Happy 30th Anniversary “AFFAIRS OF THE HEART” released on this day 12.3. 1991 featuring the hit singles “ I Want You”, “I’m The One You Need”, and the inspirational “It All Begins With You”
“..the new album celebrates love, togetherness, commitment and communication.” – Jody Watley
“Affairs Of The Heart” was released at a difficult time in my personal life and marriage as it began to unravel in addition to MCA being sold and morphing into Universal Music Group and a new regime at the top. It was very meaningful album in my catalog as artist and songwriter, not for everyone especially those who wanted the formula and vibe of my first two albums. Ever fearless, always thoughtful about my music, art and evolution – always me.
The reception was disappointing overall in many ways though 2 of the singles did well-not blockbusters but respectable. That said I don’t regret my creative choice and to this day don’t like the notion of being predictable, stagnant. Each album from my debut through today with my most recent reflect where I am and how I feel as opposed to what will sell the most – that is not really what being an artist is about, to me.
Stig Edgren Presents: The Colors of Christmas Tour 2019 was a whirlwind California trio of concerts with Peabo Bryson a staple and feature of the tour since it’s beginning 27 years ago, along the way the shows at one time also included Philharmonic Orchestra’s in each city and small choirs.
Peabo was joined by Oleta Adams, BeBe Winans stepping in last minute for an ailing Ben Vereen and myself. The three of us have also done the tour before – this being my third time, the first over a decade ago. The collaborative nature of the tour makes it once of the most unique concert experiences one could experience backed by a full band and additional backing vocalists.
James Ingram, an alumni of the show and close friend of Peabo as well as music director Herman Jackson, received a poignant and emotional musical medley tribute. The first night, Herman became so overwhelmed he had to leave for a minute to regain composure.
The 3 days of concerts (Palm Desert, Cerritos and San Diego) was a whirlwind and we all lamented on what a great time was had by all..one of the highlights was Oleta and I crashing BeBe’s ending of “I’ll Take You There” for a rousing reprise of the song – we were on side of the stage lost track of the set and thought our duet was next and rather than waiting for the regular timing – let’s just go now! To our surprise Peabo was on the other side of stage — saw us go out and start singing and so he joined. The audience loved the spontaneous moment as BeBe laughed and went with it. He and Oleta had a hilarious exchange at the end..she and I realized we’d come out too soon and BeBe still had his “My Christmas Prayer” to do. Impromptu moments are always special and memorable. On “Beauty & The Beast” only one show had children to join us. Parents don’t seem to bring the little ones out the way they used to.
Thanks so all who came out to see us and as always for supporting live music – there’s nothing like it.
One of the rehearsal days – filmed this with the awesome Oleta Adams.
Palm Desert. Jody Watley Season’s Greetings.
View from my suite. Palm Desert.
The beautiful McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert – first stop on the 3 day tour.
Dressing Room Door.
Green room McCallum Theatre.
Bebe Winans and I hit it off right away – and it surprised me. He was so nice and down to earth.. I should know better from my own experience of how some view me before meeting me — ‘preconceived notions.’ Because BeBe was a last minute replacement for Ben Vereen, we only had soundcheck to run through our duet for “My Favorite Things” – we had a blast singing and performing together. Photo: Soundcheck McCallum Theatre Dec. 13, 2019
Ready to begin show with Peabo Bryson final night in San Diego. Peabo was in the stairwell warming up his vocals, I told him we have to get a photo! I warmed up in dressing room – still doing what I was taught by the great Seth Riggs.
Everyone has pre-show rituals – we finally got a partial group shot before the final show at the historic Balboa Theatre in San Diego. Jody Watley, BeBe Winans, Oleta Adams.
Snow Princess Wattage. Life is a gift and a present each day – cherish it.
Sparkle and Shine!
Gown by I Luv Stevie – Chicago’s Stevie Edwards.
Rear View. Watch me walk out!
Final night was historic Balboa Theatre -San Diego, CA. It’s lovely and well maintained throughout.
This Instagram post meant so much from BeBe and a nice surprise.
4th look for ensemble finale – Joy To The World (Reprise).
Jody Watley. Peabo Bryson. Oleta Adams. BeBe Winans. ‘Joy To The World”
After show. Jody Watley Christmas T-shirt.
Thanks to Stig Edgren, musicians, backing vocalists – and all who came out to support us!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Blessings to All for 2020!
