Tag Archives: Jody Watley News

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

Jody Watley – “Waiting In Vain” A Bold and Beautiful Reinvention

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Grammy winning artist Jody Watley, known for her genre-defying artistry, took a reggae classic and transformed it into a sultry, jazz Bossa nova infused masterpiece.

Her interpretation brought a fresh and sophisticated elegance to “Waiting In Vain”, showcasing her ability to reimagine timeless songs while staying true to the emotional essence. The video, released in 2018, “Waiting In Vain” marked a significant chapter in pop, R&B, dance music, she seamlessly stepped into the jazz world again (decades after her her rendition of Cole Porter’s After You Who? for Red, Hot & Blue in 1990), proving her versatility and ability to captivate across genres. The song became a smooth jazz radio favorite reaching the Top 20 and Top 25 Billboard Jazz, cementing her credibility in the jazz space. It resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners with what Soulbounce called her elegant cool and refined vocal delivery.

Celebrating the 7th anniversary of the single and video release. NEW Exclusive Youtube Channel Video – Watch it Now: Official Jody Watley YouTube Channel

Learn More about the Jody Watley Music Discography : 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?!

Jody Watley: A Cultural Icon in Music and Fashion GAP Ad 1989

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Grammy winner Jody Watley has influence and impact as one of music’s defining female artists of style that are undeniable.

Jody Watley is more than an award winning artist – she’s a cultural icon who reshaped the music and fashion landscape. In her groundbreaking solo career, Watley has fused R&B, Pop, and Dance with a fearless approach to music, image and style.

A recognized as a style icon going back to her teen years on the iconic show Soul Train. Excerpt from Nelson George “The Hippest Trip In America – Soul Train and the evolution of culture and style “….with Jody emerging as a late 70’s style icon. She could rock silver shorts and red glitter converse sneakers, vintage 1940’s inspired dresses with pumps or her prom dress. Her hair was an ongoing adventure, sometimes filled with tons of ribbons, sometimes long ponytails, or a 1940’s hairdo..” ~ Book published by William Morrow Imprint of Harper Collins Books.

This month we’ll revisit some everlasting moments in style as a solo artist – thus far.

Jody Watley – In 1989, she made history as the first black woman to appear in a GAP celebrity ad campaign, solidifying her as an influence beyond music. She isn’t just a singer she is a visionary. She has made hits and history. “Portraits: Individuals Of Style” photography by the legendary Herb Ritts. Jody Watley unabashedly represented a new era of Pop, and R&B-fierce, stylish and unapologetically authentic. She wasn’t just making music, Jody Watley was redefining what it meant to be a solo Black female artist in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Her sound was fresh, her visuals, were ahead of their time and her style? Unmatched. Jody Watley wasn’t following trends she was setting them.

Before the ‘90s explosion of celebrity driven fashion endorsements, GAP tapped Jody Watley for their 1989, as did l.a. Eyeworks in 1988 for their groundbreaking optical campaign.

– making her the first black woman featured in their iconic ads. This was a big deal. Major brands weren’t widely embracing Black artists in mainstream fashion campaigns at the time but Watley’s undeniable impact made her impossible to ignore. She helped lay the foundation for future artists to secure major fashion deals, showing that Black artists were not just entertainers but influential cultural figures.

Decades later, Jody Watley’s influence is still felt in music and fashion. Artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Erykah Badu continue the legacy of fusing style, music and brand partnerships – something Watley helped pioneer.

Celebrating Women’s History Month and Trailblazer Jody Watley.

Exciting News Jody Watley Youtube Channel Turns 18

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Jody Watley has always had a strong vision with regard to her music, artistry and constant evolution, including in the digital age. From the early social media days of social media and subsequently Youtube. foresight to begin her branded Youtube Channel 18 years ago. The platform was still in it’s infancy. As another way to keep fans engaged and a part of the Jody Watley community offering a variety of playlists and of course the ongoing release of her music, videos, concerts and behind the scenes footage.

