It’s always a joy to come to perform and share the love with everyone. I feel very blessed to have these opportunities. Billboard Live staff is fantastic as well which also makes everything go smoothly.
Chic and Disco Fabulous – Shalamar Act 3 Of Show
Jody Watley and SRL. Photography courtesy of Billboard Live.
Looking forward to wrapping up a fantastic music summer at the intimate Yoshi’s Oakland featuring SRL. We’ll be previewing a couple of new songs from the groups “Bridges” project and I’ll be including the George Michael tribute I did earlier on the year with Act 1 of my solo set devoted to my solo debut. It’s always a party and it’s always great to see the fan community get together- Wattage Crew in full effect. Concerts are great to come and release some stress and get away from sone of the serious issues facing this country right now.
See you there!
The show is going to be great…and the merchandise “Paradise / Nightlife” merchandise is off the chain. Bring extra coins!
Photography: Albert Sanchez
Make:up: Billy B
Design: Ray Easmon
I haven’t had much time to update my tour journal, but I will with loads of additional photo’s and more anecdotes – I made it through as the tour concluded last night sold out in Camden’s plush Gilgamesh. This photo is from Halifax in the dressing room in my custom black sequined jumpsuit as I currently sit in the airport lounge excited and exhausted returning home. I can’t wait to share more of the wild ride that was David Gest Present Legends of Soul Tour 2014.
One of the albums on my tour playlist was Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd Jazz Samba, gnerally playing it on the long rides back to Liverpool form whatever city we were in. love jazz and bosa nova.
A great start to the week to all – BE fabulous, go for amazing -don’t just go through the motions of life on the daily grind of life!
Scenes from town, Liverpool – our home base for the past few weeks. © 2014 Jody Watley
We’ve experienced our share of ‘turn left or turn right at roundabout” © 2014 Jody Watley
The navigation system – a woman’s voice keeps us going in the right direction. More than a few jokes about a navigation system that goes off on the driver when you mess up “Didn’t I tell you to make a right turn..you ****…” fill in the blank! © 2014 Jody Watley
Arthur, Matt, David, Anders.  Backstage sexy. © 2014 Jody Watley
Backstage Carlisle – dressing rooms were too tiny for everyone, so I grabbed a chair for the hallway – always stay fabulous no matter the situation!  © 2014 Jody Watley Images
David Gest about to go into the audience to introduce one of the artists – a surprise they love! (c) 2014 Jody Watley
More beautiful architecture in Liverpool. I appreciate other countries for preservation of their old buildings. © 2014 Jody Watley
Seeing the sights in Liverpool through my rose colored Grey Ant shades – remembering being a little girl from Chicago with big dreams, always alive in me. Never lose your inner child it will keep your spirit young and keep you connected to who you are how far you’ve come and where you’re still trying to go.  © 2014 Jody Watley
“Taxi!” © 2014 Jody Watley Images
Pivotal player, though everyone plays a key role on any tour, is always the monitor guy for the artists- in the history of music you will likely find anecdotes of one being cursed out by at least one artist. It’s all fun and games until someone feels like they’re not hearing what they need or want! © 2014
Gear. David Gest Presents Legends of Soul Concert Tour 2014. © 2014
My view backstage –  the Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Revue. © 2014 Jody Watley
David Gest. Candi Staton and I backstage Legends of Soul Tour 2014 Carlise North Wales. © 2014 Jody Watley Images.
Time to go on. Dressing room, Stockport. © 2014 Jody Watley
Mini Shalamar Medley Charts. (c) 2014 Jody Watley
Backing vocalists extraoridinaire – Bryan Chambers, Lousie Marshall. Backstage Stockport.
One of the keyboardists, the charming Alle Pearse with guitarist Harold backstage Stockport. © 2014 Jody Watley
Powerhouse Candi Staton triumphant  – rocking the house – again. © 2014 Jody Watley Images.
Poised..walking up 7 flights of stairs to exit the venue after the show.. it’s always easier coming in than going out when stairs are involved – lol! Enjoyed the vintage film posters though. © 2014 Jody Watley
“The Fabulous Buffet” Post Concert Hang Awaits. © 2014 Jody Watley
Post show tradition now..’the fabulous buffet’ wind down hanging with Louise, Bryan, Alle, Anders, Matt. © 2014 Jody Watley
The red velvet cake is always a hit. © 2014 Jody Watley
Anders loses us all with his choice of shoes and socks for the evening. C’est la vie! © 2014 Jody Watley
Donny with his quick wit and distinct southern vocal tone (works with Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Revue) and Anders – they jokingly call themselves “The Neverly Brothers.” Fun times. © 2014 Jody Watley
Teresa, works with David Gest – always fashionable and on the move. © 2014 Jody Watley
Our group overstays in the midst of laughs and conversation closing our now traditional after concert  ‘fabulous buffet’ and wind down – again! Screens going up – staff wants to go home.. “Security!”  “Where are my keys!”  © 2014 Jody Watley
Up next – photo’s and more anecdotes including my visit to the International Slavery Museum, great food, new friends, age, a few life and career reflections …and the end of tour on the horizon.
Nightlife. It’s In The Music!
On the road to .. from our base in Liverpool in the Mercedes Vito. © 2014 Jody Watley
Rhyl Pavilion – gorgeous theater. I always go to the stage first to get the vibe. © 2014 Jody Watley Images
A view from my dressing room in Rhyl, my second stop upon arrival – heavy winds and rain by the sea. Most dressing rooms don’t have windows, let alone a view of any kind.  ©2014 Jody Watley Images
Early Pre-show silly shenanigans  after plates were shoved in my direction for my constant photo taking – – all for fun and laughs of course..the joke being all the food being washed down with a ‘Diet Coke.’ The KFC took me back to my teen Soul Train days when all we got was a cold two piece snack and a cold soda – which none of us minded just to be on television getting exposure on the road to pursuing our dreams..who knew I’d be in North Wales one day and they’d have it. I would have preferred salad greens..lol.  The key to life must include a sense of humor!  © 2014 Jody Watley Images
“Get your Legends of Soul Tour programs!” Testing out my camera options on the black and white and color accents!  © 2014 Jody Watley Images.
Pre-Show Meet and Greet for those who purchased tickets (serious autographs collectors) for first two rows. Rhyl Pavilion. © 2014 Jody Watley Images
Chillin’ in my dressing room before meet and greet vortex ,  candles burning, listening to music – one of the few times I’ve had my own dressing room (Hallelujah!!) just killing time – #selfie © 2014 Jody Watley Images
Backstage with Matt Kern  and another cutie Anders from Denmark (they’re both new artists /musicians, with this driver gig as an adventure to learn the business ropes.. so I will be able to say I knew them when! © 2014 Jody Watley Images
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Little Anthony having a laugh backstage as we wait to go back to hotel. © 2014 Jody Watley Images
5 minutes and I’m on. Ready for showtime in sequins and glitter stiletto’s by Jerome C. Rousseau – yes!  © 2014 Jody Watley Images
My view backstage – partial of the band. © 2014 Jody Watley Images
Matt is a real cutie, all of our drivers are rock star  hot! © 2014 Jody Watley Images.
After a near two hour drive..back at our hotel -some of us overstay the customary ‘fabulous buffet’ and the security screens go up – closing time, “Where are my keys?!” . © 2014 Jody watley Images
We’re in the home stretch now..
It’s In The Music!
I’m in the UK at the moment, having arrived a few days ago preparing for the start of the David Gest Presents Legends of Soul Tour which includes fellow Aquarian Dennis Edwards of The Temptations. Listening to him at soundcheck and rehearsal was a great reminder of my junior high days when music artists were so soulful and diverse. I’m a longtime fan of the Temptations and to meet many of these artists, though I’m a seasoned veteran myself — is like being the baby of the bunch, I am never jaded in these moments – being in the moment. I respect everyone’s continued journey in this crazy business. Â Life can really be a trip, you just never know where you’ll end up and who you’ll meet along the way – until you just keep believing and persevering toward your goals and dreams. Always remembering it’s the journey not necessarily the destination. Kudos to everyone out here in life believing and doing. Â Here’s a capture of me before it started raining heavily with gusty winds which turned my umbrella inside out – it reminded me of being in Chicago! Â Keep track of the dates: Here
© 2014 Jody Watley at seaside resort town Bognor Regis, before a heavy wind and rainfall.
Photography: Mike Ruiz Makeup: Billy B.
Jody Watley LIve in Japan:
Billboard Live Osaka, January 18, 2014
Billboard Live Tokyo, January 20 – 21, 2014
David Gest Presents Legends of Soul Tour:
I’m looking forward to not only performing my current hit single “Nightlife” and a few  classics from my solo and Shalamar days as the original female lead in my short set as a part of David Gest Presents Legends of Soul but continuing to spread the word about my upcoming “Paradise” and other musical ventures on the horizon. To share the stage with acts that I grew up listening to (Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Review (Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Song For You..), Candi Staton (I dance to Young Hearts Run Free at Giorgio’s nearly every Saturday, Sheila Ferguson another original lead of the super group The Three Degrees). Gwen Dickey (Wishing On A Star) and I last crossed paths when she was a member of Rose Royce, and I a member of Shalamar. This is a personal honor for me – an adventure in an ongoing musical journey!
Design: Ray Easmon
It’s no secret I love Japan, and have since my first visit back in 1987. I’ve been going there consistently to perform and get excited each time. Billboard Live is a state of the art venue with an awesome staff which is always a bonus for any artist – you know it’s going to be right. The fans bring so much love, enthusiasm and warmth just as if they’re seeing me for the first time – there are always new fans there as well. It’s In The Music!
Billboard Live Osaka – January 18, 2014
Billboard Live Tokyo – January 20-21, 2014