JODY WATLEY

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Lifeball 2008 ..
IT'S THE JOURNEY - NOT THE DESTINATION!!!!
Thank you for visiting my page. I appreciate your well wishes,
positive comments and longtime support today and yesterday.
Thank your for putting me in your Top Friends, if only for a brief time,
and for adding my music to your page.
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BIO (SHORT FORM):
Jody Watley - Born January 30 in Chicago, Illinois. Grammy Winning Artist - Singer, Songwriter, Producer, CEO of Avitone Recordings.
6 Top ten Pop Hits, 15 Top 40 R&B Hits, 13 Dance Hits. 13 Number One
Singles. (Pop, R&B or Dance - 80s, 90s 00s - Current). Recipient of
Billboard Magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Still
remains one of MTV's Most Nominated Female Artists for 'Real Love' video.
Hits Include: "Looking For a New Love", "Don't You Want Me", "Friends", among
others.
Popularized the phrase "Hasta La Vista Ba-by", later used by
Arnold Schwarzenegger. One of the first black artists of the 80's and 90's to
successfully merge music and fashion.
Featured in early groundbreaking ad campaign featuring celebrities for THE GAP.
Recognized as a trendsetter, her sense of style was noteworthy, leading to layouts for Harpers Bazaar, VOGUE, and Rolling Stone. Named one of People Magazines 50 Most Beautiful People, Harper's Bazaar's 10 Most Beautiful, and received
nominations from NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train, and American Music Awards,
Many of her compositions have been recognized by BMI.
Original member of singing group Shalamar (1977-1984).
Participated in historic charity single - Band Aid - "Do They Know It's Christmas".
MOST RECENT CHART NEWS 2008
"I WANT YOUR LOVE" UK NEWS:
CLUB PLAY NUMBER ONE; COMMERCIAL CLUB POP PLAY NUMBER TWO.
JODY WATLEY NEWS JAN. 4, 2008
Jody Watley is Numero Uno in the Club Chart and
straight in at Number 2 in the Mainstream Chart
Commentary in Music Week
Rihanna wasn’t even born when Jody Watley was having hits
with Shalamar but the two fought out an epic battle at the top
of the Upfront and Commercial Pop charts this week.
It ends in an honourable draw, with I Want Your Love by Ms. Watley
exploding 27-1 on the Upfront Chart, while debuting at number two on the Commercial Pop list. Meanwhile, Rihanna’s Don’t Stop The Music
holds at number two Upfront but jumps 5-1 on the Commercial Pop chart.
As a solo artist, Watley had consecutive number one club hits in
1987 with her first two singles, Looking For A New Love and
Don’t You Want Me. Rihanna was born months later, in February 1988.
Going back even further, Watley had her first hit as a member of
Shalamar in early 1979, with Take That To The Bank. In the chart
at the same time was the original version of her new hit, I Want Your
Love, as performed by the peerless Chic. In America, Watley’s
records are released on her own Avitone label, and I Want Your Love
topped the club chart last July.
JODY WATLEY - CELEBRATING THREE DECADES IN THE MIX!
TOP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. What have you been up to?
I suppose this means you didn't read anything on my page or listen
to any of the music!
My last full length was 'THE MAKEOVER', and you can find it on iTunes
and other digital outlets.
I've been writing new songs for my forthcoming new full length
which will be titled 'CHAMELEON'. I don't have a date set yet.
Look for a single release this summer.
I have also been writing my memoirs, tentatively titled 'A Woman's Worth'.
Dates will be posted. Other than that - I have a life which has nothing to do with
my career. I am always busy! If you need more info of what I've been up to.
Please read my bio!
2. Where can I find your music?
iTunes and most all other digital outlets worldwide, amazon.com, target.com,
emusic.com, giantstep.net, thumplay.com, etc.You can also find ringtones for my
music new and classic on various providers. It's 2007 and CD's are slowly becoming
extinct. The music business is being remixed!!
That said you can also find my new music CD's at select indie music retailers
and The Virgin Megastore (US).
There are buy links on the page - slow down and take a look at everything I've
taken the time to post.
3. When will you have more concerts?
Public concert dates are always posted. If you don't see them - they aren't
scheduled.
