Jody Watley

Jody Watley
Watley performing in 2022
Watley performing in 2022
Background information
Birth nameJody Vanessa Watley
Born (1959-01-30) January 30, 1959 (age 65)[1]
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • radio host
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
  • keyboards
Years active1973–present
Labels
Websitejodywatley.net

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 March 2021, Jody Watley was named the First Ambassador of the National Museum of African American Music.[15]

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]

  1. ^ "Jody Watley". Nndb.com. July 22, 1999. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  2. ^ "Jody Watley". Jody Watley. January 30, 1959. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  3. ^ Gregory, Hugh (July 2, 2010). Soul Music A-Z. Da Capo Press. ISBN 978-0-306-80643-8. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  4. ^ Nathan, David (December 7, 1993) "Intimate Secrets: Jody Watley reveals the intimate secrets behind her new 'Intimacy' album." pp. 26–27 Blues and Soul
  5. ^ Paoletta, Michael (February 22, 2003) "Watley Relaxes In The Setting of The 'Midnight Lounge', Billboard magazine.
  6. ^ Galloway, A. Scott (Feb 26, 2003) Urban Network: Startime "Jody Watley Midnight Lounge" Review
  7. ^ "Jody Watley > Charts & Awards > Grammy Awards". AllMusic. January 30, 1959. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
  8. ^ "Jody Watley". Grammy.com. May 22, 2018.
  9. ^ Cunnacia, Cesare (July 1, 2008). "Jody Watley". Vogue Italia.
  10. ^ In August 2018, Billboard ranked her as the 53rd-most-successful female artist of all time,"Greatest of All Time Top Dance Club Artists : Page 1". Billboard.com.
  11. ^ Shropshire, Terry (August 19, 2017). "The Jacksons, Donnie McClurkin honored at Black Music Honors in Nashville". Rollingout.com.
  12. ^ Roberts, Kimberly C. (September 2017). "The Jacksons receive Lifetime Achievement Award". Phillytrib.com.
  13. ^ "Black Music Honors". Blackmusichonors.com.
  14. ^ "Hot 100 Turns 60! The Top Female Artists of All Time, From Madonna, to Mariah Carey and More: Page 1". Billboard.com.
  15. ^ "Jody Watley Named First Ambassador Of National Museum Of African American Music". Bet.com. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  16. ^ "Iconic Singer Celebrated With Jody Watley Day & Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award At Georgia State Capitol". Eurweb.com. June 3, 2022. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  17. ^ "Atlanta holds Jody Watley Day for legendary R&B, pop and dance singer". Atlanta Journal Constitution.
  18. ^ "Jody Watley Amongst Honorees At Women Songwriters Hall of Fame". Eurweb.com. April 15, 2022. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  19. ^ "Grammy Winner Jody Watley Gets into 'The Groove' with New SiriusXM Show". Billboard.
  20. ^ "'The Jody Watley Show' Debuts on SiriusXM's the Groove". March 14, 2023.