Tag Archives: Jody Watley Let’s Dance Vol. 1 Hit Them Beats

Show Your Love For Jody Watley

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A close-up portrait of Jody Watley smiling, wearing a denim jacket, with large curly hair, holding a disco ball. The text 'JODY WATLEY' and 'LET'S DANCE VOL. 1 Hit Them Beats' is prominently featured in a colorful font.
Black t-shirt featuring a photo of Jody Watley smiling and holding a disco ball, with the text 'JODY WATLEY' and 'LET'S DANCE VOL. Hit Them Beats' overlay.

Show Your Jody Watley Love 💫

Step into the rhythm and celebrate the iconic style, music, and legacy of Jody Watley with the official Let’s Dance merchandise collection.

Inspired by the energy of the #1 Dance / Electronic iTunes Album Let’s 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 Watley’s enduring influence.

✨ Whether you’re updating your wardrobe or looking for the perfect fan collectible—this is your moment.

Explore and Shop the collection now: Jody Watley Merchandise

Download the album on iTunes / Amazon Music +more

Streaming out music platforms of your choice.

About The Artist:

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” (#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;  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, 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 1995—decades 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.

Jody Watley Shares New Updates and Latest Album

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Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with curly hair, wearing a denim jacket, holding a disco ball, with vibrant makeup. Text overlay reads 'Jody Watley Let's Dance Vol. 1 Hit Them Beats'.

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:

“What’s the latest on Jody Watley—what’s she up to now?”

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.

iTunes charts displaying the top 40 US Dance Albums, featuring Jody Watley at #1 for 'Let's Dance Vol. 1 Hit Them Beats'.

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?!”

Promotional poster for the Ultimate Disco Cruise featuring Jody Watley and various artists, scheduled for February 21-26, 2027, in Fort Lauderdale, Grand Turk, and Puerto Plata. Includes images of Kool & The Gang, Gloria Gaynor, The Spinners, and others, with a call to use a discount code.

The Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond is BACK in 2027! 🪩 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. 

www.UltimateDiscoCruise.com/JodyFan

About The Artist:

Grammy Winning Music Icon Jody Watley. Jody Watley is a GRAMMY® Award–winning Best New Artist and 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon. 
Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s and 90s with Top 10 hits including the iconic “Looking for a New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified “Real Love,” she has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across R&B, Pop, Dance, Jazz, Electronica. Learn more: Here

Jody Watley New Milestone Youtube Silver Creator Award 2025

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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. 

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. 

Jody Watley smiling while holding her YouTube Silver Creator Award, celebrating 100,000 subscribers.
Jody Watley – Recipient of 2025 Silver Youtube Creator Award

Looking ahead to continued growth, innovation, and connection through content and creativity.

Watch the NEW Thank you Video: Jody Watley Youtube Channel

About the Artist:

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 spanning decades in Disco /R&B / Pop / Dance /House Music / Spoken Word/ Dance Electronic – 80s, 90s, 2000s-Present 

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, Don’t You Want Me, Friends ft. Eric B & Rakim and more), her video for the now classic hit “Real Love” remains one of the most nominated MTV VMA’s of all time, 13 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and multi-platinum albums in the USA alone as a solo artist. 

Watley’s 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. 

Learn More: Jody Watley Bio

Always Something To See and Hear – Jody Watley Youtube

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From the iconic Jody Watley classics to fresh new releases — plus behind-the-scenes moments and inspiring vlogs — there’s always something to see & hear.

A close-up of a woman wearing sunglasses and a large straw hat, smiling while speaking to the camera. Text overlay promotes Jody Watley's YouTube channel.

Subscribe now to the Official Jody Watley YouTube Channel and stay connected to all things Jody Watley  

Wanna stay Updated on Jody Watley? Subscribe to the channel and blog right here.

Follow as well on Verified Jody Watley Social Media Pages

About The Artist:

Jody Watley is a Best New Artist GRAMMY®-winning, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon. 

With a diverse discography across multiple charts with 14 entries on The Billboard Hot 100 

Here are Jody Watley’s biggest Solo Top 10 Billboard Hits, of the 14 Total Solo Entries:

Looking For A New Love, Don’t You Want Me, Some Kind Of Lover, Real Love, Friends ft. Eric B & RAKIM, Everything. 

Ranked  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 Women’s 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.  

Her latest release, 2025’s Let’s Dance Vol. 1, hit #1 on U.S. iTunes Top Dance Albums in July 2025.

An award-winning songwriter (BMI Medal of Honor, Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame). 

Jody Watley is also celebrated as a fashion and cultural trailblazer with features in GAP, l.a. Eyeworks, Harper’s 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.

Everlasting Authentic Inspiration from Grammy Winner Jody Watley

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GRAMMY Winning Music Icon Jody Watley Kicks Off November With An Everlasting Authentic Message of Inspiration and Encouragement.

