Shalamar Originals Reunite.

One of Shalamar's original male lead singers, Gerald Brown drove to Indianapolis for my concert at 4th Street Live texting me to say "You don't think you can come within a hundred miles from Indy and I not be there. See you in Louisville!!"

Gerald was there for soundcheck and then joined me onstage in front of thousands, some who'd also driven in from miles around to the open air plaza. They witnessed a bit of Shalamar history, as two leads sang one as we had not done in 35 years "Take That to The Bank," when I was a teen and naive to this crazy business. It was a blast for both of us and the joyous audience who sang and danced with me for my entire show.
"It's In The Music!"

Former Shalamar Members Gerald Brown and Jody Watley.

JodyWatleyStyle: In custom Sequined Paillette Black Kimono Top, Black Skinny Jeans by J Brand, and Matte Black Studded Pumps.

Photo: Jody Watley, 2013

Jody Watley. NARS. Larger Than Life.

From 1000 Greatest Album Covers of All Time. Taschen.

Make-Up: Francois Nars

My second album 'Larger Than Life' had photography by the legendary Steven Meisel. I'd seen his work in VOGUE Italia and knew he was the one to shoot the visuals. I wanted everything to be more high fashion, the choice made complete sense to me. My label MCA made it happen, which wasn't easy. Meisel didn't do music album covers. I've never really liked working with photographers who specialize in artists and musicians. from my point of view, especially in the 80's and 90's, music photographers seemed to work in a limited box or narrative of how artists were supposed to be photographed.

The Jody Watley Glam team at the time consisted of Paul Starr (make-up) and Ernie Banales (hair), and my art director Lynn Robb. Working with Steven Meisel meant working with his team of collaborators Francois Nars (make-up) and Oribe (hair). They took the idea and knocked it out of the park. The photo's and look we achieved are truly timeless. To be honest, at the time I don't believe the mainstream was ready for my turn from trendsetting edgy irreverence into fashion diva of a different kind. Every change is distinctively me.

Francois Nars launched a successful beauty line several years ago and I've been a supportive fan from afar. There's something cool knowing you've worked with people before they became mainstream. Francois Nars makes great products. My recent purchases include limited Edition "Foreplay" Palette (available at Sephora),  Kalahari and the metallic bronze Galapagos for the eyes and "More" Velvet lip gloss pencil; a great natural companion for a smokey eye. as I was browsing I perked up more when I came across his "Larger Than Life" collection (long-lasting eyeliner, Lipgloss, mascara) of which I added to my basket, by way of "Tribal" Lipgloss and one of the long-lasting eyeliners. I couldn't help but think of the connection and smile.

Conversations With: Tyrone 'The Bone' Procter on Soul Train, Dancing, 'Still a Thrill' Video and Music - Part One

Tyrone 'The Bone' Procter is one of the most popular Soul Train Dancers of all time for those who really know the history of the show as a part of the original Soul Train Gang.

My respect and admiration for Tyrone goes back decades, and compelled me to insist he appear in my 'Still a Thrill' video; which remains a black and white video classic, according to many fans. We flew to Paris and 'worked it out' as we say; on the streets of Paris, and inside the Paris Opera House. It can't get any 'grander' than that! No one had ever been allowed to film there.

Wanda Fuller, Eddie Champion, Pat Davis, Fawn Quinones, Damita Jo Freeman, Lil' Joe Chisholm, and James Phillips were IT! Their pictures were on my wall. My friends and I would wonder what would they be wearing, what dances would we see?! Fate intervened and my family would end up in LA - and I would subsequently not only meet one of my dance idols, but become friends and dance colleagues.

Tyrone was such a character to me in my teen developmental years. I have so many fond memories, that can make me laugh to this day. A lot of my 'attitude' - and of course 'waacking' I learned from watching Tyrone. Whenever you heard him holler 'You Betta Work Miss Thing' - you knew you were really doing something special. He made me want to go full out.

'Waacking' is having a resurgence. Kids around the world want to learn it, and Tyrone has been teaching, and educating the kids on what it means to be truly fierce on the dance floor. For me, 'waack dancing' is all about movement, hitting the accents of the music, the subtle beats for added drama. It's arms, legs and attitude galore, and being in 'the moment' with the music.

In my second 'Conversations With..' I have the honor of talking to the recently ordained 'Imperial Father' of Waacking - Tyrone 'The Bone' Procter. This is the first of 4 parts of the interview.

Congratulations Tyrone!
JW:Tell me aboust being named 'Father of The Imperial House of Waacking"
T: The Imperial House of Waacking is a Dance Company. I've tried to get some of the best young dancers i could get my hands on our motto is:
"CAN'T is not an option and your BEST simply not good enough"
The Imperial House of Waacking : A House is part of a competition call a "Ball" that they do in the Gay community. Each House has a Mother and a Father
In The Imperial House Of Waacking The Mother is Jody Watley and The Father is Tyrone "The Bone" Proctor. The kids Like that Because of the 'Still A Thrill' Video.
JW: My Gosh! I'm "Mother of The House" - I love it!! Thank You. Tell the kids in the house - I really appreciate.
JW: Of course, I have to get some Soul Train questions out of the way!
What does the cultural phenomenon of Soul Train mean to you?
T: It's a honor being part of Black American History
JW: Do you think Soul Train would be hot topic for gossip - if the show as it was in the mid to late 70's? I mean the whole sub culture, the fights, backstabbing, and of course the whole never spoken of LGBT of a many of the dancers?
T: Of course, even more so with the internet and cell phones.
JW: Were you bothered at all when Don had the Soul Train special many years ago, and didn't have one ounce of footage or recognition for the influential dancers from the show like you, Sharon, Pat Davis and so many others from the most influential era of the show?
It was such a slap in the face to me, they only showed the later years - and we know those aren't the shows that are shown all over Asia and Europe, with all due respect to the kids from those years. Soul Train, (the early years) is legendary for all time.
T: I was stunned, People were asking me why Don did not use any of the Original Soul Train Gang. (what could I say)
JW: Do you have a fondest memory of that era? I have so many. One of which involves you pushing the coffee table back in my living room on Coco Ave. performing 'Runaway Love' by Linda Clifford to everyone - each time you came over- lol! Dancing on the tables and hitting beats on the staircase at Mavericks Flat - my goodness, fun times!!!
David Bowie, Elton John on the show (though I was kicked out of those tapings!).
The classic show with Marvin Gaye was before my time...
T. Wow, so many things like Sharon Hill, My green Mazda, Choicette, 4040 Coco, Catch One, Roger Boone, Stereo World, Maverick Flats,
The Outrageous Waack Dancers, Jeffrey Daniel, Chuck Johnson, Lamont, Micky, Blinky, Andrew, Arthur, Tinker, Lonnie, Michaelo, Danny and so many more.
JW: I know you still keep in touch with Sharon Hill. She was such a sweetheart, and I remember she would always scold you, when you got too animated - lol. What's Sharon up to?
T: Sharon Hill is doing very well, She married the lead singer of Lakeside Mark Wood (It's All The Way Live)
They have 4 beautiful children Marshani, Mark, Mellissa, and Matthew my nieces and nephews.

PART TWO COMING NEXT.