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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.

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

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!

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 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

Jody Watley Everlasting: New Summer Glow 2024 Photo and Remixes

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Jody Watley shares new photo. The Grammy winning artist, singer/songwriter/producer shows off her timeless beauty and glow for summer 2024. In addition, there are new remixes for her current and timely release.

Current release : “EVERLASTING” with a variety of mixes for this uplifting anthem;

Download, stream, playlist, add to your Jody Watley Music Collection Today!

EVERLASTING – DāM-FunK Remix

EVERLASTING-The Remixes with dance mixes by mixes by Quentin Harris, Slowz, The Illustrious Blacks & Amara Jaguar and Gianpiero XP 

EVERLASTING – Alex Di Ciò Mix

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Multi-Platinum GRAMMY winning artist, songwriter, producer Jody Watley has an ongoing catalog spanning decades ranging from R&B, Pop, Dance, Rap/Hip Hop, Jazz, Adult Contemporary, House Music, Drum & Bass, Electronica, Ambient/Chill, Contemporary R&B/ Nu Disco/Club, Modern Funk – 80’s, 90’s, 00’s, 10’s, and 20’s. Visit the website Bio & Discography to learn more. You can also Follow Jody Watley on social media verified pages and Subscribe to the Official Jody Watley Youtube Channel!