Stay connected with the latest from Jody Watley. The Official YouTube Channel continues to feature new uploads including the inspirational ‘Wattage Thoughts’, career highlights celebrating decades of music, style and culture and lots of music including new releases.
Question:
“What’s the latest on Jody Watley—what’s she up to now?”
Answer:
Still thriving. Still creating. Still evolving.
Fans can also stream Watley’s latest album “Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats” released on her independent label Avitone Recordings – a vibrant dance project celebrating the 30th anniversary of the label founded in 1995. “Let’s Dance Vol. 1,,” reached Number 1 on the iTunes Top Dance / Electronic Albums Chart and Amazon Music UK July 11, 2025.
Just announced on her channel another new project is on the way in 2026. Jody Watley will be one of the headline acts of the Ultimate Disco Cruise sailing February 2027 in a very rare concert appearance, since she stepped away from concerts and touring. “It’s a perfect opportunity to do some of the cuts from Let’s Dance including the classic “Love Hangover” along with many classics spanning decades from Disco to Pop, R&B, Dance, Funk, Contemporary Nu Disco from her discography. Plus, who doesn’t love a cruise full of festive people?!”
The Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond is BACK in 2027! 🪩 Put on your dancing shoes, pack your disco glam and get ready to celebrate the greatest Disco, Dance, Soul, Funk, & Party Music EVER! Use promo code JODYFAN for special cabin savings.
Grammy Winning Music Icon Jody Watley. Jody Watley is a GRAMMY® Award–winning Best New Artist and 3x nominee, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and style icon. Renowned as one of the most defining female artists of the 80s and 90s with Top 10 hits including the iconic “Looking for a New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Friends” ft. Eric B. & Rakim, and the gold-certified “Real Love,” she has built a genre-spanning, critically acclaimed catalog across R&B, Pop, Dance, Jazz, Electronica. Learn more: Here
Grammy winner Jody Watley has influence and impact as one of music’s defining female artists of style that are undeniable.
Jody Watley is more than an award winning artist – she’s a cultural icon who reshaped the music and fashion landscape. In her groundbreaking solo career, Watley has fused R&B, Pop, and Dance with a fearless approach to music, image and style.
A recognized as a style icon going back to her teen years on the iconic show Soul Train. Excerpt from Nelson George “The Hippest Trip In America – Soul Train and the evolution of culture and style “….with Jody emerging as a late 70’s style icon. She could rock silver shorts and red glitter converse sneakers, vintage 1940’s inspired dresses with pumps or her prom dress. Her hair was an ongoing adventure, sometimes filled with tons of ribbons, sometimes long ponytails, or a 1940’s hairdo..” ~ Book published by William Morrow Imprint of Harper Collins Books.
This month we’ll revisit some everlasting moments in style as a solo artist – thus far.
Jody Watley – In 1989, she made history as the first black woman to appear in a GAP celebrity ad campaign, solidifying her as an influence beyond music. She isn’t just a singer she is a visionary. She has made hits and history. “Portraits: Individuals Of Style” photography by the legendary Herb Ritts. Jody Watley unabashedly represented a new era of Pop, and R&B-fierce, stylish and unapologetically authentic. She wasn’t just making music, Jody Watley was redefining what it meant to be a solo Black female artist in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Her sound was fresh, her visuals, were ahead of their time and her style? Unmatched. Jody Watley wasn’t following trends she was setting them.
Before the ‘90s explosion of celebrity driven fashion endorsements, GAP tapped Jody Watley for their 1989, as did l.a. Eyeworks in 1988 for their groundbreaking optical campaign.
– making her the first black woman featured in their iconic ads. This was a big deal. Major brands weren’t widely embracing Black artists in mainstream fashion campaigns at the time but Watley’s undeniable impact made her impossible to ignore. She helped lay the foundation for future artists to secure major fashion deals, showing that Black artists were not just entertainers but influential cultural figures.
Decades later, Jody Watley’s influence is still felt in music and fashion. Artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Erykah Badu continue the legacy of fusing style, music and brand partnerships – something Watley helped pioneer.
Celebrating Women’s History Month and Trailblazer Jody Watley.
