Jody Vanessa Watley (born January 30, 1959)[2][3] is an American singer, songwriter and producer whose music crosses genres including pop, R&B, jazz, dance and electronic soul.[4][5][6] During the late 1970s and early 1980s, she was a member of the R&B/funk band Shalamar, who scored many hits, notably in the UK. In 1988, she won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist (as a solo artist)[7] and has been nominated for three Grammy awards.[8]
In 2008, she was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from Billboard magazine, and was also prominently featured[9] in the historic black issue of Vogue Italia in 2008.
In December 2016, Billboard ranked her as the 21st-most-successful dance artist of all time,[10] and in 2017 Black Music Honors TV special recognized Watley as Crossover Music Icon Honoree for her groundbreaking achievements and influence.[11][12][13]
In August 2018, Billboard ranked Jody Watley as one of the top female artists of all time, at number 53.[14]
In 2022, Jody Watley received an honorary doctorate in business and Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from Joe Biden at Jody Watley Day at Georgia State Capitol,[16][17] and was inducted into Women Songwriters Hall of Fame.[18]
In 2023, Sirius XM Satellite Radio launched "The Jody Watley Show", a monthly life, music and culture show featuring celebrity guests and classic R&B hits.[19][20]
^"Jody Watley". Nndb.com. July 22, 1999. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
^"Jody Watley". Jody Watley. January 30, 1959. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
^Nathan, David (December 7, 1993) "Intimate Secrets: Jody Watley reveals the intimate secrets behind her new 'Intimacy' album." pp. 26–27 Blues and Soul
^Paoletta, Michael (February 22, 2003) "Watley Relaxes In The Setting of The 'Midnight Lounge', Billboard magazine.
^Galloway, A. Scott (Feb 26, 2003) Urban Network: Startime "Jody Watley Midnight Lounge" Review