By Bobbie BookerThe Philadelphia Tribune
When Jody Watley first encountered the bright glare of the public spotlight, she was a 14-year-old dancer showcasing her skills on the 1970s music hit television show, “Soul Train.” Soon, Watley’s dynamic talent would help her land as the “it” girl of Shalamar.
Jody Watley performs on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa.http://www.worldcafelive.com/ or call (215) 222-1400. For ticket information, visit
Watley remained with Shalamar for seven years as the group sold 25 million albums worldwide, but ultimately she would seek her own success and in 1984, she left the group to expand her personal artistic talents.
Her debut solo album “Jody Watley” garnered her a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1987 with the No. 1 hit, “Looking for a New Love” which popularized the phrase “Hasta La Vista Ba-by.”
Jody Watley (Left) attending the 2nd annual Douglas Blasdell Outreach program fundraiser in Hollywood in March 2009.
Photo courtesy of: Tina Gill / PR Photos
Today, Watley remains the most successful of the classic trio and continues to release tunes that top the U.K. Dance Charts. Currently, she is working on her 10th album “Chameleon” and will eventually release her long-labored over autobiography.
“There’s still a lot to be said,” said Watley. “I mean, I’ve been working on my memoirs for the last five years and it’s taken so long because sometimes I just don’t want to write about or revisit certain things, whether it’s from my childhood or things in my relationships or career.
“But if you’re going to be honest, and not just put your business and your life out there, but to be old enough to have some perspective and to be able to say what you’ve learned every step of the way. I continue to learn so much about me and life and being in the business and being a woman.”
“There’s still a lot to be said,” said Watley. “I mean, I’ve been working on my memoirs for the last five years and it’s taken so long because sometimes I just don’t want to write about or revisit certain things, whether it’s from my childhood or things in my relationships or career.
“But if you’re going to be honest, and not just put your business and your life out there, but to be old enough to have some perspective and to be able to say what you’ve learned every step of the way. I continue to learn so much about me and life and being in the business and being a woman.”
Watley has led the way as an entrepreneur working in the independent music world as one of the few already-established female best-selling artists to produce, create and own her recordings as CEO of Avitone Recordings formed in 1995.
As a style diva, Watley has consistently broken new ground in fashion, such as her feature in the historic 2008 “Black Issue” edition of Italian VOGUE. Vanity Fair once proclaimed that Watley’s knack fo
r reinvention “has always complimented her music.”
In the late ’80s and into the ’90s, Watley was featured in fashion magazines such as “Harper’s Bazaar” in multi-page layouts. Watley also appeared in one of the first celebrity ads for GAP in their notable “Individuals” campaign.
Watley’s popularity in Japan would lead her to being the first woman of color featured on the cover of a high fashion magazine in Japan, as the face for the launch of “SPUR.”
Though identified in pop culture for her early signature extra jumbo hoop earrings, Watley evolved her style and the international fashion world took notice. Some would note that Watley paved the way for acceptance and cross marketing in music and fashion for the next generation of artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez.
Watley’s recent appearance on the TV One documentary “Unsung” has reignited fans hopes of a Shalamar reunion. Watley, 50, says she has moved on in life and absolutely dismisses the likelihood of such a get together.
“It was very emotionally draining for me to go there,” she says of the broadcast. “I don’t live in that place. I’m not passionate about Shalamar. I mean, when I quit, I quit. If I hear one of the songs on the radio, I’m like ‘Wow, that’s cool. I’m on that record.’ But, it’s not my passion, so when people like the music it’s OK, but they don’t really know what the experience was. It was difficult for me.”
Always an outspoken advocate, Watley has also continued to work with various charitable organizations promoting tolerance, HIV and AIDS awareness, famine relief and self-esteem for girls and women.
In recent years, she has continued to broaden her music evolution and growth as an artist working successfully in the jazz influenced ambience of electronic soul.
“Again, I try to surround myself with people who uplift me and respect me,” explained Watley. “I’m blessed to be able to choose my co-workers and I would like to keep it that way. Life is short and we can’t live trying to revisit or re-anything. So, yeah, I’m just keeping it moving.”
As a style diva, Watley has consistently broken new ground in fashion, such as her feature in the historic 2008 “Black Issue” edition of Italian VOGUE. Vanity Fair once proclaimed that Watley’s knack fo
r reinvention “has always complimented her music.”In the late ’80s and into the ’90s, Watley was featured in fashion magazines such as “Harper’s Bazaar” in multi-page layouts. Watley also appeared in one of the first celebrity ads for GAP in their notable “Individuals” campaign.
Watley’s popularity in Japan would lead her to being the first woman of color featured on the cover of a high fashion magazine in Japan, as the face for the launch of “SPUR.”
Though identified in pop culture for her early signature extra jumbo hoop earrings, Watley evolved her style and the international fashion world took notice. Some would note that Watley paved the way for acceptance and cross marketing in music and fashion for the next generation of artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez.
Watley’s recent appearance on the TV One documentary “Unsung” has reignited fans hopes of a Shalamar reunion. Watley, 50, says she has moved on in life and absolutely dismisses the likelihood of such a get together.
“It was very emotionally draining for me to go there,” she says of the broadcast. “I don’t live in that place. I’m not passionate about Shalamar. I mean, when I quit, I quit. If I hear one of the songs on the radio, I’m like ‘Wow, that’s cool. I’m on that record.’ But, it’s not my passion, so when people like the music it’s OK, but they don’t really know what the experience was. It was difficult for me.”
Always an outspoken advocate, Watley has also continued to work with various charitable organizations promoting tolerance, HIV and AIDS awareness, famine relief and self-esteem for girls and women.
In recent years, she has continued to broaden her music evolution and growth as an artist working successfully in the jazz influenced ambience of electronic soul.
“Again, I try to surround myself with people who uplift me and respect me,” explained Watley. “I’m blessed to be able to choose my co-workers and I would like to keep it that way. Life is short and we can’t live trying to revisit or re-anything. So, yeah, I’m just keeping it moving.”
Jody Watley performs on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa.http://www.worldcafelive.com/ or call (215) 222-1400. For ticket information, visit
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