A variety of eclectic collaborations to date including this duet with Peter Harper – soulful folk music from his 2017 release “Break The Cycle.” Whenever casual listeners who have not kept up ask about my music I let them know there is a vast amount of Jody Watley music and collaborations on all digital outlets. What I continue to learn is people see what they want to see, and hear what they want to hear. Phones are basically not just a device .. they serve as a vessel for music, podcasts, sports, streaming TV, movies, blogs, fashion, cooking, health, the list goes on .. research of any thing you might be looking for very much a portable encyclopedia – and especially make it easy to keep up, discover or catch up with artists and our music. To those who had in mind which box I was to be placed in as an artist, no doubt there will always be indifference and a lack of interest if the music doesn’t fit what you want to hear. My music crosses genres beyond the 80’s, though I love that music too it’s not the sum of all my parts. As I’ve said, I’m an artist, songwriter much like a painter who steps to the canvas always wanting to paint with different colors and create new pieces.
With that in mind, I’ll be posting more music…even though some will still see what they want based on their perception of where they are.
A positive and pro-active start to the week to all! ‘Break The Cycle’ of being lazy in how you use your phones!
Should you find yourself continuously in the midst of consistent lies, vendettas, grudges, bitterness, jealousy of others.. keep going, that’s what I do anytime people bring something negative to me that others are saying. Those people can’t stop anything and trust me in my case, they’ve been trying for a long time. Remember that whatever they do or if they are able to turn others against you – whatever it is and whoever ‘they’ may be – it isn’t worth much anyway. Keep on keeping on to anyone who can relate to this type of thing.
GRAMMY WINNING MUSIC LEGEND JODY WATLEY & SOULHOUSE MUSIC’S BRIAN POWER GIVE YOU A GOOD GOOD REASON TO LOVE.
On the heels of Two Top 5 UK Soul Singles “The Mood” and “The Passion”, Grammy winning music legend and former original Shalamar female lead Jody Watley returns with “Good Good Reason” produced by house music’s Brian Power.
This instant groover comes complete Watley’s distinct soul vocals, classic bass, brass, sass and synth riffs in a nu-disco blend of soul ready made for dance floors and radio worldwide.
Look for the Original and Funk mixes ready made to take soul heads into spring summer for seasons to come.
Jody will be in the UK performing and completing Radio promotion to support the single.
UK date : FRI APRIL 19TH. UNDER THE BRIDGE , FULHAM
Navigating life and career. Ended 2018 having to make a difficult business decision after a year of contemplation and coming to terms with hard realizations. There are times in life personally and professionally in order to continue to grow, it’s necessary to make changes, and allow others to do the same. In the tough decisions especially for entrepreneurs or those with whom you’ve had a close relationship and the lines may have been blurred it’s even harder it will be taken personally when it’s not. Business is business and it’s wise to always keep that in mind.
Often the only person who can see a vision is you, it’s not a cold hearted thing, it’s the ongoing evolution of being and willingness to step out of comfort zones- not everyone is going to be on that same page or path. Never one to shy away from my instincts is something to never fear or avoid – no matter how difficult. Stay stagnant, rigid and stuck – or keep pushing for new levels. You never know until you try and do is also one of my life mantras.
Being able to be close to home to be there and present for my ailing Mom continues to be a priority in the midst of the music, just as it was when I was raising my daughter and son. I’ve cut back on some travel and concerts such as putting off shows in Glasgow and Manchester to make sure I’m never too far away. The process continues to push me into an even more reflective mode about life in general. One of the things my Mom has said when talking to one of her doctors on a bad day and through pain that really resonates “..no matter what, I’m happy to still be here..fighting..” – words to live by.
If you see that I’m coming to your city – don’t miss it. As an artist never been one to do a ton of dates to begin with it’s always a quality over quantity always – that keeps it fun. 2019 will include select dates, some of the schedule has had to be revised, always an experience of good vibes, memories, creating new ones and inspiration.
Stay tuned for info on upcoming new music projects as well!
Review of “The Passion” Jody Watley & SRL. “Nothing has diminished the brilliant light of Jody Watley. Brian Power cranks it up a few more lumens on his remix of “The Passion,” the forthcoming remix of the single by Jody Watley & SRL, Jody’s group project. The official track isn’t out until September 28 but Jody shared an ad hoc teaser video right now…” Read the full review and inspirational background of Brian Power: 5Chicago.com
A longtime advocate of the LGBTQ community Jody Watley will make her first appearance in Austin Texas for their Pride celebration on August 3, 2018 to perform a highlight set of some of her signature solo hits.