4. Why did you take down (fill in the blank) song?
I always rotate at least two songs in my player. Unreleased music, classics,
demos, test remixes, etc. it depends.
Sometimes these songs will only be up a short time. I don't always post
bulletins, you have to visit the page regularly!
My primary reason to be on myspace is to promote my newer music,
and to create a network of exposure for this.
5. Why don't you post 'Looking For a New Love' it was my favorite song.
See the answer to Number 4.
6. I'd like to do an interview/booking - who do I contact?
Send an email to [email protected], and if it's a legitimate inquiry,
it will be forwarded to the appropriate contact. Leave details of your
request.
7. Do you keep in touch with Shalamar members?
No. We had some communication several years ago
(about the reunion they were doing) - but we are not friends or business
associates and therefore have little reason to stay in contact.
This does not mean we are enemies, so please don't turn this into something
negative!
8. I've loved you since Shalamar - will you ever do a reunion?
This question is more about your memories. Personally, I don't see the point,
though many groups do this. The beauty of records is they live forever for
you to revisit that moment in your life!!
You don't need a reunion to relive how the music makes YOU feel!!!!!!
That's the beauty of it all.
I'm not trying to recreate my past. Jody Watley is my thing - though Shalamar
is a special part of my past, of which I am extremely proud.
9. Will you stop by my page and check out my music.
Yes - I always try to do this. I've discovered some terrific artists and DJ's here.
I've worked with a few already in this global community.
Check some of my fav's under my 'Influences'.
10. What is 'Avitone'? 'Avitone - fuels good music!"
We plan to develop the label as a home for like minded artists, producers
and remixers. Boutique style - never sacrificing quality. Music lovers -
are a different breed than popularity lovers in my view.
11. How did you end up on the show 'WORKOUT'?
My appearance on "WORKOUT' in 2006 wasn't planned though the timing
ended up being right. Doug Blaisdell had been my trainer for almost
8 years - initially, and we became good friends over time.
I did it because he asked me - and I thought - well why not!
As long as I don't have to live with anyone, eat bugs, or get voted off -
I figured -
it will be harmless. Bravo is a cool network - and I really enjoy 'Project Runway'.
So - off we went into our usual routine - only it was filmed. In the end
you really didn't get to see how hard Doug really trained me. Doug was also a
great spinning teacher and was one of the nicest
and most kind people I was blessed to know. Sadly, Doug passed away
January 22, 2007. He was loved by many and missed by all.
PLEASE DONATE TO THE DOUG BLASDELL OUTREACH PROGRAM. TO LEARN MORE VISIT: WWW.DOUGLASBLASDELL.ORG --FOR MORE DETAILS.
Theres a lot of misinformation floating around about me, making me wonder - whose life is it anyway?!!! The best thing one can do, whether you're in the spotlight or not - is to write a book about your own life - who better to be the gatekeeper of your history..than you?!!
I've been slowly working on a book about my life, my journey thus far.
There isn't a timetable for it either, it's a process!
BIO IN MY OWN WORDS:
My name is Jody Watley. I was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 30 - if youre into astrology. Im an Aquarius! I grew up with my older brother, John., who has resided in Japan for the past decade with his wife and young son. He does not have a management company..and worked only briefly with me back in 1996. This is for those of you who want to know about my family. I mentioned in interviews many years ago how my brother and I used to pretend we were the Beatles. My father was a minister and gospel DJ, my Mom was a fashion plate, secretary, singer and pianist and known to the church as Empress! I was known as Princess Jody - so I suppose you could say I had something to live up to!! Our family went through a lot of changes and did a lot of relocating across the country. Ive lived among other places, Chicago - (entered a Miss Black Teen Aged Illinois Pageant..won Best Smile!), Washington D.C (I was there when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and lived through my first riot) Kansas City, Missouri (I was the Queen of Southeast Junior High!)..Texas, Indiana, and Los Angeles (pre American Idol, and prior to my future singing career, I was a dancer on a once popular music show. I also gave dance lessons to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin!!). I was destined to be a world traveler, and learned to adjust early, living out of a suitcase! I also learned to deflect people who said, youll never make it!
