It’s a shame that fashion, dance and soul Diva Jody Watley has never gotten her props for influencing many of today’s artists. As kids in the 70s, we watched Jody dance her butt off with Jeffrey Daniel on the Iconic “Soul Train” music TV series. Later, when Jody and Jeffrey joined Shalamar (with Howard Hewett) we grooved to their hit music in the clubs. When Jody went solo the hits continued. She scored 6 Top Ten Hot 100 singles on Billboard, 3 #1 R&B hits and 15 Top 40 R&B hits.
A lot of kids today don’t realize that Jody Watley influenced Janet Jackson’s moves. Or that Jeffrey Daniel taught Michael Jackson how to do the moonwalk (which Black and Hispanic kids called the ‘backslide’ in the 70s).
No one today can touch Jody Watley in terms of style and originality. Beyonce’s ponytail? She stole it from Jody Watley. We LOVE Jody Watley and we are happy that she reads Sandrarose.com! Read Jody’s email to us after the break!
Hi Sandra,
I just wanted to thank you for the kind words and educating your readers about my history and for the post from ‘The Beauty Social’ event. I really appreciate the support – I’m not exactly burning up the blogs in exposure, lol.
Check out this ‘Evolution In Style” Video spanning decades – from Soul Train, Shalamar and of course my solo career up through my last release in 2006 which produced 3 Top Ten Dance Singles bringing my total 10 13 #1’s and a Top Electronic Album. Because a lot of what I did commercially preceded today’s digital accessibility and acceptance of crossover Pop, artists doing fashion layouts, etc.. there are a lot of things I did that were so ahead of the times and comfort of what black or white artists were doing. I’m sure young people and even some adults aren’t aware of my impact and influence of today’s young commercial female artists.
Thanks again. This email is sent with good vibes and appreciation.
Lots of Love,
Jody WatleyOfficial Artist Website
www.jodywatley.net
Watch Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel dancing on Soul Train below!
