Tag Archives: Jody Watley Larger Than Life

Exploring Jody Watley’s ‘Larger Than Life’ Album Hits and Legacy

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May 20, 1989

Jody Watley’s “Larger Than Life” peaks at #16 on the Billboard 200.

A platinum-certified follow-up to her GRAMMY-winning debut as Best New Artist, cemented her legacy as a music, fashion & artistic visionary, and continued to broadened her scope as songwriter, co-writing 11 of the albums songs.

Hits:

• “Real Love” Certified Gold – #2 Hot 100 | #1 R&B | #1 Dance – 6 MTV Award Nominations

• “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim – A pioneering R&B/hip-hop collab permanently changing the landscape of popular music and crossover Rap/Sung Collaborations with full verses reaching the Top 10 on multiple charts.

#9 Hot 100, #3 R&B, #7 Dance 

• “Everything” – #4 Hot 100 | #3 R&B | #11 Adult Contemporary 

Stream / Download Anytime At Digital Music Platform of Your Choice!

Tracklist:

Real Love

Friends  (ft. Eric B & Rakim)

Everything

What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me

L.O.V.E.R

For Love’s Sake 

Lifestyle

Precious Love

Something New

Once You Leave

Come Into My Life

Only You 

Real Love (Extended Version)

#singer #songwriter #popmusic #styleicon #popculture #producer #jodywatleydaily #dancemusic #rnb #grammywinner #explorepage #visionary 

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 Sensational At Sycuan Resort and Casino

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A Saturday Night Experience with Grammy Winning Artist Jody Watley 2024. All Rights Reserved Avid Music Inc.

El Cajon, California – April 30, 2024 – On Saturday, April 27th, Grammy Award-winning singer Jody Watley set the stage ablaze with her sensational concert at the Live & Up Close Theatre in Sycuan Resort and Casino. 

Fans from all over flocked to El Cajon, California, as the theater reached maximum capacity, igniting an evening of unparalleled entertainment.

With a career spanning decades, Jody Watley has solidified her status as a music icon, known for her distinctive voice, captivating stage presence, and groundbreaking contributions to the music industry. 

Her performance at Sycuan Resort & Casino was nothing short of extraordinary. Jody Watley flawlessly delivered hit after hit, leaving the audience spellbound from start to finish with a state of the art backdrop of visuals adding to the Saturday night experience. Indeed her diverse repertoire is a testament to her artistry and influence. 

From timeless classics like “Looking for a New Love,” “Real Love,” “Still A Thrill,” “Everything,” and “Friends,” she effortlessly transported concert-goers on a musical journey through the ages, showcasing her unparalleled versatility and enduring appeal. 

Real Love. 35. Photography by Tim Fears. All Rights Reserved Avid Music Inc. 2024

Adding to the excitement, Watley treated the audience to her latest chart-topper “Everlasting.” “Everlasting: The Remixes,” soared to the #2 position on the iTunes Top Dance Albums Chart, solidifying her status as a trailblazer forever creative and relevant in an ever changing music industry. 

“Performing at Sycuan Resort and Casino was an exhilarating experience! The energy from the audience was electric, and I felt incredibly blessed to share my music with such an enthusiastic crowd. It was a night filled with unforgettable moments, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.”

_____________________________________________

Media inquiries for Ms. Jody Watley

Contact: Pamela J. Broussard, BNM Publicity Group & Management

Email: bnmotionpr@gmail.com

Jody Watley Returns To Sycuan Live and Up Close Theater

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Grammy winner and 3-time Grammy nominee Jody Watley is a multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer and style icon. The Chicago native and recent inductee into the ‘Women’s Songwriters Hall Of Fame” and honoree as “Crossover Music Icon” by Black Music Honors television broadcast, is one of the architects of 21st century Pop/R&B/Dance music and cutting edge style. Jody Watley has sold millions of records worldwide with gold and platinum albums, singles, Greatest Hits Video compilation, as well as million selling workout video.

The current host of the popular monthly “Jody Watley Show” on SIRIUS XM’s The Groove, Ch. 51, Watley’s cascade of hits include “Looking For A New Love”, Don’t You Want Me” “Real Love” “Everything” and more. Jody Watley’s groundbreaking marriage of Rap/R&B with 1989’s “Friends,” collaboration with hip-hop legends Eric B. & Rakim – the first such pairing to crossover Top 10 on the Hot 100, Hot R&B & Dance on Billboard. Her vision-forward marriage of high fashion, street fashion and music in the ‘80s (long before it became the norm), to her fusion of jazz and underground club culture with keen pop instincts, and the ease with which she crossed and still crosses genre; Watley forged the template
that is now in everybody’s playbook.