My professional singing career began in 1977 - while still in high school - I became an original member of the group Shalamar - I departed - in 1984. If you want more on that - youll have to read my book whenever its published! But in all, a great learning experience. This is where I learned the ropes of performing live - and what to do if the power goes out and you have to sing accapella! This is also where I learned - youd better get your own lawyer before you sign any contracts!!! My resilience and self-belief also became strong during this time. The unexpected death of my father changed my life.
In between leaving Shalamar, moving to London, finding my creative footing, trying out odd hairstyles as well as making a plan for my career - I also participated in one of musics historic moments, Band Aid -Do They Know Its Christmas organized by Sir Bob Geldof to aid in famine relief for Ethiopia. I was right there alongside, Bono, Sting, George Michael and Duran Duran, among others! I was also invited to appear at Live Aid -
but missed my flight, isnt that a bummer?!!
My highest professional accolade is winning a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1988. Other than writing or co writing all of my songs, Im extremely proud of this fact. The Grammy is like winning an Academy Award - and therefore - I insist that you remember - Im not just any artist - Im a Grammy Winning Artist!
I have had 6 Top Ten Hits (Looking For a New Love, Dont You Want Me, Some Kind of Lover, Real Love, Friends featuring Eric B. & Rakim, Everything) - 15 Top 40 R&B Hits (include the Top Ten list and add: Still a Thrill, Most of All, I Want You, Im The One You Need, When a Man Loves a Woman, Your Love Keeps Working on Me, Affection, Off the Hook,) (for some reason, people ignore my R&B chart history - as if it doesnt matter - I dont get that - Blues and Soul - or R&B Music have influenced all music genres throughout the history of music so I am proud of my R&B Hits along with the Pop and Dance )13 Dance Hits: add to the Top Ten listed above: Still a Thrill, Im The One You Need, Off The Hook, If Im Not in Love, and Looking For a New Love Remixes 2005, Borderline Remixes and I Want Your Love Remixes in 2007. A common misperception is that I stopped making music after my first CD in 87! Real Love, Friends and Everything were from my second CD (89-90), in case you were confused! In 2006, I released 'THE MAKEOVER' my 9th solo record, as an exclusive to Virgin Megastore chain.
"THE MAKEOVER' debuted at NUMBER ONE for Virgin Megastore Exclusive,
and remained in the Top Ten for weeks with little to zero commercial airplay.
Notably, 'THE MAKEOVER' debuted at NUMBER 3 on the iTunes
Electronic Albums Chart, and also remained in the Top Forty for quite
some time.
'THE MAKEOVER' had two singles released directed to the dance electronic
market. 'BORDERLINE' which sailed to NUMBER 2 and 'I WANT YOUR LOVE'
which became my 13th NUMBER ONE Single.
Hitsdailydouble.com wrote in August 2006:
MEGA-MOVE: In an example of one of those “new paradigm” concepts that are going around the biz these days, Virgin Megastore worked out an arrangement to be the exclusive terrestrial source for Jody Watley’s new album, “The Makeover,” and damned if the CD didn't debut as the chain's best-selling new release of the week...(8/15a)
I'm doing my thing in a new way!!
I have 2 Greatest Hits and 1 Extended Mix Compilation. When I signed to MCA
in 1985 - I said I didn't want to be marketed like other black artists.
I have never liked the concept of being placed in a box - creatively or otherwise.
I wanted to work with fashion photographers, do pictures that were classic and without the standard blue backdrop - common for R&B acts at the time other than Prince. I wanted to do my own styling, influenced by my love of glamour icons, classic screen sirens and urban styles I discovered while living in Europe. I wanted to create videos that reflected my sense of style and attitude. I would not be doing any choreography - as this was not my thing! I wanted tp write my songs, have a point of view - and to reflect a bit of myself. Say what you want, but I created my own path. I was ahead of my time.
Eventually, my quest for individuality alienated my record company and probably impeded my ascension to the ranks of mega stardom! I didnt aspire for mega. My choices over the years clearly show this. In the midst of everything, Ive been invited to The White House by personal invitation of the then President of The United States - George H. Bush. Its not everyday that artists experience the secret service as well as having your own personal photo op with the head of a nation. I also participated in one of the first high profile music projects for AIDS awareness - Red, Hot & Blue.
