Jody Watley's New Single Nightlife Is A Call To Get Fabulous

©2013 Jody Watley. Billy Johnson of Yahoo Music and Jody Watley 

From Yahoo Music: R and B superstar Jody Watley took some cues from some of her favorite songs when prepping her single "Nightlife," the debut from her first album in seven years.

"Nightlife" is a feel good, soulful dance record that offers an uplifting message with lyrics like, "Life ain't easy. I feel like I want to get out. Have myself a good time." 

Get more fabulous : here in a 3 part video informative and charming Jody Watley interview with Billy Johnson.

Jody Watley Attends InStyle Magazine Golden Globes 2013 Event.

Grammy Winning Pop /R&B Pioneer Jody Watley rocking Dita Von Teese Collection available exclusively at Decades at Hollywood Foreign Press and InStyle Magazine's Golden Globes 2013 Celebration Kick-Off Event at Cecconi's in West Hollywood, California.

Jody Watley. Backstage Glam. Soul Train Awards 2012

Wearing an understated bias cut and draped custom made purple jersey gown. The look was inspired by golden era Hollywood Glam. I was torn between funky and trendy - but chose classic; though my Alexander McQueen python skull and jeweled knuckle clutch bag was a nod to that eclectic side of my style personality.

Jody Watley Outside Backstage Soul Train Awards 2012

Photo: Jody Watley

Love. Influence and Magic. Donna Summer.

It was sad news to read Donna Summer has passed away. She is one of my music inspirations. As a dancer on Soul Train as a teen - I was there when she made her debut and subsequent return. All of the dancers were excited to see this new mysterious singer the sexy persona and music that made us really work the dance-floor even harder. When her songs played on set or in the clubs you could feel the extra enthusiasm and passion. 



(That's me dancing to Donna's music on Soul Train in silver lame shorts!)

(Dancing to 'The Queen' in white skinny jeans!)

I understand the "Queen of Disco" label however I feel it marginalizes her place in music history. Not simply "Disco" Donna Summer also ruled "Pop" Music radio and charts for a time. She also brought elements into the mainstream fusing Rock (Hot Stuff) with dance, not to mention pushing the sexual envelope at the time though she quickly determined she didn't want to get stuck in that box. Summer really worked all genres and was such an inspiration. Being paired with Barbara Streisand for "Enough Is Enough" had to also be one of the first mega-watt pairings of two music superstars. Donna Summer continued to intrigue with a host of iconic images to match the music.

Donna Summer's double albums were and are unparalleled concept albums, few did them better male or female in any genre - her releases for me were events.  I couldn't wait to see the cover art, read the liner notes and listen to the music. "Four Seasons Of Love" is one of my favorite albums. With the freestyle dance "Waacking", a lot of us were hitting those Giorgio Moroder Donna Summer beats. This continues for the new young global set of kids learning and doing the dance - Donna Summer's music is a must. From my point of view she was an underrated singer and songwriter in the midst of her legendary career.

When I signed my solo deal with MCA, Jheryl Busby the executive who signed me, had worked with Donna Summer in promotions during her Casablanca years. When I started telling him my ideas and concepts, Jheryl totally understood and supported my vision. Why? In part because of his history with Donna and Casablanca. When he revealed his work with her, it made me feel at ease with him. In essence, she was indirectly a part of my decision to sign with MCA. We were connected through him.


Donna Summer's music is a part of the soundtrack of my life along with millions of other's around the world.  As a fellow veteran artist in this business and continued fan of her work I know that she continued to create quality music up through her last full length 'Crayons' and single 'To Paris With Love' a couple of years ago. 

The current dominance of dance music that young artists have jumped on is rooted in disco. Electro / techno roots is simply another extension of the form and so I hope they know she's another artist whose shoulders they stand on. As Brian Eno told David Bowie upon hearing "I Feel Love" in Berlin- "I have heard the sound of the future.."

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. I will continue to celebrate the amazing magic, connection and joy from her music legacy and life.


Thank you Donna Summer. Rest in Peace.

New York Times: "The Queen of Disco Who Transcended and Era":

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/18/arts/music/donna-summer-queen-of-disco-dies-at-63.html


Rolling Stone, "Dim All The Lights For Donna Summer" (includes Brian Eno quote)
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/blogs/pop-life/dim-all-the-lights-for-donna-summer-20120517


Black and White Photo: Via http://vintageblackglamour.tumblr.com/post/23289502261/i-was-so-sorry-to-hear-about-the-loss-of-donna

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.