Jody Watley Classic Image. Rolling Stone Magazine Issue 502 Solo Debut.

Jody Watley Rolling Stone Issue 502 1987

Jody Watley – Solo Debut Feature

Rolling Stone Magazine

June 18, 1987 – Issue 502

Cover Story: Robert Cray

 

 

This was a big deal for me at the time in another of firsts.. my former group Shalamar had never been featured in a magazine like this. Everything about my solo debut is significant because no one predicted it or expected it.

Looking back, I see a determined, authentic and self-assured young woman no matter those who were against me and expected my demise…I’ve always believed in myself and tenacious about living my own life and being happy as much as I can.

Trendsetting style and attitude, letting black girls know we could be eclectic, ‘weird’, offbeat..whatever box you want to check off too.

 

I recommend it.

 

Wattage!

Jody Watley Classic Image of The Day. Rolling Stone Magazine 1987 Style Feature.

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When such things were based on achievement and not social media numbers. This was my second feature in Rolling Stone, this time more of a concept fashion and style feature being paired with an unlikely subject. The photo session took place in the Florida Everglades..I was so nervous, needless to say there were alligators in the water popping in and out, but it was all about the shot and being fierce. The crew did consist of a safety team and wranglers if needed. It didn’t take long to get the right take!

“If Jody Watley is looking for a new love, Roland Martin can certainly help her with the bait. She’s Jackie Wilson’s godchild, the ex-Shalamar chanteuse who’s already angling for her second Top 10 single as a solo artist. He’s the Jack Nicklaus of bass fishing, nine time Angler of the Year and sixteen-time winner of the Boss Angler Sports Tournament, and he’s rolling in the dough. He’s also the host of his own TV show, appropriately titled Fishing with Roland Martin.

Rolling Stone Issue 510 October 8, 1987, Fall Fashion “The Sporting Life.” Cover: Bono

Jody Watley Coat & Black Cashmere Dress: Stephen Sprouse Purple Pumps Arlene Laz Marca

Jody Watley – Classic Image of The Day. Rolling Stone Magazine Fall Fashion Issue.

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1990 Rolling Stone Magazine Fall Fashion Issue (outtake Polaroid) – Versace Jacket paired with personal denim Levi 501’s and white #tees and earrings by Erickson Beamon – photography by William Laxton, styled by Patti O’Brien and Jody Watley, Hair by Sam McKnight, Make up by Brigitte Reiss Anderson.

 

“I think it’s more embraced by the public, fans, media when artists change their style from hair to wardrobe in today’s era. I received a lot of backlash when I went short initially for the first GAP celebrity ad campaign as well as People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful Issue.. nearly booed offstage at Soul Train Awards it’s a lasting memory will never forgetting the gasps, evil looks and chilly reception later met with rumblings of questioning my sexuality because I’d cut my hair short…then came Toni Braxton and Halle Berry making short cuts on black women all the rage and ‘acceptable’ ..for me it was ‘we like her with lots of hair’.. when for me I was making a statement I’m more than my hairstyles –never be afraid to go against the landscape or sacrifice what’s in your heart for popular opinion.” -Jody Watley