Jody Watley Proves She Still Has IT. CentricTV Howard Theatre Concert Review

The name Jody Watley has been an integral part of music for over three decades, and it seems the Grammy award winning R&B/Dance music diva isn’t slowing down any time soon…Click HERE to read full review. 













Of the variety of wardrobe changes and modifications I wore in Washington D.C.'s concert was a custom made kimono styled black sequined paillette belted jacket/top (my design) made by Gloria Garcia-Crouch funked up with black skinny jeans and studded black pumps.

Jody Watley. "LIVE" at The Howard Theatre. Photo: Mark Sutphin (c) 2013

For my 80's portion of pop hits, I quickly changed into a zippered biker jacket and my signature jumbo hoop earrings to the delight of the crowd who cheered loudly as I stood there and put them on saying "I need these" - with white and black spiked studded pumps. My guys accented me with spiked studded caps, bow ties, skinny jeans, white collared shirts and blazers. The outfit was later modified as I musically traveled into a deep cut from my underground electronica foray from 1999 by adding sunglasses, a custom "Classic Valentino" hat by Gladys Tamez Millenary, and another signature that I've performed with since my Soul Train dancer days - a handheld fan for that right touch of nightlife chic attitude. 

Jody Watley. "LIVE" at The Howard Theatre by Larry Webb (c) 2013

Jody Watley. "LIVE" at The Howard Theatre by DARRICK. (c) 2013

The crowd went banana's when I did another change and brought out 'the classic jacket' from my "Some Kind of Lover" and "Everything" video's. The vintage leather biker jacket with my image hand painted on the back, custom spiked, studded and rhinestoned sleeves a weighs over 100 lbs.

Jody Watley. "LIVE" at The Howard Theatre. Photo by: Micky Mic (c) 2013

Jody Watley. "LIVE" at The Howard Theatre. Photo: Alicia Kaye (c) 2013

The concert wouldn't be complete without some Jean Paul-Gaultier; form fitted jacket, black t-shirt, black spiked belt to close with some fashion walk fabulousness on "Real Love."

Jody Watley. "LIVE" The Howard Theatre. Photo: Jay Boucher (c) 2013

Jody Watley Photo Classic of The Day. GRAMMY's

Jody Watley, 2012

I'm proud to be a part of GRAMMY history. Some artists, musicians and songwriters never reach a moment like this - and I'm always proud to have done it. It's doubtful that any moment would ever come close to winning such a major award the music equivalent of an Academy Award. at the time in my life when I did win this it meant and means so much. No one expected it, including me. God had a plan bigger than the one I saw for myself. Coming out of Shalamar making such a huge individual impact was rewarding and vindicating to say the least. I've always said that after winning the Grammy for "Best New Artist," I got on with my artistic journey evolving into the artist I wanted to be - never being trapped in the box or rendering myself to the creative commercial expectations of others. This isn't an easy path to take.

When sitting on a panel with music legend Smokey Robinson; he mentioned having one Grammy and lamented on how today they seem to give them out like 'Chiclets.' It was a surprise moment because with his track record as a songwriter and artist, you would think his mantle would be overflowing in with them. It gave me a moment of pause. Fans take so much for granted. Really and truly, it's not the quantity - though of course it would be awesome to have stacks of them, but it's very special to have reached that type of pinnacle - AT ALL. It could be 70 years ago or right now as a young artist making a name for themselves; savor the moment.

My Bio and Discography touches on the depth of my journey Pre- and Post post Grammy win thus far including my groundbreaking collaboration with Eric B. & Rakim "Friends" became a formula with the custom verses that continues to impact music today among other notable influences in Music, Video, Fashion, Celebrity Ads, Cross Marketing and Style across various platforms. I've charted and had success in each decade since. Longevity has many faces and paths - I represent one --  http://www.jodywatley.net
Style is individual and unique to each of us and it should evolve over time, with a distinct essence at the core.
As a note, for my GRammy night style on this occasion I wore a vintage cocktail dress personalized and funked up with customized leather Biker jacket.

Photo: Getty Images