Jody Watley. Classic Photo of The Day. Blues and Soul. UK

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Admin

#TBT On The Cover of the UK Music Magazine Blues and Soul in 1989.

Celebrating 25 years of my second album. Most fans think of my solo debut as the breakthrough and it was – as well as being trendsetting in style and video. However my second album is the one that was really quietly the most pioneering and to me overshadowed. My infusion of high fashion, commercial ad campaigns and layouts – uncommon for any black artist at the time, and only by one other Madonna. ‘Larger Than Life’ ushered in a raised bar for other female artists that would follow. The pioneering “Friends” featuring Eric B & Rakim; the first to feature Pop/R&B/Hip-Hop 16 bar verses and crossing over R&B, Pop, Dance, Hip Hop – as well as a genre crossing video featuring transgender, drag queens, underground club culture, B-Boys and Girls, voguing and Jean Paul-Gaultier couture blended into a mix of high end and street chic as well as my highest charting ballad ‘Everything.” There was no press release to stir controversy and bring attention about the casting of the video – for me it wasn’t about that. Everyone in the video was real, friends of friends – not models or professionals. Tyrone Procter helped cast it. Eric B and Rakim called some of their friends. What I wanted to represent the types of clubs I liked dancing at full of of types of people united by the music and stepping out in style to get down on the dance floor. It was a real club scene in the west village on a hot summer afternoon in NYC. It went over the heads of a lot of people..my label didn’t know what to make of it, and weren’t happy with it – but let me do what I envisioned and I’m thankful.

I also found success overseas in the Japan, Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom among others as well. It was always a challenge because I wasn’t the typical ‘urban black artist’ and was always in a struggle to shine on my own terms, remaining true to myself, wanting to have standards, authenticity to my artistry. 25 years later this is still true in everything I do whether on the commercial radar or not. It’s true no matter what your job or career is – be the best you.

“Real Love” which remains one of MTV’s Most Nominated Video’s and “Most of All” are featured on the Top 28 David Fincher video’s : HERE

Photography: Steven Meisel

Makeup: Francois NARS

Hair: Oribe

Art Direction: Lynn Robb and Jody Watley

Produced by Andre Cymone

Executive Producer: Jody Watley

#itsinthemusic #JodyWatley

Jody Watley With Shulman Says. Nightlife and Beyond.

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Admin

Each interview brings a different tone, check my latest with Michael Shulman Presents Shulman Says” – here’s the three parter from the delightful conversation we had.

Talking my groundbreaking “Friends” and more:

1989 -Cover Photography: Steven Meisel. Make-up Francois Nars Design: Lynn Robb and Jody Watley

http://www.shulmansays.com/archives/BOSVIEW/Talking-NIGHTLIFE-with-Jody-Watley—Part-1/

Talking Nightlife and Disco and Soul Fabulousness Inspirations

Photography: Albert Sanchez Makeup: Billy B

http://www.shulmansays.com/archives/BOSVIEW/Talking-NIGHTLIFE-with-Jody-Watley—Part-2/

Talking the forthcoming “Paradise” and Giorgio’s

http://www.shulmansays.com/archives/BOSVIEW/Talking-NIGHTLIFE-with-Jody-Watley—Part-3/

Jody Watley Beauty. In The Rain.

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Admin

Jody Watley. The Look.

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Admin

I don’t wear red lipstick much anymore, it made me feel too much like the old me from my early solo days – well that is until I recently tried the new NARS African Red. It’s perfect, not too bright with more of a blue undertone for a warmer appearance. The look: a classic strong brow (brow maintenance is a must) and cat-eye with black liner, which are two of my favorite beauty signatures and NARS Zen (blush) on my eyes; chic with just a touch of attitude! I pulled my hair back in a chignon – the rain gave it texture if you know what I mean.

I have a longstanding appreciation for classic Hollywood glamour since I was a little girl. Can we say Sophia Loren? There are so many women of that era whose style I admired even without realizing it as a little girl; and still do. A lot of my imagery has at different times been influenced by the classics.

Don’t be afraid to try new colors and products when you have to free time, or while browsing the aisles of your favorite beauty supply store or boutique. Have fun update your look – if you don’t like it just wash it off, it’s only make-up!

I snapped some pics for Instagram, just having fun on a rainy day this weekend – this is one.

Photo: Jody Watley

Fall Favorite. NARS Rouge Tribal Lipgloss

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Admin

My favorite lip color right now is NARS Rouge Tribal Lipgloss from the Larger Than Life Collection. Rouge Tribal can be used as a stain perfect for daytime or applied more heavily for a dramatic effect for evening. Perfect for fall 2012!