Jody Watley – Special Guest May 1, 2027 Freestyle Fusion Hard Rock Atlantic City
JUST ANNOUNCED!Party People in the House!
GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, and music icon Jody Watley is bringing her signature style, timeless hits, and undeniable dance-floor energy to Atlantic City!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 1, 2027, when Jody Watley makes a special guest performance appearance at Beat The Beat Presents Freestyle Fusion, taking place at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
Known for her chart-topping classics, distinctive sound, trendsetting style, and ongoing musical evolution, Jody Watley continues to bring generations of music lovers together through R&B, pop, funk, and dance music.
Whether youโve been following her extraordinary solo journey for decades or discovering her music for the first time, this is another opportunity to experience the energy of Jody Watley live in a special guest performance.
Get your tickets in advance! Donโt wait until the last minute and risk missing out on this special night of music, dancing, and celebration.
Please note: The confirmed performance date is May 1, 2027, correcting the May 21 date included in the initial website announcement email.
Party People in the House! Letโs Dance!
Stay connected for more updates with the website newsletter emails with Jody Watleyโs official website and also official social media channels for additional updates.
Jody Watleyโs LETโS DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats) was released on July 9, 2025. The album, her 14th, vaulted to #1 on the USA iTunes Top Dance Albums Chart (U.S.) and #1 on UK Amazonโs Hot New Dance/Electronic chart on July 11.
Featuring remixes by Craig C., Quentin Harris, Josh Peace, Mark de Clive-Lowe, John โJ-Cโ Carr, Morgan Page, Love To Infinity, Jodie Harsh, Alex Di Ciรฒ, Ron Trent, and Brian Power, reimagining Jody Watleyโs contemporary dance hits and club favorites blended into a non-stop mix.
Co-produced by Jody Watley, Bill Coleman (Peace Bisquit), and Angelo โPepeโ Skordos.This album release reflects an ongoing artistry and longevity.ย 40+ Solo from iconic R&B / Pop classics to dance hits and anthems many of them have come from 30 years independently released with her own label Avitone and the ongoing quiet relevance of a rare legacy artist not resting on her laurels of an already iconic catalog and discography but one who is committed to her artistry and love of music not chasing charts, while appreciating the support of longtime and new fans alike.
Jody Watley is a GRAMMYยฎ Awardโwinning Best New Artist, 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon.ย
Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s starting with her multi platinum breakthrough debut album. To date she has amassed 6 Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 singles including the iconic โLooking for a New Love,โ (#1 R&B and Dance) โDonโt You Want Me,โ โFriendsโ ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified โReal Love,โ (#1 R&B and Dance) +more, Jody Watley is also an MTV VMA Awards 6 time nominee, in addition to American Music Awards and NAACP nominee.ย
Jody Watley has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across disco Into R&B, Pop, Dance, Electronica โ from 80s, 90s, 2000s โ Present with her latest releases โThe Dawnโ (2026) Alex di Ciรฒ. Remix, Letโs Dance Vol. 1 โ Hit Them Beats (2025), EVERLASTING (2025).
Download. Stream. Playlist “Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats” at music platforms of your choice.
Pip: The Official Jody Watley Website is where a five-decade career keeps moving forward โ and right now, it is moving at dance-floor speed.
Mara: Admin has the full story on the new single, the label behind it, and what this release means in the context of a catalog that just keeps building. Let’s start with the music itself.
Jody Watley’s New Single ‘The Dawn’ Is Out Now
Pip: The question here is straightforward: what does a new Jody Watley single in 2026 actually represent โ a moment, or a momentum?
Mara: The post frames it as the latter. The setup is that this release follows back-to-back chart successes, and the post puts it plainly: “The Dawn is the latest in the singer songwriting, producer’s ongoing discography of feel good blend of soulful rhythms and dance-floor energy.”
Pip: So this is not a one-off. It is the next step in a streak โ a number-one iTunes USA and Amazon Music UK Dance and Electronic album in 2025, a number-two UK Soul Chart single in 2024 โ and now a new remix produced by Alex Di Ciรฒ landing on every major platform worldwide.
Mara: The release comes through Avitone, her independent label established in 1995 with the stated mantra of “Fueling Quality Music.” That label context matters โ this is not a major-label rollout. It is a deliberate, multi decades-long independent operation.
Pip: Thirty years of independent operation, and the singles keep charting. That is not luck, that is infrastructure.
Mara: The post also grounds the release in a much longer arc. Watley is listed in Billboard as one of the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time, and Top 100 Black Solo Artists of All Time โ a GRAMMY Award-winning Best New Artist and three-time nominee whose catalog spans R&B, pop, dance, hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music across more than five decades, going back to her Shalamar years beginning in 1978.
