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

Jody Watley Special July Message and Update

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In this exclusive Wattage Thoughts YouTube Short, Jody Watley shares a heartfelt reminder: appreciate the people who truly see you, hear you, understand you, and encourage your growth.

Then pay it forward.

Be someone who listens deeply, celebrates others, and empowers the special people in your life. A few sincere words of encouragement can inspire confidence, hope, and positive change.

A smiling woman with curly hair wearing a straw hat and sunglasses, promoting a video titled 'Jody Watley - A Simple Reminder That Can Change...' on YouTube.
Screenshot

Subscribe for more monthly Wattage Thoughts—exclusive inspirational YouTube Shorts from Jody Watley featuring wisdom, creativity, music, and encouragement. Watch it Here:

Illuminate. Elevate. Empower. Welcome to Wattage Thoughts with Jody Watley.

There’s also a new summer merch drop in tandem with the new single “The Dawn” Alex Di Ciò 

A woman with long, curly hair wearing a yellow t-shirt featuring a graphic of a woman and a shiny leopard print skirt, posing confidently with sunglasses.
Jody Watley – The Dawn Unisex T-shirt in Yellow. Dress it up or down!

Shop the collection now:

https://direct.distrokid.com/jodywatley

“The Dawn” Extended Alex Di Ciò Remix will arrive this month for your continued summer and beyond listening pleasure!

Blending sophisticated dance-pop, funk, soul, and contemporary electronic grooves, The Dawn showcases an artist who continues to evolve while staying true to her creative vision, with a breakout #1 UK Soul Chart breakout and the Top 5 streamed Jody Watley single on Spotify in June in the midst of some of her biggest classic hits – quite a feat.

For those just discovering Jody Watley’s current music, this is not a comeback—it’s a continuation of decades in the mix. From groundbreaking solo classics 80s, 90s and GRAMMY-winning success to independent releases, EPs, albums, and charting singles throughout the 2000s into the now.

Jody Watley remains a vibrant force in contemporary music with an ongoing discography to back it up.

July also marks the one year anniversary of the release of “Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats” released on July 9, 2025 and vaulted to #1 USA iTunes Top Dance / Electronic and Amazon UK Albums.

Close-up of Jody Watley smiling brightly, wearing vibrant makeup and a denim jacket, holding a disco ball, with text overlay that reads 'Jody Watley Let's Dance Vol 1 Hit Them Beats' in colorful fonts.
Screenshot of the iTunes charts showing Jody Watley's album 'Let's Dance Vol. 1 Hit Them Beats' at #1 on the Top 40 US Dance Albums list.
"Let's Dance Vol. 1 - Hit Them Beats" released on July 9, 2025 and vaulted to #1 USA iTunes Top Dance / Electronic and Amazon UK Albums.

As she says: – “Let The Music Inspire.”

Streaming at the digital platforms of your choice.

About The Artist:

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY® Award–winning Best New Artist, 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon. 

Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s starting with her multi platinum breakthrough debut album. To date she has amassed 6 Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 singles including the iconic “Looking for a New Love,” (#1 R&B and Dance) “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified “Real Love,” (#1 R&B and Dance) +more, Jody Watley is also an MTV VMA Awards 6 time nominee, in addition to American Music Awards and NAACP nominee. 

Jody Watley has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across disco Into R&B, Pop, Dance, Electronica — from 80s, 90s, 2000s – Present with her latest releases “The Dawn” (2026) Alex di Ciò. Remix, Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats (2025), EVERLASTING (2025). 

An award-winning songwriter (BMI Medal of Honor, Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame), Watley is ranked by Billboard among the Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time and Top 65 Hot 100 Female Artists of All Time.

Additional achievements include Black Music Honors Crossover Music Icon, the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and YouTube Silver Creator Award for the Jody Watley YouTube Channel 2025.

Learn More: About Jody Watley

Jody Watley New Spring Drop – Let’s Dance

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A person with long curly hair wearing oversized sunglasses and a sequined jacket, posing for a selfie while showcasing a T-shirt featuring a photo of a smiling woman and the text 'CODY WATLEY' and 'LET'S DANCE.'
Jody Watley. Let’s Dance Vol. 1 T-shirt – Make it Your Own!

Jody Watley’s latest album Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats energy isn’t just an album—it’s a mindset and a mantra to keep it moving. From adding to your playlists to your personal style statements, celebrate the spirit of Let’s Dance Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats) in your own way.

The official collection is all about expressing your connection to the music, showing support for Grammy winning Icon Jody Watley and her sustained independence 40 plus years as a solo artist and entrepreneur—navigating the dance of life, perseverance and business.

Wear it. Share it. Dress it up or down!

A smiling woman with long, curly hair wearing a dark t-shirt featuring a graphic of a famous singer, against a light background.
Jody Watley – Let’s Dance Unisex T. Dress it Up or Down. Make it Your Own.

Explore the collection:

https://direct.distrokid.com/jodywatley

And if you haven’t yet—press play, add 2025’s #1 iTunes and Amazon Music UK Dance Electronica Album Let’s Dance Volume 1 – Hit Them Beats, released via her Avitone label celebrating the 30th Anniversary of forming the label; to your playlist. Keep the music in motion.

Just Push Play for a Non Stop Mix. Jody Watley “Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats”

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.

Celebrate Jody Watley’s 30 Years of Independent Music Innovation

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Long before “independent artist” was a trend, Jody Watley was already setting the blueprint. Over three decades strong doing it HER way, after a chart-topping era on MCA, she started Avitone as a vehicle for her music in 1995. She’s been pushing boundaries since that time with numerous critically acclaimed, chart topping releases and dance-floor favorites.

A Legacy of Sound. A Vibe That Endures.

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

Available July 9 on all digital platforms!

Download • Stream • Playlist • Share

A&R: Jody Watley, Bill Coleman (Peace Bisquit), Angelo “Pepe” Skordos

Art Design: Shawn West & Jody Watley

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. To lear more : Jody Watley Bio