Ive worked with one of the best composers of all time Henry Mancini - the song was for a terrible movie - but hey - I worked with Henry Mancini and Marilyn and Edgar Bergman, who have written Academy Award songs for Barbara Streisand! One of the songs I wrote Sweet Sixteen was recorded by Destinys Child, and Ive also appeared on Broadway in the hit musical GREASE! These things never come up in interviews. Either people just like asking the same questions or they just dont do enough research! The Paul Anka penned, Frank Sinatra song My Way -- well that should be my theme song!
Superstar female artists such as Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul (known for mega hits and stellar precision choreography) and Madonna (mega hits marketed with controversy, sexual and religious innuendo) .. came from a different place, though we were occasionally lumped together inexplicably. If anything, I was more akin to the hip cousin. or the off beat sister! Im sure you knew girls like me in schoolcouldnt quite figure us out!! Someone told me once - Youre too cool to be mega I can totally live with that!! Vanity Fair wrote in 1990 ..her knack for reinvention has always complimented her music.., I would say this is a fair assessment!
Subsequently, and unheard of at the time (late 80s - early 90s) - I was courted and featured in such publications as Harpers Bazaar, VOGUE, and Rolling Stone. I also appeared in a fabulous ad campaign for GAP - an 18 page layout in the prestigious Saks Fifth Avenue Fall Catalogue, and named one of People Magazines 50 Most Beautiful People! Not bad for a shy girl - off camera! My father always said Id be a star - I wish he could have lived to see it all unfold. Singer, songwriter, producer, model, entrepreneur and mother of two well-adjusted kids!
Beyond my music, Ive made an impact in pop culture and represented the future possibilities of an artist - a black one at that - with regard to the relationship between music and fashion. Everytime I see Beyonce on the cover of a fashion magazine, I smile!
When I was being courted to even do the layouts - I had to pay my own way!!
Internationally, I was the first black woman and artist to launch a major fashion magazine SPUR in Japan! I'm proud of this too!
You can also add my ..1 workout video Dance to Fitness to my list of achievements. Im not tooting my own horn - I can hear some of the haters now - but, I'm just pointing out overlooked facts. There are so many black artists, historically; who dont get their props - I feel like recording artist/label owner/producer Kanye West right now - but hey - someone has to speak the truth. Why do you think Michael Jackson had to name himself King of Pop - he had sold more records than any artist and changed the face of music video - but the media was still talking about Elvis! Im being tongue in cheek - but its the truth!! I digress-
One of my music heroines is Grace Jones. Appearing at music shows during the 80s - I always wanted to see what she was wearing - avant-garde and distinctly Grace - this is what I wanted. A lot of people just didnt get it - I loved it!!! So when you talk about my influences - Grace Jones is up there with Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, CHIC, The Carpenters, Diana Ross ,Berry Gordy,Richard Branson and Steve Jobsjust a few names - of people I find inspirationalright along aside my parents.
My music has charted, as its evolved, throughout the 80s, 90s and 00s! So, if you dont want to be on the receiving end of a cold hard stare - please dont refer to me as 80s diva- Ive moved on, and so should you! Though, some projects may not have achieved commercial success, as the landscape of radio and record corporations changed. My quest for artistic growth has continued to blossom! Call It a constant music makeover.. my metaphor for improvement.
In recent years I have worked with some of the best of the club and underground music scene - Kind Britt, Ron Trent, Masters at Work (Louie Vega and Kenny Dope) ,DJ Spinna, Chris Brann, 4Hero, Mark de Clive Lowe.
This is an excerpt from an interview I did in 1987 for Tower Records Pulse -
Though the statuesque singer knows what she wants and is happy with the way her debut album came, shes not ready to rule out growth or innovation I change a lot, and I go from different moods and I want to keep exploring them she explains. My perspective now is that whether Im mega famous or nobody tomorrow, Ill be happy because at least Im free to be me without any repercussions or preconceptions..its a relief and a chance to really grow and find out who I am.. -
I would proudly say today in 2007...I have remained true to myself.