Pip: The bio closes with a phrase that earns its place: “Still Thriving. Still Creating. Still Evolving on her own terms independently.” At this point in the discography, that reads less like marketing and more like a statement of fact.
Mara: “The Dawn” is available now on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and SoundCloud.
Pip: Five decades in, a new single, a thriving independent label โ the arc here is genuinely long.
Mara: And it keeps moving. More to come from this catalog, no question.
Step into the rhythm and celebrate the iconic style, music, and legacy of Jody Watley with the official Letโs Dance merchandise collection.
Inspired by the energy of the #1 Dance / Electronic iTunes Album Letโs Dance Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats), this exclusive merch drop is designed for fans who live for timeless grooves, bold fashion, and authentic artistry.
From statement pieces to everyday essentials, each item reflects the spirit of independence, creativity, and evolution that defines Jody Watleyโs enduring influence.
โจ Whether youโre updating your wardrobe or looking for the perfect fan collectibleโthis is your moment.
Jody Watley is a Best New Artist GRAMMYยฎ๏ธ 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, Harperโs 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 Womenโs 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” (#1 R&B), “Don’t You Want Me”, “Real Love” (#1 R&B) and the groundbreaking R&B/Rap collaboration “Friends” featuring Eric B. and Rakim. 6 Top 10 Hot 100 Singles, 7 # 1 Dance Singles, which led to a Billboard Magazine Dance Chart Lifetime Achievement Award;ย 2 R&B Number 1โs, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and platinum albums in the USA, Canada and Asia, a million selling fitness video and video compilation, groundbreaking ad campaigns + more.
Add a 2007 Billboard Dance Lifetime Achievement Award with 7 #1 Dance Singles, 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 1995โdecades before it became a trend. A former member of the R&B group Shalamar (1978-1983) , a participant in the historic Band Aid recording of “Do They Know It’s Christmas” in 1984: Jody Watley’s solo career continues to thrive with critically acclaimed and chart-topping releases.
Stay connected with the latest from Jody Watley. The Official YouTube Channel continues to feature new uploads including the inspirational ‘Wattage Thoughts’, career highlights celebrating decades of music, style and culture and lots of music including new releases.
Question:
โWhatโs the latest on Jody Watleyโwhatโs she up to now?โ
Answer:
Still thriving. Still creating. Still evolving.
Fans can also stream Watley’s latest album “Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats” released on her independent label Avitone Recordings – a vibrant dance project celebrating the 30th anniversary of the label founded in 1995. “Let’s Dance Vol. 1,,” reached Number 1 on the iTunes Top Dance / Electronic Albums Chart and Amazon Music UK July 11, 2025.
Just announced on her channel another new project is on the way in 2026. Jody Watley will be one of the headline acts of the Ultimate Disco Cruise sailing February 2027 in a very rare concert appearance, since she stepped away from concerts and touring. “It’s a perfect opportunity to do some of the cuts from Let’s Dance including the classic “Love Hangover” along with many classics spanning decades from Disco to Pop, R&B, Dance, Funk, Contemporary Nu Disco from her discography. Plus, who doesn’t love a cruise full of festive people?!”
The Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond is BACK in 2027! ๐ชฉ Put on your dancing shoes, pack your disco glam and get ready to celebrate the greatest Disco, Dance, Soul, Funk, & Party Music EVER! Use promo code JODYFAN for special cabin savings.ย
Grammy Winning Music Icon Jody Watley. Jody Watley is a GRAMMYยฎ Awardโwinning Best New Artist and 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon.ย Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s and 90s with Top 10 hits including the iconic โLooking for a New Love,โ โDonโt You Want Me,โ โFriendsโ ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified โReal Love,โ she has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across R&B, Pop, Dance, Jazz, Electronica.ย Learn more: Here
Jody Watley is so honored to receive the YouTube Silver Creator Award, marking 100,000 subscribers on the Official Jody Watley YouTube Channel to close out 2025.ย
This milestone, which also comes in the 30th anniversary year of being an independently released artist on Avitone Recordings. The newest achievement reflects the power of consistency, creative ownership, and audience engagement across music, visual storytelling, and digital platforms.ย
Jody Watley – Recipient of 2025 Silver Youtube Creator Award
Looking ahead to continued growth, innovation, and connection through content and creativity.
Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer recognized as a style icon. Winner of Best New Artist in 1988, only the third black artist in recording academy history at the time. Jody Watley is listed in Billboard as one of the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time and Top 100 Black Solo Artists Of All Time.
