Jody Watley on CNN with Don Lemon

Set your DVR's today, Superbowl Sunday!  Jody Watley will stop by CNN to talk Don Cornelius and Soul Train. 6:30 pm EST with Don Lemon.

Jody Watley. Celebrating Don Cornelius

Jody Watley and Don Cornelius, 1988

Don Cornelius represents an incredible and unparalleled legacy in television, music and dance that will live on forever. Don and Soul Train shined a bright and historic light for our culture.  A true visionary, icon, legend and pioneer in every sense; his impact on black pride and aspiration in youth like myself was immeasurable during the peak of Soul Train in the 70′s. Don created, built and opened a door of inspiration, hope and opportunity for street dancers and artists to walk through – especially me as my career has always been intertwined with the show because it’s where I got my start. What many don’t know is that my father and Don Cornelius knew each other as they were on the AM airwaves in Chicago at the same time when I was a baby; my father doing Gospel and Don Cornelius as a part-time news announcer.  I didn’t learn the connection until after I was a dancer on the show. In essence Don Cornelius was already in the fabric of my life before our paths would eventually line-up many years before his show gave me and all of my friends something to look forward to on Saturday and to talk about at school on Monday. We rocked our afro’s with pride and were presented in a positive light. I thank God for Don.  Millions of us lived for Soul Train helping to make it the longest syndicated music television show in history. Soul Train was a vehicle of exposure for countless artists in music when all other doors remained (and to a degree remain) closed. If you made it on Soul Train, you’d arrived.

Jody Watley on Soul Train.

I owe so much to Don and Soul Train. It was Don who hand-picked me for Shalamar when forming Soul Train Records and he remained supportive throughout my solo career.

Jody Watley on Soul Train.

Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel, Soul Train Scramble Board

Soul Train Records Original Shalamar: Jeffrey Daniel, Jody Watley, Gary Mumford 1977

Don Cornelius with Jody Watley, Soul Train Christmas Party, 1978

Don Cornelius, Jody Watley GRAMMY Museum, 40th Anniversary of Soul Train, 2010

Don Cornelius and Jody Watley, 2010, "Soul Train Time-Life DVD Taping"

My heart is truly broken to learn of Don’s death and passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and those like me who loved and appreciated him for all that he represented and achieved as the first African-American to create, produce, host and OWN his own show. Don Cornelius let us know that black is beautiful and sent us off with love, peace and soul.

In his departing, I’m wishing him the same.

Rest in Peace Don Cornelius.


 ADDENDUM:
The blog entry was updated to include information about The Soul Train Dance Studio, and Jody Watley as 'Robot' teacher to 'The Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin.
Read the full post: HERE

Jody Watley. Sounds of Nightlife.

Some of sounds of my new music, such as "Nightlife" are inspired by my days as a teen dancer on Soul Train and my love of disco funk - which exists today under the contemporary monikers of Future Disco, Electro, and Modern Funk.

Jody Watley On TV-One's Way Black When Primetime

"Way Black When Primetime" airing on TV-One throughout February celebrates Black Pop Culture in Music, Television, Film and Style.

On February 4, I talk about free style dancing and the art of living in the music spontaneously without the aid of a choreographer and individuality in style. 'Waacking' is having an international resurgence, and I love it. I've been doing it since I was a teenager, and as many know before the kids were 'Vogueing' we were hitting poses with 'Waacking'. The dance is seen in many of my performances and in particular the video 'Still A Thrill' which featured Soul Train's Dean of the Dance and all things 'Fierce' - Tyrone Procter. I loved dancing with Tyrone, which is why of all of my former partners I chose him for the video. 'Still A Thrill' filmed on location in Paris, France has become a classic to a lot of fans around the world.  I have mentioned before Tyrone really helped me unleash my inner 'Diva'. My performance on "Way Black When" marks the first time I've ever appeared with a group of dancers on television - waacking or otherwise as an artist. I also talk to host Sinbad about other topics related to the 70's and the significance of the iconic show 'Soul Train'; for me personally as well as the shows ultimate influence on black pop culture.



Click Here For Schedule:

Jody Watley Celebrates Soul Train 40th Anniversary at Grammy Musuem With Don Cornelius and Smokey Robinson

Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Soul Train was truly a night to remember at The Grammy Museum September 8. To help celebrate the release of the DVD collection the centerpiece of the proceedings included a panel with the visionary Don Cornelius, host and creator of Soul Train along with music legend Smokey Robinson and myself.
The evening was moderated by Scott Goldman who asked Don, Smokey and I questions about our experiences and thoughts about the legacy and influence of Soul Train. One could sit and listen to anecdotal music stories from those two men for hours with Don's surprising and dry sense of humor and Smokey Robinson's sharp wit. There were many lighthearted moments during the presentation. Following his questions, Scott opened it up to the audience primarily consisting of a diverse assemblage of media, a sprinkling of former dancers and other attendees for a spirited Q & A.

Notably special for me was seeing original Soul Train dancer, choreographer and actress Damita Jo Freeman.

The show remains the longest running syndicated program in the history of television and was once the only outlet for TV exposure for many R&B/Soul artists later developing into an internationally influential and beloved program. The 'Soul Train Line' is recognized and enjoyed around the world at countless wedding receptions, family reunions and bar mitzvahs. Saturday mornings watching the show was a part of the routine for many children, teens and families especially during the shows prime in the 70's, my friends and I lived for those mornings. As I said during the evening, we looked up to the dancers on the show like Pat Davis, Tyrone Procter, Sharon Hill, Damita and Lil' Joe Chisholm who were like stars to us. Needless to say, Soul Train will always be pivotal in my journey.


The Soul Train "The Hippest Trip In America" DVD Collection is a must have not only those who lived the era but as a priceless catalog of a moment in time for any generation appreciative of good music, dancing and fashion.





















Pictured With Jody Watley and Damita Jo Freeman, Former Soul Train Dancer Thelma Davis

Jody Watley Talks Soul Train 40th Anniversary on KTLA Morning News