Jody Watley. Style Notes and Upcoming Concerts.

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Marc Jacobs Resort Collection 2017. “MTV” – Jody Watley.

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Jody Watley Live in Tokyo, Japan Billboard Live, 2017

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Feeling it. The Roxy Los Angeles, CA

 

Style notes. The Marc Jacobs Resort Collection 2017 inspired by classic 80’s MTV (and perhaps quietly my trendsetter style for that time) – caught my eye a few months ago so I had to have some of these pieces to rock – fits theme of the first portion of my current and upcoming concerts, which celebrates my debut solo album. as well continued music and style evolution. Taking elements from past but totally keeping things new, fresh and moving. It’s in the music!

 

Announced dates:

May 25 — The Promontory Chicago 

May 26 Seneca Resort and Casino Niagara Falls Bears Den

May 27 BB Kings NYC

November 11-18 –  80’s In The Sand – Breathless Resort and Spa Punta Cana Dominican Republic

There are scheduled dates yet to be announced for Detroit (not Chene Park), Atlanta, Los Angeles for June – August – and more stay tuned!

Concert Bio.

Grammy winning artist Jody Watley was ranked by Billboard Magazine in 2016 as one of the Greatest Dance Club Acts of All Time and hailed by Wax Poetics’s Dean Van Nguyen as one of music’s prominent visionaries.

Jody Watley’s groundbreaking career as solo artist kicked off with her debut album “Jody Watley” whose chart-topping lead single “Looking for a New Love” launched the Watley-penned catch phrase “Hasta la vista, baby,” into pop culture vernacular, garnered the prestigious “Best New Artist” award and countless nominations and hits that have followed over the course of decades in her career. January 2017 marks the 30th Anniversary of the debut release single and self titled album. “Who knew writing a song about a guy who had done me wrong would turn out be the beginning of such an incredible journey..” she states.

Since her days as the original female lead vocalist of the R&B trio Shalamar departing in 1983; Jody Watley emerged as always ahead of the pop culture curve. As quiet as it’s sometimes kept, Jody Watley has been at the forefront of some of the most groundbreaking trends and movements in modern pop culture and serves as the style template for today’s women in contemporary music. Jumbo hoop earrings, cutting edge hi low street style, layouts in popular magazines, fashion forward video’s and messages of self empowerment; call it the Jody Watley effect. She made political statements and early LGBTQ and HIV awareness before it was trendy and accepted, music and music video innovation in her own distinct style and message of individuality, she is the place where all those tracks meet. An award winning songwriter, producer and businesswoman owning her label formed in 1995 Avitone this venerable artist continues to create her own unique path.

The video for her 1987 hit “Still a Thrill” was the first time a major pop star showcased waacking, the underground freestyle dance (an even more beat-driven cousin to voguing) that is now a worldwide phenomenon; her classic 1989 cut “Friends” carved the template for both R&B/hip-hop and pop/hip-hop fusions to come, being the first time a rapper (the legendary Rakim, of Eric B. & Rakim) wrote original verses for an R&B/ pop song and it’s video fusing club culture with b-boys, club kids, transgender and drag queens with fashionista’s; long before making his mark as a film director, David Fincher (Se7en; Fight Club; Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) cut his artistic teeth on Miss Watley’s sleek music video for 1989’s smash hit “Real Love,” premiering a signature visual style that he would later impart to other pop divas and fine tune for his films; in honor of her visionary fusion of fashion, music, and music videos, Ms. Watley was featured in VOGUE Italia’s groundbreaking “Black Issue” in 2008 as an homage to opening the door for acceptance between music and fashion in the mainstream with early appearances in starting with her debut in VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar and Rolling Stone and countless magazines around the world.

Jody Watley will bring her dynamic celebratory anniversary concert with a spotlight on decades of solo hits in various genres with a spotlight on new music from their forthcoming debut “Bridges” featuring her new group SRL with Nate Allen Smith and renowned choreographer Rosero McCoy is already garnering media attention and rave reviews and set to release their debut album in 2017.

Jody Watley 30, the concert is a celebration of “Jody Watley” the debut and an enduring career that continues to evolve and surprise; showing no signs of slowing down.

 

Jody Watley. The Historic Band Aid Do They Know It’s Christmas Experience

It began with a phone call. I’d been living on London with my best friend Jermaine Stewart after leaving my post as the original female lead vocalist of Shalamar on the 4th of July in 1983. The phone call came from Mariella Frostup, who at the time was the publicist for Phonogram Records. I’m told this was at the behest of organizer Sir Bob Geldof. The only other American act included were members of Kool and the Gang with lead vocalist J.T. Taylor who were touring the UK at the time with a string of hits as well.

As a side note, Phonogram was very keen to sign me as a solo artist at the time at the helm of executive Chris Briggs – I feel so blessed to have been a part of this historic musical charity event helping to raise millions of dollars which also subsequently inspired USA For Africa.

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Siobhan Fahey, Jody Watley, Midge Ure, Karen Woodward, Sara Dallin

Siobhan Fahey, Jody Watley, Midge Ure, Karen Woodward, Sara Dallin

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This Official Band Aid Magazine with it’s 40 pages was sold in local newsstands and convenience stores selling-out quickly for 1.25 p. Imagine if we’d all had smartphones, iPhones, etc. with cameras and video back then to capture the recording and the total camaraderie and slight chaos that went on that day. At the time I thought Bananarama blowing cigarette smoke my way were unfriendly but we had a good laugh about it recently at Giorgio’s dancing the night away. The Mr. Marilyn keep the atmosphere light with his quick wit and exchanges with Boy George and everyone.