“18 years goes by so fast. I’m always surprised when people who say they are fans of an artist, can be so out of touch. With social media, artist website newsletters, artist pages on music streaming platforms, artist Youtube Channels all at your fingertips by way of mobile devices – there is no reason to be in the out of touch if you truly want to support and stay up to date with your favorites that may not be mainstays of gossip centric platforms. I started the channel as well to always tell my own story. As the platforms have gained popularity over the years, the increase of false narratives, fake stories, and so on have unfortunately increased. My channel allows me to always tell my own story countering the content for engagement, rage bait, click bait and so on. Pages and channels steal photos, to serve their own purposes for nefarious reasons. I can only control what I can control so to speak, especially as a public figure. Most of it you ignore and hope others do but people are gullible and love negativity, also very unfortunate. Over the years, I’ve removed content because of unauthorized misuse.

Additionally and on a positive note, all Jody Watley Music from the classics to the new are on Youtube Music and the Jody Watley Channel-but you get so much more with the content being uploaded, the exclusives, the variety of curated playlists and more.” – Jody Watley

Watch the NEW Anniversary Video: Jody Watley YouTube Channel Make sure to Subscribe if you haven’t already.

March is Women’s History Month. Empowering women in music requires intentional effort and action to include, support, and promote them.

Jody Watley sends a special thank you to all active supporters!

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 Celebrates 38 Years Of Multi Platinum Solo Debut

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JODY WATLEY self-titled solo debut album was released on February 23, 1987.

“It was her debut album, released by MCA Records although she had minor success in former group Shalamar, the impact of this album made Watley a cultural style icon in contemporary R&B, pop and dance music. 

Its success culminated in Watley winning a GRAMMY Award for Best New Artist in 1988. 

Jody Watley – Best New Artist 1988

The album also produced 3 iconic Top Ten singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 : “Looking for a New Love” (#2), “Don’t You Want Me” (#6) and “Some Kind of Lover” (#10), what’s more there were additional chart hit R&B and Dance “Still A Thrill” #8 Hot Dance Club Play #3 Hot R&B Hip/Hop, #56 Hot 100 & “Most Of All“ #11 R&B, #8 Hot Dance Club Play, #60 Hot 100

3 #1 Dance Singles “Looking For A New Love”, “Don’t You Want Me”, “Some Kind Of Lover”, #1 R&B Single “Looking For A New Love.”

Additionally, the album also features a duet with superstar George Michael “Learn To Say No”, in fact, she is one of only a handful of women and artists Michael recorded with.

Lastly, the Jody Watley solo debut album has now sold three million copies in the United States. Over four million copies have been sold to date worldwide. Watley co-wrote 6 of the 9 songs. Production by Andre Cymone & David Z., Bernard Edwards (CHIC, Robert Palmer & Power Station) and Patrick Leonard. 

In addition, T-Boz from mega group TLC cites Jody Watley’s vocals on “Still A Thrill” as an influence on her finding her identity and singing in a lower register. The breakout single “Looking For A New Love” with it’s catchphrase “Hasta La Vista Ba-By” became a pop culture phenomenon after later being used by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1991’s “Terminator – Judgement Day.”

The album came in 3 hues, black & white, purple and blue.

Hear Jody Watley’s thoughts on the 38th anniversary. Share your favorites from this debut and memories of your life in 1987-88 from this release on the Youtube channel video: Here

Learn more about 80s, 90s, 2000’s – present: Jody Watley Music Discography

Jody Watley In Celebration of Motown Legend Smokey Robinson

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Jody Watley has always mentioned the influence of Motown Records and so many great artists on the label from Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and beyond. Legend Smokey Robinson is one of those she has always admired. Smokey Robinson’s musical legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of American music, and his influence continues to inspire generations of artists.

“Smokey Robinson is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. On his 85th birthday, I want to send out the best wishes to him on this milestone. So many of his songs are a part of the soundtrack of my life, Growing up listening to those songs was such an inspiration for me to one day grow up to be an artist, songwriter and beyond myself.

I had the honor of meeting as well as being on a panel with Smokey Robinson back in 2010 at The Grammy Museum Celebrating The Hippest Trip In America: Soul Train 40th Anniversary- it was a surreal experience.

Jody Watley. Smokey Robinson. Grammy Museum 2010.
Smokey Robinson, Jody Watley, Don Cornelius

Happy Birthday Smokey!

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