Jody Watley Grammy winning music style icon, singer/songwriter/music producer was celebrated in 2017 as “Crossover Music Icon” on the television broadcast presentation Black Music Honors. As March kicks off Women’s History Month let’s take a look back at an everlasting honor. The delightful tribute performances by R&B stars Vivian Green and Sevyn Streeter are now viewable on YouTube if you missed the original airing. Watch it Here: OmazingTV
Crossover Music Icon Honoree – Jody Watley Black Music Honors 2017Crossover Music Icon Honoree Jody Watley with performers in tribute Sevyn Streeter and Vivian Green
Black Music Honors 2017: As quiet as it’s sometimes kept, Grammy award winning artist, songwriter, producer Jody Watley, one of Pop /R&B and Dance music’s most enduring pioneers has been at the forefront of some of the most groundbreaking trends and movements in modern pop culture – political statements, music and music video innovation, and the place where all those tracks meet. Check just a fragment of her résumé:
The video for her classic 1987 song “Still a Thrill” (from her Grammy-winning eponymous debut album of that same year) dazzlingly incorporates waacking, the underground freestyle dance (think of it as an even more beat-driven cousin to voguing), and is the first time a major pop star used their artistic platform to showcase this particular means of body expression. But Ms. Watley had actually brought the dance to widespread American attention a few years earlier as a teenage dancer on the iconic TV show Soul Train. Now, waacking has fans and practitioners around the globe, many of whom use the music of Ms. Watley in their routines as a show of respect for an OG who has kept the flame burning.
Jody Watley was the first black woman and artist to release a million selling fitness video in 1989. An early adapter to what was to come with artists taking control of their potential extensions in business as “brands” with her vision forward “Dance To Fitness” set to her own Pop/R&B hits from her first 2 albums.
Jody Watley was one of few black female artists selected to crossover into groundbreaking celebrity ad campaigns for GAP and l.e. Eyeworks 1988 and 1989. Later she would be featured in an unprecedented 15 pages in the prestigious Fall Catalog for luxury retailer Saks 5th Avenue in 1996.
Her groundbreaking 1989 cut “Friends” carved the template for both R&B/hip-hop and pop/hip-hop fusions to come, as it was the first time a rapper (the legendary Rakim, of Eric B. & Rakim) wrote original verses for an R&B/pop song.
The video for “Friends” was a landmark of subversive/progressive representation that has still not yet been matched – or given its due as a taboo-shattering cultural artifact. Set in an underground New York dance club, and featuring performances by Ms. Watley and Eric B. & Rakim, the club’s denizens are made of up straight, gay, and transgender folk, of all races, body shapes and sartorial aesthetics. B-boys jostle alongside drag queens, Rakim rocks the mic, and Jody serves face and fierceness. It’s a warm utopian vibe. The gathering is organic, and lacks the opportunistic marketing tactic of gay-friendly advocacy that is now on trend for pop divas.
The catchphrase “Hasta La Vista Baby” for her mega debut single “Looking for a New Love” became a pop culture phenomenon along with her signature jumbo hoop earrings and eclectic swag separating her from other artists; a freestyle girl mixing high, low funky couture with high end and vintage.
Long before making his mark as a film director, David Fincher (Se7en; FightClub) cut his stylistic teeth on Ms. Watley’s sleek, hugely influential music video for the 1989 smash “Real Love,” perfecting a signature visual look that he would later impart to other pop divas.
Unhappy with the constraints of being on a major label, she parted ways with her industry home and started her own label Avitone Recordings in 1995. Through it she has released four critically acclaimed CDs (Affection, 1995; The Saturday Night Experience, 1999; Midnight Lounge, 2001; The Makeover, 2006, Paradise, 2014) which have collectively spanned the genres electronica, ambient, R&B, and House. They’ve also reinforced her roots in and solidified her ties to the global dance underground, as everyone from 4Hero and King Britt to Masters at Work and Junior Vasquez jumped at the chance to work on these projects. She has also collaborated recently with Modern Funk Impresario Dam-Funk, and folk artist Peter Harper continuing to reflect an artist not confined to a stereotypical music boxes.
A fashion-forward visionary from her Soul Train days, Ms. Watley never used a professional stylist but, as a solo artist with a singular vision and keen instincts, carved her own look by weaving vintage clothing and contemporary street fashions from her own closet with high-end pieces from fashion designers who hadn’t yet caught the public or industry eye (Jean-Paul Gautier; Rifat Ozbek.) Photographers from the legendary Francesco Scavullo to firebrand Steven Meisel lined up to work with her. For her iconoclastic and influential eye, she was honored with a feature in VOGUE Italia’s groundbreaking “Black Issue” in 2008.
• • Jody Watley in 2016 was ranked by Billboard Magazine as one of the Greatest Dance Artists of All Time on a list that includes Madonna, Beyonce, Rihanna and Katy Perry. – Ernest Hardy
Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer/entrepreneur. Some of her iconic Top 10 singles include “Looking For A New Love” “Don’t You Want Me” the groundbreaking “Friends” ft. Eric B & Rakim, and “Real Love”.