Leaving Giorgo's on the Sunset Strip, 2013 exchanging 'Good-night and well wishes' to Siobhan Fahey (former Bananarama)

Leaving Giorgo’s on the Sunset Strip, 2013 exchanging ‘Good-night and well wishes’ to Siobhan Fahey (former Bananarama)

Jody Watley Classic Photo. Saks Fifth Avenue Catalog ’96

Photography: Skrebneski

Photography: Skrebneski

For my #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #Classic as well as #FashionFriday – 1 page of a 16 page layout for Saks Fifth Avenue Catalog from ’96. The photo’s and style from these sessions are all very timeless – which always appeals to me. Working with legendary photographer Skrebneski made me nervous, but he put me at ease making it  a memorable and fun experience.

Nightlife Vinyl Update.

Just received word we should have the limited edition vinyl in hand by weeks end. Stay tuned on how and where you’ll be able to order. All copies will be numbered.

The limited edition vinyl will be Side A: Nightlife Original Extended Mix. Side B: 1. Nightlife Extended Dub 2. Nightlife Instrumental.

Classic. “It’s In The Music!”

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Calling All British Fans – Jody Watley Is Coming To Town.

© 2013 Jody Watley

© 2013 Jody Watley

Catch me on “David Gest Presents” Legends of Soul” along with some other great names, artists and songs in soul music history. It’s not usually my type of thing to do or be a part of, however I’m looking forward to the experience!

Butlins Bognor Regis Jan 31
Butlins Minehead Feb. 1
Butlins Skegness Feb. 2
St. Helens Theatre Royal Feb 6
St. Helens Theatre Royal Feb 7
Blackpool The Grand Feb 8
Halifax Victoria Theatre Feb. 9
Liverpool Hilton Feb 11
Stockport Plaza Feb 13
RHYL Pavilion Feb. 14
Carlisle Sands Centre Feb. 15
Motherwell Concert Hall Feb 16
Durham Gala Theatre Feb 19
Hull City Hall Feb. 20
York Barbican Feb 21
Scunthorpe Baths Hall Feb 22
Stockton On Tees Forum Feb 23
Bridlington The Spa Theatre Feb 26

Jody Watley With Shulman Says. Nightlife and Beyond.

Each interview brings a different tone, check my latest with Michael Shulman Presents Shulman Says” – here’s the three parter from the delightful conversation we had.

Talking my groundbreaking “Friends” and more:

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1989 -Cover Photography: Steven Meisel. Make-up Francois Nars Design: Lynn Robb and Jody Watley

 

http://www.shulmansays.com/archives/BOSVIEW/Talking-NIGHTLIFE-with-Jody-Watley—Part-1/

Talking Nightlife and Disco and Soul Fabulousness Inspirations

Photography: Albert Sanchez  Makeup: Billy B

Photography: Albert Sanchez Makeup: Billy B

 

http://www.shulmansays.com/archives/BOSVIEW/Talking-NIGHTLIFE-with-Jody-Watley—Part-2/

Talking the forthcoming “Paradise” and Giorgio’s

http://www.shulmansays.com/archives/BOSVIEW/Talking-NIGHTLIFE-with-Jody-Watley—Part-3/

Jody Watley. Giorgio Moroder. Nightlife.

My Saturday night at Giorgio’s was truly a night to remember. Meeting the legendary Giorgio Moroder was like a dream. Dancing to his songs and productions as a teen including one of my favorite soundtracks “Midnight Express” – “From Here to Eternity”, not to mention his groundbreaking work with Donna Summer along with his production and writing partner Pete Bellotte. He and his wife Francisca were relaxed and friendly, as Giorgio’s Bryan Rabin too me over for the introduction quickly prompting me to ask “Do you mind if we take a photo”, after hello’s were exchanged. You can say that I’m never too cool for school to be enthusiastic and show that I’m a fan of the people I admire and enjoy as well.

“It’s In The Music!”

More pics via my Instagram (JodyWatley) and Facebook.

The “Nightlife” Classic Glamour EP at iTunes – Here

Getting my drag on for Giorgio's! Photo: (c) 2013 Jody Watley

Getting my drag on for Giorgio’s! Photo: (c) 2013 Jody Watley

Francisca Moroder, Giorgio Moroder and Jody Watley. Photo (c): Jody Watley 2013

Francisca Moroder, Giorgio Moroder and Jody Watley. Photo (c): Jody Watley 2013

Jody Watley. Christos Garkinos. Photo (c) 2013 Christos Garkinos

Jody Watley. Christos Garkinos. Photo (c) 2013 Christos Garkinos

Jody Watley. Bryan Rabon of Giorgio's. With DJ Adam Bravin on the decks. Photo: (c) 2013 Jody Watley via Instagram

Jody Watley. Bryan Rabin of Giorgio’s. With DJ Adam Bravin on the decks. Photo: (c) 2013 Jody Watley via Instagram

Jody Watley. Siobhan Fahey. Bananarama / Shakespeare's Sister. Photo (c) 2013 Jody Watley

Jody Watley. Siobhan Fahey. Bananarama / Shakespeare’s Sister. Photo (c) 2013 Jody Watley

Dancing Shoes. Photo (c) 2013 Jody Watley

Dancing Shoes. Photo (c) 2013 Jody Watley

"I'm going home now - where are my keys?!" Photo: Jody Watley (c) 2013

“I’m going home now – where are my keys?!” Photo: Jody Watley (c) 2013