Jody Watley Wins Best New Artist GRAMMY On This Day In 1988

A woman with curly hair smiles and holds a Grammy Award, wearing a colorful jacket and large earrings against a backdrop featuring the Grammy Awards logo.

#OTD March 2, 1988: Jody Watley wins Best New Artist at the 30th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. 🏆

Presented by rock & roll pioneer Little Richard and David Johansen, it remains one of the night’s most unforgettable moments.

Her solo debut was seismic — not a transition, but a reinvention.

#1 R&B “Looking For A New Love”

Billboard Hot 100 Top Tens “Don’t You Want Me” & “Some Kind Of Lover”

Dance chart dominance

Fashion world embrace (Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone)

Major ad campaigns & cultural impact

She wasn’t continuing a career — she was redefining it.

Her Best New Artist win is permanently honored at the Grammy Museum’s Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, celebrating winners in the Top 4 categories.

A circular plaque commemorating the 30th Grammy Awards, featuring categories such as Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year, along with the date March 2, 1988 and notable winners.

#JodyWatley #BestNewArtist #GRAMMYs #MusicHistory #WomensHistoryMonth

Jody Watley Day – Real Love At Georgia State Capitol

In June 2022, Jody Watley was honored with Jody Watley Day at the Georgia State Capitol, recognizing her impact not just in music but in culture and humanity. Trailblazer. Icon. Inspiration.

Jody Watley with Rep. Billy Mitchell, Dr. Jacqueline Mohair and Dee Dawkins-Haglier

The Grammy winning artist also received the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to community service in making a difference through arts and entertainment as a positive influence.

Jody Watley Day at Georgia State Capitol.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month we honor women like Jody Watley-paving the way for next generation of contemporary artists and women breaking barriers, and continuing to inspire generations.

Jody Watley – Jody Watley Day At Georgia State Capitol

Exciting News Jody Watley Youtube Channel Turns 18

Jody Watley has always had a strong vision with regard to her music, artistry and constant evolution, including in the digital age. From the early social media days of social media and subsequently Youtube. foresight to begin her branded Youtube Channel 18 years ago. The platform was still in it’s infancy. As another way to keep fans engaged and a part of the Jody Watley community offering a variety of playlists and of course the ongoing release of her music, videos, concerts and behind the scenes footage.

“18 years goes by so fast. I’m always surprised when people who say they are fans of an artist, can be so out of touch. With social media, artist website newsletters, artist pages on music streaming platforms, artist Youtube Channels all at your fingertips by way of mobile devices – there is no reason to be in the out of touch if you truly want to support and stay up to date with your favorites that may not be mainstays of gossip centric platforms. I started the channel as well to always tell my own story. As the platforms have gained popularity over the years, the increase of false narratives, fake stories, and so on have unfortunately increased. My channel allows me to always tell my own story countering the content for engagement, rage bait, click bait and so on. Pages and channels steal photos, to serve their own purposes for nefarious reasons. I can only control what I can control so to speak, especially as a public figure. Most of it you ignore and hope others do but people are gullible and love negativity, also very unfortunate. Over the years, I’ve removed content because of unauthorized misuse.

Additionally and on a positive note, all Jody Watley Music from the classics to the new are on Youtube Music and the Jody Watley Channel-but you get so much more with the content being uploaded, the exclusives, the variety of curated playlists and more.” – Jody Watley

Watch the NEW Anniversary Video: Jody Watley YouTube Channel Make sure to Subscribe if you haven’t already.

March is Women’s History Month. Empowering women in music requires intentional effort and action to include, support, and promote them.

Jody Watley sends a special thank you to all active supporters!

TSL. Women’s History Month Honors Jody Watley.

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Jody Watley by Michel Comte

“Jody Watley is a name in American music that is widely recognized, yet still not fully appreciated. Her ingenious, stylish videos and multi-threat talents raised the bar not just for dance music, but for women in the business – especially women of color”…Read the full feature: The Shadow League Music, Sports and Culture