LAWEEKLY 1996
Jody Watley at The House of Blues-
The same people who scoffed at and dismissed Jody Watley when she won The Grammy Award for Best New Artist more than 10 years ago have probably never noted the growth shes demonstrated as a singer, songwriter and performer--and as a trendsetter. At the root of both her music and persona has always been the idea of the strong woman--feminine, cool, and resilient. Over the years that ideas manifested in a variety of ways. but whether tackling Cole Porters After You, jazzing up her signature hit Looking For a New Love, starting her own label (which released her last album of new material Affection, Watleys career risk taking has garnered fewer props than some people get just for changing the color of their hair. No matter, shes turned into a dazzling entertainer. With a new greatest hits disc in stores, and a voice thats better than ever, shell hit the stage in a celebration of a homegirl made good -(Ernest Hardy)
USA Today - March 5, 1996
'Few singers fired up the disco like singer Jody Watley, who set trends in fashion and music...'
Rap Pages - July 1998
'After 20 years of unleashing number one singles, selling millions of albums and transforming 80's fashion trends, Jody Watley has dominion over the experienced..'
Associated Press - March 2003
'Jody Watley is an artist who has sucessfully updated her material over the years and charted her direction as an artist..'
Blues and Soul UK in 2003:
Whilst career longevity might be a foreign concept to a lot of artists, some endure the highs and lows and remain staples in the music industry throughout the decades. Grammy winning artist Jody Watley, via a reputation forged both as a part of Shalamar and as a solo artist is a prime example of such prolonged occupational stamina..
Those who exist to focus on whos hot and whos not - according to million dollar promotional budgets, marketing tools, and sensationalism, its simply an attempt to diminish and marginalize people. Theres a difference between being an artist and being a pop star. The Blues and Soul quote sums it up for me - my dream was to have a career - and this is what I will continue to do - while turning my goals into realityand living up to the promise of the true power of music.
Sources: Grammy Archives - 30th Annual Grammy Awards Billboard Magazine - Archived and Various Books on Chart History Tower Pulse! 87 INDIE - written by Holly Gleason USA Today April 21, 1987 - Susan Spillman Los Angeles Times Magazine - December 13, 1987 -written by Stu Black Rolling Stone - Issue 510 October 8, 1987 - written by Anthony DeCurtis Rolling Stone - Issue 502 June 18, 1987 Essence Magazine - 18th Anniversary Issue May 1988 SPUR - November 1989 GAP: Ad Campaign 1989 Individuals to be published Sept. 2006 Photographed by Herb Ritts Harpers Bazaar -May 1989 - Photographed by Francesco Scavullo SPUR - November 1989 Harpers Bazaar -September 1990 -Americas Ten Most Beautiful Women Issue - Photographed by Matthew Rolston People Magazine - Summer 1990 Photographed by Tony DeCosta Rolling Stone - Fall Fashion 1990 Photographed by William Laxton ITALIAN VOGUE 1991: Photographed by Michel Comte Time Magazine May 28, 1990 ---written by Jay Cocks USA Today January 26, 1990 - Jefferson Graham Vanity Fair: October 1991 written by Lynn Hirschberg Harpers Bazaar- November 1991 - Photographed by Andrea Blanch Blues and Soul UK - Dec. 24- Jan. 13, 1992 US Weekly Issue 170 March 1992 - written by Arion Berger Essence Magazine - March 1994 Billboard Magazine - June 24, 1995 -written by J.R. Reynolds SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Fall Catalogue 1996 Rap Pages July 1998 TV Guide - February 21, 1998 MICHELCOMTE - 1999 - 20 years 1979-1999 published by Neues Publishing Co. Blues and Soul UK - Sept. 2002 Billboard Magazine - Feb. 22, 2003 - Michael Paoletta Vibe Magazine - 2003 - Domepiece - written by Saptosa Foster Billboard Magazine - Michael Paoletta Reviews; May 13 2006, Aug. 26 2006
Frontiers Magazine - Ken Knox August 2006
Time Out NYC - Michael Wood - Aug. 10- 16 2006
Hits Daily Double - Mega Move- Rumor Mill - Aug. 15 2006
1. Jody Watley - Jody Watley 2. Larger Than Life 3. Affairs of the Heart 4. Intimacy 5. Affection 6.* Flower 7. Saturday Night Experience featuring Jody Watley Vol. 1 8. Midnight Lounge 9. The Makeover
Billboard Magazine, May 1 2005: Sept. Aug. 26 2006Copyright 2006 Avitone Recordings Avid Music Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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