Jody Watley

About Jody Watley

Jody Watley is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer who rose to prominence as an original member of R&B group Shalamar before launching a successful solo career. Her 1987 debut album produced multiple hit singles including "Looking for a New Love" and earned her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. She founded independent label Avitone Records in 1995 and became the first Black actress to play Rizzo in Broadway's Grease revival in 1996.

In this interview

• Discusses her album "Affection" blending danceable rhythms with live instrumentation from the 70s.
• Reflects on critics' reactions to her departure from dance music in previous albums.
• Explains how her vocals became warmer and lyrics gained more depth.
• Credits Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder as songwriting inspirations for honest, personal expression.

“I think a writer, you have to be honest.”— Jody Watley, in this interview

Since this interview

Watley continued releasing music independently through Avitone Records, including EPs "Winter Nights" (2020), "The Healing," and "Christmas Time is Here." In 2023, she launched "The Jody Watley Show" on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. She released the remix compilation "Let's Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats" in July 2025 and was featured in In Magazine celebrating her 50-year career in November 2024.