With a diverse music discography spanning R&B / Pop / Dance /Hip Hop / Electronic / Jazz / Adult Contemporary 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20sJody Watley is recognized as a style icon and one of the architects of 21st century Pop/R&B/Dance music. Jody Watley was 2017 recipient of the Black Music Honors ‘Crossover Music Icon’ Award for her early cultural influence and impact as a solo artist; other accolades include 2007 Billboard Dance Lifetime Achievement Award, along with nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Awards and Soul Train Awards.
In 2018 Billboard Magazine included Jody Watley in the Top 60 Hot 100 Female Artists Of All Time and Top 25 Top Female Dance Artists Of All Time. A 2022 Inductee into the Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame, Watley has also been recognized by performing rights organization BMI (Broadcast Music). “I’m really most proud to have songwriter and producer be a part of my resume and legacy as an artist.”
Episode 3 snippet about finding your joy from The Jody Watley Show featuring Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, actress, Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee Deborah Cox.
Tune in to the final re-broadcast May 18, 2023 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST. Sirius XM The Groove, Channel 50, great conversation, music and vibes, On Demand on the SXM app.
“In a time when there’s so much negativity, artists blatantly disrespecting other artists, it’s important to me to bring forth uplifting and inspiring conversations. “The Jody Watley Show,” is representative of who I am. I feel blessed with the opportunity and freedom from Sirius XM to do this type of show which is also rooted in classic R&B music and what it continues to represent; love for one another, relationships, and feeling empowered, the wattage – the light.” – Jody Watley
Make a note “The Jody Watley Show” airs the second Sunday of each month 3 PM PST / 6 PM EST on Sirius XM The Groove, Channel 50.
Gold single “Real Love” with it fashion forward video with Oscar winning director David Fincher which remains one of MTV’s Most Nominated Music Videos further establishing Jody Watley as a music and style Icon Trailblazer.
The groundbreaking “Friends” ft. Legendary® Eric B. & Rakim (the first R&B/HipHop/Pop/Dance collaboration to crossover Top 10 on multiple charts) and the poignant ballad “Everything”
Stream the album now with other Jody Watley releases at the digital platform of your choice!
“Still, Today She Continues to Fuel Quality Music Over the Decades and Into the New Millennium
Jody Watley is the gold standard of artistry. A brilliant songwriter, artist, entrepreneur, producer, and visionary. When you visit Jody Watley YouTube Channel, experience All Things Jody Watley, including concert features, interviews of the Grammy Award-winning artist and more.” – Read the full feature:
Dr, Jody Watley Day In GAJody Watley. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
For Immediate Release – Pamela Broussard The BNM Publicity Group May 12, 2022
The Iconic Singer Songwriter will be honored at a special event and receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at Georgia State Capital. June 2, 2022.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – UNITED STATES, – Atlanta is celebrating iconic singer Jody Watley with Jody Watley Day event inside the Georgia State Capitol onThursday, June 2, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The legendary singer will also be publicly recognized for her time, effort, and dedication to humanity in the form of the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony. She is confirmed to attend the event.
“We are so excited to designate June 2nd as Jody Watley Day in Atlanta, Georgia,” says Georgia Assemblyman Billy Mitchell,” “She is truly the epitome of grace, excellence, class, and a gifted songstress and songwriter.”
Dr. Jacqueline Mohair, founder of Trinity International University of Ambassadors adds, “There is not a more deserving recipient to receive this honor than Dr. Watley who have paved the way for so many others.”
Former representative Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haglier and candidate for Georgia Secretary of State who will be providing remarks at the ceremony says, “Dr. Watley is a music icon whose music has blessed and inspired millions.” “It is a joy to recognize her in the State of Georgia.”
With over forty years in the music industry, the iconic singer, songwriter, producer, and businesswoman, is one of the architects of 21st century pop who continues to be a solid and stellar fixture in entertainment. Her enchantingly smooth voice and memorable favorites can be heard all over the world.
From her groundbreaking marriage of rap & R&B (1989’s “Friends,” a collaboration with hip-hop legends Eric B. & Rakim pairing that is the first to crossover R&B/Hip-Hop, Pop and Dance into the Billboard Top 10 “Friends,” to her vision-forward marriage of high fashion, street fashion and music in the ‘80s (long before it became the norm), to her fusion of jazz and underground club culture with keen pop instincts, and the ease with which she crossed and still crosses genre, Ms. Watley forged the template that is now everybody’s playbook.