To date as a solo artist in the USA: 6 Hot 100 Singles, 15 Top 40 Singles, 13 #1 Dance Singles, 3 #1 R&B Singles. Jody Watley is ranked by Billboard Magazine as one of the Top 60 Hot 100 & Top 25 Female Dance Artists of All Time. “I like for people to leave my concerts feeling rejuvenated and inspired from long timers to newcomers!”

Jody Watley returns to rock the Live & Up Close Theater stage celebrating the 35th Anniversary of her second album “Larger Than Life” which featured now signature classic hits like “Real Love”, “Friends” ft. Eric B & Rakim and “Everything.” With her newest hit ‘EVERLASTING’ the evening promises to be an evening of great music and uplifting atmosphere. “I don’t do a lot of concerts anymore by choice, so when you have the opportunity to see me live now – I encourage you to not miss out, there’s nothing like a Jody Watley concert party and I love this venue.” – Jody Watley

Get Tickets: Sycuan

Music Icon Jody Watley Returns To The Stage For Celebration Concert

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(SAN DIEGO, Calif) – Award-winning multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and producer Jody Watley is set to make a triumphant return to the stage on Saturday April 27, 2024 at Sycuan Casino in San Diego after a 2 year absence from the concert stage.

Renowned as one of the architects of 21st-century Pop/R&B/Dance music, Watley brings not only her timeless hits but also her magnetic charisma to captivate audiences. 

In addition to her musical prowess, Jody Watley serves as the host of “The Jody Watley Show” on SiriusXM, The Groove Channel, further showcasing her multifaceted talent and continued influence in the realm of entertainment. 

As a solo artist, the ageless pop and R&B singer has 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles, 13 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and platinum albums, 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 with music spanning 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s.

Her upcoming performance at Sycuan Casino promises to be a night of electrifying entertainment, showcasing the enduring legacy of this multi-generational artist.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the return of Jody Watley to the stage for her only West Coast appearance April 27. “I’ve pretty much retired from touring per se, however I look forward to these types of exclusive rare concert experiences with my fans. I love this particular venue. My last concert there was celebrating the 35th Anniversary of my solo debut and birthday back in January 2022 – this year of 2024, I’ll be commemorating my second solo album ‘Larger Than Life – it will be a night of Real Love for sure!”

Secure your tickets now for a night filled with timeless hits, new music, soulful melodies, and the unparalleled talent of an iconic music legend.

Get Tickets Now! Plan Ahead

Lady In Red. Jody Watley 1989 Wiltern Theatre – Classic Images Of The Day.

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Jody Watley – Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles 1989
Making an entrance from House of Watley.All Rights Reserved.
Jody Watley – Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 1989. All Rights Reserved.
Jody Watley Signature Hoops In Full Effect. All Rights Reserved. Photo Subject To Copyright Restrictions
Jody Watley – Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 1989. All Rights Reserved.
Jody Watley – Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 1989. All Rights Reserved.
Jody Watley – Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 1989. All Rights Reserved.

Photos from Act 1 of the concert – more wardrobe changes followed from a high energy and visually cutting edge (of the time) show! Within a month or so, I was able to bring this concert to another sold-out experience at Universal Amphitheater – some of that footage is captured in my “Everything” video. It was a who’s who of celebrities, artists, and a diverse audience white, latino, asian, black and beyond in the house that night.

Jody Watley – Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 1989. All Rights Reserved.

Pre-cell phones and social media – you had to be there.

Wattage!

Happy 32 Anniversary – Jody Watley – Larger Than Life Album

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Jody Watley – Larger Than Life. Cover Art: Photography by Steven Meisel

Released #OTD March 27, 1989:

“Larger Than Life”

The platinum second Solo album

by GRAMMY® winner Jody Watley

Featured Billboard Multi-Chart Top 10 Hits

“Real Love”

“Friends” (ft. Eric B. & Rakim *groundbreaker)

“Everything”

Along with the breezy 4th single “Precious Love”

Fashion forward visuals, a groundbreaking collaboration “Friends” ft Eric B & Rakim and one of MTV’s most nominated videos “Real Love” directed by David Fincher – the concept of “Larger Than Life” was the mindset of going big for your dreams – make it memorable – make it big! Some of my favorite non singles are “Something New” “For Loves Sake” “Once You Leave” .. proud of the entire album! Loved the tour as well, despite efforts behind the scenes to undermine and sabotage it – saving that for my memoir.

Happy Anniversary and here’s to always making life memorable, having a vision for yourself, making goals and exceeding expectations.

Wattage!