The recipient of Crossover Music Icon from Black Music Honors 2017, Inductee in Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, Billboard Dance Music Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (Joe Biden), various proclamations for her contributions in women’s & artist and LGBTQ rights, with an ongoing diverse music discography spanningย decades in Disco /R&B / Pop / Dance /House Music / Spoken Word/ Dance Electronic – 80s, 90s, 2000s-Presentย
As a solo artist, for over four decades; the Pop and R&B singer-songwriter -producer has 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles (Looking For A New Love, Donโt You Want Me, Friends ft. Eric B & Rakim and more), her video for the now classic hit โReal Loveโ remains one of the most nominated MTV VMAโs of all time, 13 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 R&B Number 1โs, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and multi-platinum albums in the USA alone as a solo artist.
Watleyโs eventual fusion of jazz, and deep house music made her a long time staple in underground club culture. The ease with which she crosses genres opened the doors for greater acceptance of black women thinking outside the box in music and fashion is notable.
The versatile songstress and Chicago native was recognized by People Magazine in their 50 Most Beautiful People Issue, and appeared in breakthrough ad campaigns for GAP, Saks 5th Avenue and LA Eyeworks of many ongoing milestones in her solo career.
From the iconic Jody Watley classics to fresh new releases โ plus behind-the-scenes moments and inspiring vlogs โ thereโs always something to see & hear.
Wanna stay Updated on Jody Watley? Subscribe to the channel and blog right here.
Follow as well on Verified Jody Watley Social Mediaย Pages
About The Artist:
Jody Watley is a Best New Artist GRAMMYยฎ-winning, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon.ย
With a diverse discography across multiple charts with 14 entries on The Billboard Hot 100ย
Here are Jody Watleyโs biggest Solo Top 10 Billboard Hits, of the 14 Total Solo Entries:
Looking For A New Love, Donโt You Want Me, Some Kind Of Lover, Real Love, Friends ft. Eric B & RAKIM, Everything.ย
Rankedย by Billboard in the Top 25 of Top Dance Artists of All Time, Top 60 Female Hot 100 Artists of All Time, an inductee in Womenโs Songwriters Hall Of Fame, Black Music Honors Crossover Music Icon Honoree + more.
Watley has built a diverse discography spanning R&B, Pop, Dance, Hip Hop, Electronic, Jazz, and Adult Contemporary from the 80s, 90s, 2000s from mainstream to independent critically acclaimed. ย
Her latest release, 2025โs Letโs Dance Vol. 1, hit #1 on U.S. iTunes Top Dance Albums in July 2025.
An award-winning songwriter (BMI Medal of Honor, Womenโs Songwriters Hall of Fame).ย
Jody Watley is also celebrated as a fashion and cultural trailblazer with features in GAP, l.a. Eyeworks, Harperโs Bazaar, VOGUE, Rolling Stone, and more. Widely regarded as a pioneer fusing music and style, she remains one of the architects of 21st-century Pop/R&B/Dance.
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 โ even when life tests us, we can choose resilience, optimism, and self-care.
As I wrote for my 2024 single โEverlastingโ: “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 โLetโs Dance Vol. 1: Hit Them Beatsโ โ 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.
โจStream the music. Available at Digital Platforms Of Your Choice.
๐ฑFollow Jody Watley on social media to stay updated daily.
๐ซAnd thank you โ always โ for your continued support. Your positive engagement keeps the creative energy flowing.
Wishing everyone a month filled with gratitude, momentum, and joy. Letโs continue to move forward โ together.
About the Artist:
Jody Watley โ 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, Harperโs 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 โLooking For A New Love,โ โReal Love,โ and โFriendsโ 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, Harperโs Bazaar, Rolling Stone and groundbreaking ad campaigns for GAP, l.a Eyeworks & Saks Fifth Avenue, and best selling fitness fitness video โDance to Fitnessโ. 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 womenโs 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, LETโS DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats), became a #1 U.S. iTunes Dance Album and also hit #1 on Amazon UKโs Hot New Dance/Electronic chart! ๐ชฉ๐ฟ
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. ๐ฉต๐ฉท
But this isnโt just about summer โ itโs about keeping the energy alive into fall! ๐ Whether youโre hitting the gym, going for a walk, dancing in your living room, or just need a mood boost, LETโS DANCE Vol. 1 is here to keep you moving, inspired, and uplifted.
Letโs make this season one of joy, wellness, and music that moves us โ together. ๐ถโจ
๐ง Stream โLETโS DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats)โ โ Here
๐๐พJust push playโฆ 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 catalogโfrom R&B, Pop, and Hip Hop to Jazz, Electronic, and HouseโWatley is listed among Billboardโs 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 1995โdecades before it became a trend. Her solo career continues to thrive with critically acclaimed and chart-topping releases.
