I’m so thankful to have experienced this – thankful for my blessings and continued journey. I thank all of you who continue to show me love, support my music and encourage me each day!! — On January 6, 1987, January 6. My solo debut single “Looking For A New Love” was released (a Rihanna/Jody fan just told me on Instagram and I looked it up, love social media for things like this).. Of course it was a monumental debut, my first #1 single and a touchstone in music and pop culture, not many artists get to experience this smile emoticon
Facts:
The single hit number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1987 besting the chart peak of her group Shalamar Top 10 “The Second Time Around.” “Looking For A New Love” spent four weeks at number-one on the Billboard R&B chart another notable achievement. The single was kept out of the top spot of the Hot 100 by Cutting Crew’s “(I Just) Died in Your Arms” and U2’s “With or Without You”. It ranked number 16 on Billboard’s year-end chart for 1987. The single would also reach #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Play Chart.
In 1988 the song was nominated for two Soul Train Music Awards for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video, and Best R&B/Soul Single, Female. She was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, winning the The GRAMMYs for Best New Artist.
One of the song’s key phrases became a popular saying: “Hasta la vista, baby.” It wound up on innumerable answering machines and was used by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1991 film Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
2005 Reissue
In 2005, Jody Watley re-recorded and released “Looking for a New Love” on Water Music Records in conjunction with her own Avitone label, Curvve Recordings, and Peace Bisquit. The reissued classic was remixed in various styles: house, electro, breakbeat. The newly imagined “Looking for a New Love” proved to be a historic undertaking for Watley, as it peaked at #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, making her the first artist ever to take the same song to No. 1 in two decades.
Written by Andre Cymone and Jody Watley (lyrics and melody). Produced by David Z. and Andre Cymone.
Photography: Victoria Pearson / Art Direction: Jody Watley / Lynn Robb
Everlasting gratitude to Jheryl Busby, Louil Silas Jr. (RIP) and to all of the MCA Records team at that time including A.D. Washington, Ernie Singleton, Alonzo Miller, Sarah Melendez..who made it happen despite the usual obstacles along the way. I thank Jheryl for believing in me and signing me as well as giving me the freedom to be myself and make a mark – understanding what I wanted to do as an artist and writer, not just a girl..but a woman with a vision.
Always believe in yourself – no matter how many people are trying to bring and tear you down..keep on keeping on. God and the universe always has it’s way.
http://www.jodywatley.net
