John Taylor - Official Jody Watley Website

The Historic Band Aid Single “Do They Know It’s Christmas.”

November 25,1984

While living in London -in one incredible day; I was fortunate to be asked to be a part of this monumental recording session and single along with the best of the best of British pop and rock at the time. I received a phone call from Mariella Frostup, publicist at the time of Phonogram Records which had signed me to a one album recording deal (never finished the album due to creative differences with label head Chris Briggs).

None of us really knew the magnitude of what it would be, it was all very low key when invited. The result was “Do The Know It’s Christmas” the name of the group – Band Aid. Four days later it was released in the UK along with a powerful documentary and it has been played during the holiday season since. “Do They Know It’s Christmas” remains one of the biggest singles of all time in the U.K. and mega seller worldwide.

It’s an experience none of us involved will ever forget and a song that made a huge difference, setting the bar for other charity singles to follow.

I’ve said through the years, meeting George Michael and asking if he’d do a duet with me – which he did when I returned to America and signed with MCA Records recording my proper solo debut.

Many of us performed the song on Top Of The Pops as well.

Jody Watley. Banarama (Siobhan, Sarah, Keren,) Francis Rossi (Status Quo)

The list of all of the artists involved.

U2 (Bono), Phil Collins, Bob Geldof, Steve Norman, Duran Duran (John Taylor, Simon Le Bon, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor, Nick Rhodes), Paul Young, Spandau Ballet (Tony Hadley, Martin Kemp, Gary Kemp, Martin Ware, Steve Norman, John Keeble), Chris Cross, Midge Ure (Ultra Vox), Simon Crow (The Boomtown Rats), Marilyn, Glenn Gregory (Heaven 17), Jody Watley, Paul Weller, Kool & The Gang (James “JT” Taylor, Robert Bell, Dennis Thomas), George Michael, Culture Club (Boy George, Jon Moss), Sting, Johnny Fingers – Rick Parfitt, Franics Rossi (Status Quo), Siohban Fahey, Keren Woodward, Sarah Dallin (Bananarama)

The Commemorative Magazine – George Michael, Sir Bob Geldof, Sting, Simon LeBon; John Taylor, Rick Parfitt, Jody Watley & Banarama (Siobhan, Karen, Sarah), Boy George, Sir Bob Geldof

The magazine itself was probably 10 pages, these are a selected few. Band Aid was also on the cover of every major paper in the United Kingdom – all copies sold out.

Watch the video on Youtube.

Salute to Bernard Edwards. Birthday Remembrance Born October 31, 1952. Most don’t realize Bernard renowned for his work with Nile Rodgers & CHIC, The Chic Organization, Diana Ross, Sister Sledge to name a few helping redefine soul and disco music in so many ways.

Bernard Edwards also produced 3 songs on my solo debut “Don’t You Want Me” written with my BFF Franne Golde – my duet with George Michael “Learn To Say No” and “Love Injection” – powerhouse drummer Tony Thompson was also on those tracks as well. Before I secured a solo deal I asked Bernard if he’d produce some songs on my debut album and he kept his word, just like George Michael. Having Bernard on board also helped me get signed to have such a respected legend on board and in full support.

Rest in Eternal peace with love and respect to Bernard Edwards, a super nice person to have known.

Originally meeting him when I was in Shalamar I was /am a huge Chic fan and most all of their productions— I fondly recall Bernard gifting me a fabulous pair of red suede #maudfrizon (who was all the rage with fashionistas at the time) – disco roller skates with metallic stars – they were of course very chic! To have worked with him is very special, the music always lives on.