Jody Watley, the Grammy-winning CEO of Avitone Recordings, has been a trendsetting figure in the music industry, known for her unique pop classics and videos. Although she was quite famous during her prime, her current silence and disappearance from the industry have left many wondering about her whereabouts and what happened to her. This article delves into the musical career and personal life of Jody Watley to answer these questions.
From Soul Train to Shalamar: Watley’s Early Career
Jody Watley began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age, performing as a professional dancer on the popular television show Soul Train. As a member of Shalamar, she became one of the architects of 21st-century pop music. From her R&B and Rap fusion collaboration with Eric B. and Rakim on “Friends” to her visionary marriage of high street fashion and music in the ’80s, Watley’s influence was undeniable. In 1987, she signed a solo contract with MCA and released her self-titled debut album, “Jody Watley,” featuring hit songs such as “Looking for New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” and “Still a Thrill.” Watley also pioneered the fusion of underground club culture and jazz with pop inclinations, creating a template that many artists follow today.
Watley’s Musical Evolution and Grammy Win
After winning the Best New Artist Grammy in 1987, Watley’s musical career evolved as she drew inspiration from industry iconoclasts and focused on the future. She paid more attention to various genres, including Hip Hop, ambient, R&B, spoken-word, drum bass, pop, and jazz, which were built on robust artistic taste and positive vision. Her 1987 solo debut showcased her songwriting skills and vocal prowess, as well as her dedication to her childhood roots, from the underground clubs she frequented to her Soul Train dance stardom. The album produced chart-topping hit singles such as “Looking for New Love,” which became so popular that Arnold Schwarzenegger used its famous phrase, “Hasta la Vista,” in his signature movie, “The Terminator.”
Challenges with Her Label and Departure from Shalamar
Like many artists who top music charts, Watley’s career momentum was hindered by the limited imagination of her label. Her 1991 album “Affairs of the Heart” and 1993’s “Intimacy” showcased her heightened singing and songwriting prowess, but her label paid little attention to these releases. The controversial track “When a Man Loves a Woman,” which touched on domestic violence and AIDS long before they became national issues, also received little support. As Watley’s artistic level continued to grow, her label’s lack of support and narrow-minded success definitions hampered her efforts, prompting her to leave Shalamar in 1983. Watley focused on artistic freedom and growth rather than following trends.
Reviving Her Career with Avitone Recordings
After leaving Shalamar, Jody Watley founded her label, Avitone Recordings, in 1995. She collaborated with industry heavyweights such as King Britt, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Ron Trent, Peter Harper, Kenny Gonzalez & Little Louie, French Horn Rebellion, 4Hero, and Moto Blanco, many of whom were her long-time fans. Watley’s global fan base has remained passionate and continues to grow through her never-ending tours.
Since forming Avitone Records, Watley has released several albums, including “Affection” (1995), “Flower” (1998), “Saturday Night Experience” (1999), “Midnight Lounge” (2001), and “The Makeover” (2006). All these albums were released exclusively to Virgin Megastore and became top Best Sellers over other major commercial label releases. In the past five years, Watley has focused on her solo musical career and her group, “Jody Watley feat. SRL.”
SRL features a collection of talented dancers, choreographers, musicians, and singers who add a unique vibe and style to Watley’s trademark. Their electrifying live performances and concerts draw large crowds worldwide. Influenced by artists such as Anderson Paak, Little Dragon, and Kaytranada, they have released soul singles that top the UK charts, including “The Passion” and “The Mood” remixes by Alex Di Ciò. Watley’s upcoming projects include MCA’s remix project post, “Jody Watley: Unplugged,” and more.
A Legacy of Success and Achievements
Jody Watley’s authentic and personal approach to her music allows fans to connect with her on a deeper level. With decades of experience and continuous improvement with each release, Watley has gained international recognition, performing in dynamic concerts and selling millions of records. Her quiet influence continues to shape the history of music, and she shows no signs of slowing down.
According to her official website, Watley’s awards and nominations include American Music Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Image Award Nominee, Grammys, and Billboard Life Achievement in Dance Music. In 2016, she was named one of Billboard’s Greatest Dance Artists of All Time, and in 2017, she received the Black Music Honors Cross-Over Music Icon award. Watley has also been featured in People’s 50 Most Beautiful and Harper’s Bazaar Magazine’s America’s 10 Most Beautiful.
Additionally, she was the first woman of color to appear on SPUR, a Japanese fashion magazine. Jody Watley boasts an impressive record of 32 top ten singles and thirteen #1 singles in the dance, pop, and R&B music categories across three consecutive decades. As a solo artist, she has achieved fifteen top 40 R&B singles from her nine albums, excluding the Shalamar catalog.
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