Jody Watley performing at an outdoor event, wearing a stylish outfit with a fan in hand, surrounded by photographers and audience members.
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.

Cover of Jody Watley's 'Dance to Fitness' video, featuring Jody in a stylish outfit with bold text elements.
Jody Watley smiling brightly while holding a disco ball, with vibrant text overlay that reads 'JODY WATLEY LET'S DANCE VOL. 1 Hit Them Beats'.

✨ Stream the music. Available at Digital Platforms Of Your Choice.

📺 Check out new uploads on the official Jody Watley YouTube channel.

📱 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.

Keep It Moving With Jody Watley’s LET’S DANCE Vol. 1

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A woman with curly hair wearing a denim jacket, holding a disco ball close to her face, with a soft expression and vibrant makeup.

Hello September! 🍂✨

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. 🎶✨

Close-up of Jody Watley smiling widely, holding a disco ball, with vibrant makeup and styled hair, against a colorful background featuring the text 'LET'S DANCE VOL. 1 Hit Them Beats'.

🎧 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.

Jody Watley: A Legacy Of Sound, A Vibe That Endures

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Jody Watley Takes Control Of Her Own Destiny With New Label Avitone

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-Billboard Magazine, The Rhythm & The Blues – J.R. Reynolds
June 1995 

A feature from the archives of Billboard Magazine, 1995.

“Watley Takes Control Of Her Own Destiny”

Jody Watley launched Avitone Records to release her own music, beginning with the album “Affection” (July 11, 1995). The debut single made waves at R&B radio while the album, co-written & produced by Watley and Derrick Edmonson, blended uptempo grooves with soulful intimacy and live instrumentation. Affection was manufactured, marketed and distributed by Bellmark owned by music veteran Al Bell. Al Bell is an American record producer, songwriter, and record executive. He is best known as having been an executive and co-owner of Stax Records Al Bell is an American record producer, songwriter, and record executive.

He is best known as having been an executive and co-owner of Stax Records. He later started his own label, Bellmark, whose releases included Tag Team’s single “Whoomp! (There It Is)” (1993) and Prince (1994 single) The Most Beautiful Girl In The World for Prince’s NPG label. 

“I’m an artist who likes to keep changing and developing. It was time to take another chance.” – Jody Watley

By year’s end, Billboard named:

#7 Top Indie R&B Label – Avitone

#8 Top Indie R&B Single – Affection

Do it yourself. Believe in your vision.

Fast forward 3 decades, we celebrate the milestone with Jody Watley – “LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats)” 

The album vaulted to #1 iTunes US Dance Albums 7.11.25  and #1 Amazon Music U.K. Top Dance Electronic Albums. Let’s Dance becomes Jody Watley’s third #1 independent album release following “The Makeover” in 2006 and “Midnight Lounge” 2003 Top Dance Electronic Albums iTunes.

Let’s Dance Vol. 1 is a nonstop dance extravaganza featuring mixes by 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.

Celebrate 30 years of Jody Watley’s Avitone Recordings label with “LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats)” — a sizzling new album of indie dance gems, remastered Avitone club classics and chart-topping faves.

Available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms worldwide.

Feel free to Support | Download | Stream | Like | Share | Add to your Playlist.

About The Artist:

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer and style icon. Named Best New Artist in 1988, she’s one of Billboard’s Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, with 6 Top 10 Hot 100 hits, 13 No. 1 Dance singles, and genre-spanning success across R&B, Pop, Dance, and Jazz. A visionary in music and fashion,

Watley helped pave the way for Black women to break boundaries. Honored as a Crossover Music Icon by Black Music Honors, her influence continues—decades strong.

Jody Watley – LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 Hits Top Charts

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OUT NOW!

Jody Watley LET’S DANCE Vol.1 (Hit Them Beats) VAULTS to Top of the iTunes and Amazon Music Top Dance Electronic Albums Charts.

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

A&R: Jody Watley Bill Coleman & Angelo Pepe Skordos for Avitone Recordings & Peace Bisquit

🎧 Download • Stream • Playlist • Share – Upgrade Your Summer Music Playlist

#JodyWatley #LetsDance

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer and style icon. Named Best New Artist in 1988, she’s one of Billboard’s Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, with 6 Top 10 Hot 100 hits, 13 No. 1 Dance singles, and genre-spanning success across R&B, Pop, Dance, and Jazz. A visionary in music and fashion, Watley helped pave the way for Black women to break boundaries. Honored as a Crossover Music Icon by Black Music Honors, her influence continues—decades strong.

Jody Watley – Let’s Dance Vol. 1 Now Number 1 on iTunes U.S. Dance Albums

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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

Download | Stream | Playlist | Share

Be Uplifted. Just Push Play!