30th Grammy Awards: Jody Watley Takes Best New Artist

On this Day: Mar 2, 1988: Jody Watley wins Best New Artist at 30th Grammy Awards held in New York City, Radio City Music Hall.

The award was presented by Architect of Rock & Roll Little Richard in one of GRAMMYs most memorable moments along with David Johansen  (New York Dolls / Buster Poindexter)

Additionally, the Chicago born singer/songwriter was nominated for 3 awards. A presenter that night to Best R&B Vocal Male in which the King of Pop Michael Jackson was a nominee.

The Grammy Museum WALK OF FAME, features one commemorative disc for each year of the GRAMMY Awards from 1958 – ongoing since the Grammy Museum opened in 2008 in downtown Los Angeles. Each disc contains the winners of the big four categories: Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year.

Watch the New Video Short : Official Jody Watley Youtube Channel: Here

Jody Watley In Celebration of Motown Legend Smokey Robinson

Jody Watley has always mentioned the influence of Motown Records and so many great artists on the label from Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and beyond. Legend Smokey Robinson is one of those she has always admired. Smokey Robinson’s musical legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of American music, and his influence continues to inspire generations of artists.

“Smokey Robinson is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. On his 85th birthday, I want to send out the best wishes to him on this milestone. So many of his songs are a part of the soundtrack of my life, Growing up listening to those songs was such an inspiration for me to one day grow up to be an artist, songwriter and beyond myself.

I had the honor of meeting as well as being on a panel with Smokey Robinson back in 2010 at The Grammy Museum Celebrating The Hippest Trip In America: Soul Train 40th Anniversary- it was a surreal experience.

Jody Watley. Smokey Robinson. Grammy Museum 2010.
Smokey Robinson, Jody Watley, Don Cornelius

Happy Birthday Smokey!