As a solo artist, the pop and R&B singer has 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles, 13 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and Platinum albums, 2007 Billboard Dance Lifetime Achievement, 2017 recipient of the Black Music Honors Crossover Music Icon Award and nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Awards and Soul Train Awards. In 2018, Billboard Magazine included Jody Watley in the Top 60 Hot 100 Female Artists of All Time and Top 25 Top Female Dance Artists of All Time. Her timeless series of hit songs such as “Looking For a New Love,” “Real Love,” “Still A Thrill,” “Some Kind of Love,” “Everything,” and “Friends ft. Eric B & Rakim,” are favorite classics still today played on the airwaves. Ms. Watley was also named as First Ambassador in 2021 to the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville and in 2022, she received her first Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business.
“I am truly honored for this recognition from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris,” says Dr. Jody Watley. “I am also grateful to Representative Billy Mitchell and Dr. Jacqueline Mohair for nominating me for this prestigious award.”
About Jody Watley
Dr. Jody Watley, singer, songwriter, producer, businesswoman, and motivational speaker is one of the architects of 21st century pop. From her groundbreaking marriage of rap & R&B (1989’s “Friends,” a collaboration with hip-hop legends Eric B. & Rakim pairing that is the first to crossover R&B/Hip-Hop, Pop and Dance into the Billboard Top 10 “Friends,” to her vision-forward marriage of high fashion, street fashion and music in the ‘80s (long before it became the norm), to her fusion of jazz and underground club culture with keen pop instincts, and the ease with which she crossed and still crosses genre. Ms. Watley forged the template that is now everybody’s playbook.
As a solo artist, the pop and R&B singer has 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles, 13 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and Platinum albums, 2007 Billboard Dance Lifetime Achievement, 2017 recipient of the Black Music Honors Crossover Music Icon Award and nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Awards and Soul Train Awards. In 2018, Billboard Magazine included Jody Watley in the Top 60 Hot 100 Female Artists Of All Time and Top 25 Top Female Dance Artists of All Time. Ms. Watley was named as First Ambassador in 2021 to the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville and in 2022, she received her first Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business.
About The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards are an annual event held to honor those in our nation who exhibit outstanding character, worth ethic, and dedication to their communities. The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards has rapidly become recognized as an immense honor and highly anticipated annual event. In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to honor outstanding citizens giving their time to volunteering and helping their communities.
The Jody Watley interview with Carl Wiser Songfacts only scratches the surface of Watley’s extensive history and diverse catalog but definitely a worthy read with some origins of what inspired that aspect of her life and career. We wish he’d asked about writing the poignant “16” covered by Destiny’s Child on their multi platinum “Writing’s On The Wall!” album.
“2022 marks the 35th anniversary of Jody Watley’s groundbreaking debut album, which earned her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Watley wrote lyrics and melodies on songs like “Looking For A New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Still A Thrill,” and “Some Kind Of Lover.” They had power and attitude, and some very memorable lines, including one Arnold Schwarzenegger stole: “Hasta la vista, baby.” Watley’s songs were all over the radio, and her high-concept videos garnered lots of airplay on MTV and BET, where she set trends in fashion and dance.
She’s been making music ever since, writing, producing and recording in a variety of genres from R&B pop, dance/club, house, jazz, to ambient electronica, releasing it since 1995 on her own independent imprint, Avitone Recordings. The discography is extensive, with a long list of entries on at least 20 different Billboard charts and many more globally. Among her honors and achievements: six Top 10 Hot 100 singles, 15 Top 40 singles, 13 #1 hits on the Billboard Dance chart, and the Black Music Honors Crossover Music Icon Award. An example of her visionary thinking is her 1989 track “Friends,” a collaboration with Eric B. & Rakim. It was the first Top 10 hit to pair a singer with a guest rapper, and it remains the gold standard. As Watley explains, Rakim was the only rapper she envisioned for the song, and it worked because she gave him the space to do his thing.
Watley is often asked about her videos, her performances, and her style, but rarely about her songwriting, which is at the core of her creativity. We set out to rectify that here. Just days before we spoke, Watley was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the T.I.U.A School of Business in recognition of her accomplishments in business and entrepreneurship. She also received the Women of Distinction Award from the United Nations Global Women Foundation during the ceremony.” ….
“Her music and incomparable style is pure and stands the test of time still today, 35 years later.”
When asked if he knew her debut album would reach its platinum status and beyond, Cymone responded, “Yes, I did. I knew we had something really special.” Read the full feature on:
