Jody Watley Photography: GUZMAN.
Michael Jackson with Vincent Paterson, choreographer director of “Smooth Criminal”
I’m compelled to share this in support of my friend legendary choreographer director Vincent Paterson. I had to pleasure and honor to work with him last year for “Loving The Silent Tears” An International Musical Event. Not only did I get to experience his brilliance first hand, I got to see what a down to earth sweet guy he is. Vince, as any artist who stays up late at night – thinking, creating and going through the joy, blood, sweat, tears, pain and triumph of the process deserves to be properly credited for his work. What if someone jacked your resume – something you fought for and earned? I’ve learned sometimes being too humble empowers other people to step in and take credit for someone else’s pioneering and hard work. I’ve see this happen before and it has to stop – it’s called having integrity and honesty. In this day and age fact checking and due respect has seemed to go out of the window.
Statement from Vincent Paterson following last night’s Dancing With The Stars Final from his Facebook page:
PLEASE SHARE THIS POST.
THIS THIEVERY MUST STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What is on my mind this morning is how TRAVIS PAYNE STOLE MY CHOREOGRAPHY FOR SMOOTH CRIMINAL on DWTS. He is a thief.
He took credit for my work.
I AM AN ARTIST AND MY WORK IS ALL I HAVE.
To not only watch him STEAL my work but to have the uniformed or misinformed contestant on the show say “This is incredible to have the guy who taught MJ these moves teach them to us!”
How dare both TRAVIS PAYNE and DWTS.
This is not the first time TRAVIS has stolen my work. He did for the 2 Cirque shows he “choreographed.”
This is unforgivable thievery.
I never even hired Travis to DANCE in Smooth Criminal.
If this show cares so much about dance, they should not allow this kind of thievery and lies to be told to the viewers.
NEW Interview and article in The Washington Post:
HERE
Catch me tomorrow morning if you’re in the Washignton D.C. Area, at 8:30 am LIVE interview on Fox 5.
Photo: Jody Watley Music (c) 2013
All Rights Reserved.
Clearly, though things in the country have changed with regard to Civil Rights, with recent elections and reports of efforts to redistrict and discourage people from voting we can’t be naive. There seems to be a clear and continued undercurrent of racism in this country – which I personally find quite sad and baffling. We may have a black President in Obama, however inequality and racism still exists albeit in different forms under various guises.
The media, gossip bloggers and so forth may distract – but I hope people are really paying attention and finding the outlets of their choice to keep informed on the changes that are happening – around the world; especially here at home. As a rule, I’ve learned to keep my political opinions to myself and leave the politics to the ‘professionals’ – however there are some things that one must pay attention to which is – just a thought.
While lamenting the anniversary of the loss of one of my favorite childhood and music inspirations today – this happened..while also watching live stream of Wendy Davis public filibuster in the Texas Senate gallery via the web.
Read the ruling at Democracy Now. Here
My trip to Chengdu was awesome, another blessing of an experience for all of us. To perform as a part of the Night of Fortune GRAMMY All-stars Concert at Chengdu Stadium in front of 40,000 fans left me speechless – until the Panda Tour which was the icing on the cake. I’m thankful to God for continuing to bless me to do what I love, on my own terms and to live a balanced life beyond ‘entertainment.’
Greeting Sign which also came with a beautiful flower bouquet. Chengdu
Program Cover. This is what the stage looked like. Chengdu Stadium.
John “Havic” Gregory, Jody Watley, and Rosero McCoy Rehearsal Check Chengdu Stadium June 7, 2013
I loved this moment with some of the children’s chorus!
The children’s chorus sang a beautiful and moving song – brought me to tears – this was evening rehearsal.
There was a great tribute to Michael Jackson with rare footage from the GRAMMY archives before the children came out for a dance tribute medley.
With a staffer who wanted to give me flowers.
Chengdu, Stadium as the fans were coming in.
There were many Chinese CantoPop Stars a part of the “Night of Fortune” GRAMMY Superstars Concert.
With lead Michael Jackson Tribute Performer. Chengdu Stadium after the concert onstage in the rain!
Took a quick photo with my iPhone of the audience while getting set for my performance!
With two of my favorite guys John “Havic Gregory” and Rosero MCoy at after-party
At Sunshine Panda Nursery on the Panda Tour, Chengdu.
With President of Recording Academy Neil Portnow at Cocktail Reception
Getting presented a custom pair of shoes by Sheme, high end shoe designer of China
Red Carpet Mayhem. Chengdu China Global Forum Invited Guests and Night of Fortune Grammy All-Stars Reception
With Leo “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” Sayer one of music’s great from the 70’s and Gospel powerhouse Yolanda Adams at luncheon.
More pics and video to come! In the meantime, you can read an article: HERE
Being a part of the one time and unprecedented musical event ‘Loving The Silent Tears’ was one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my career. The process of meeting and getting to know the cast, our director Vincent Paterson (a dream come true I might add), choreographer Bonnie Story, designers, costumers, ensemble dancers – was amazing and so many new friendships were formed. Every element of this process was first class – top shelf all around. I feel so fortunate and blessed to have been a part of this global melting pot of artists and cast-mates.
The production opened with aerialists who flew through The Shrine captivating the audience as the orchestra led by our musical director Doug Katsaros playing a beautiful prelude and then we were off to a journey around the world woven into a powerful narrative and story line. I’ll be posting more photo’s and a short video of the journey I’ve enjoyed with the musical the past few weeks leading up to the October 27 for the premiere. Supreme Master TV shared the event globally and on the Loving The Silents Tears Musical website via live stream. Here are a few pics from last night; it truly was was a night and experience to remember!
About to step onto the red carpet like none I’ve experienced; lined with people in cultural outfits.
On stage for ‘A Real Fool’ – my Silent Tears song with gratitude theme for pivotal scene near end of show.
With our director the legendary Vincent Paterson.
With Lula Washington and her dance company pre-show partial costume
Pre-show partial costume with our Emmy winning choreographer Bonnie Story.
Kay Tse from China in Costume for a breathtaking performance.
Liel Kolet and Camellia Abou-Odah who performed with Siavash Shams in riveting Middle Eastern performance.
All Photo’s: Jody Watley. All Rights Reserved 2012.
I’ll be appearing in this one time event “Loving The Silent Tears” and international new musical on October 27, 2012 in Los Angeles at The Shrine Auditorium. To learn more http://www.silenttearsmusical.com/
Meet Tony nominated choreographer/director Vincent Paterson, discussing his legendary work with Madonna (VOGUE performance on MTV Awards, Blond Ambition Tour and more) and Michael Jackson (Smooth Criminal, Superbowl, Bad Tour, and more) as well as “Loving The Silent Tears – A New Musical.”
Jody Watley is included in music’s pivotal moments from 1987 via The ROOT. Click the link to read and view the gallery with Jody, Michael and Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince, Eric B. and Rakim and more, celebrating 25 years.
The quality of commercial music and artistry today just isn’t the same.
http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/black-music-back-day-remember-1987?wpisrc=root_lightbox