Love” “Don’t You Want Me” the groundbreaking “Friends” ft. Eric B & Rakim, and “Real Love”. 

With a diverse music discography spanning R&B / Pop / Dance /Hip Hop / Electronic / Jazz / Adult Contemporary 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s Jody Watley is recognized as a style icon and one of the architects of 21st century Pop/R&B/Dance music merged with street style mixed with high fashion.

Jody Watley was 2017 recipient of the Black Music Honors ‘Crossover Music Icon’ Award for her early cultural influence and impact as a solo artist; other accolades include 2007 Billboard Dance Lifetime Achievement Award, along with nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Awards and Soul Train Awards.

In 2018 Billboard Magazine included Jody Watley in the Top 60 Hot 100 Female Artists Of All Time and Top 25 Top Female Dance Artists Of All Time. A 2022 Inductee into the Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame, Watley has also been recognized by performing rights organization BMI (Broadcast Music). “I’m really most proud to have songwriter and producer be a part of my resume and legacy as an artist.”

To learn more: Jody Watley Bio

Jody Watley: Navigating Peace in Turbulent Times

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Jody Watley. Photo courtesy of Avid Music All Rights reserved 2025.

Jody Watley, born January 30. Aquarius Season is January 20-February 18. I wish all born under this special astrological sign as I am, another happy rotation around the sun.

In these challenging and somewhat turbulent vitriolic times, it’s encouraged to protect your personal peace and space. These are unprecedented times right now. Stay informed but don’t over consume daily reports of doom, division, consider it an act of self-care. Do what you can do to be prepared. Manage what you can actually be in control of on a daily basis. Practice kindness and empathy for others, there’s too much hate going around.

Thanks so much to all subscribers of the website newsletter. The major platforms are full of fake pages, profiles with rhetoric designed to promote misinformation. Fact checking has been removed (as if it were ever really effective which isn’t just politics – it impacts artist profiles as well). Comment sections, if your page is actually seen anymore – are full of paid bots and people designed for the algorithms to engage you in what they want you to see. It’s called engagement farming to create of discourse with negative comments and/or mindless agreement of false information. I encourage you to be diligent and discerning of content.

This deception will only get worse with A.I. designed to further integrate fake profiles and information. An artist website is one of the remaining tools where you can actually follow and stay updated if you’re interested and it’s not at the mercy of these corporations and their intentions or people who just mindlessly scroll, like without reading comprehension nor discernment.

Though the Jody Watley social media pages remain active, we are reevaluating the frequency.

In addition to the site newsletter, be sure to subscribe to the Jody Watley YouTube Channel as well for additional content in video from be it archives or new uploads.

Love to all and always do what feels best and right for you.