Scenes from the hospital with my Mom. The beautiful ladies posing with me lower right and left were huge fans of mine and nearly in tears to meet me and let me know who much I meant to them.

“Life is what happens, while you’re busy making other plans.”

I’ve spent this week more focused on being present and available for my Mom who had surgery (as I shared on Facebook/JodyWatleyOfficial).

Throughout this experience it’s a reminder of course of the things that matter in life such as good health and family to be there in time of need. I’ve met some really nice people, staff and those in support of their loved ones who were having surgery. One lady had a son having brain surgery due to cancer. She has 44 grandchildren and most of them were there to support, which was a beautiful thing to see. I choked up looking at the parents comforting their little ones, who were scheduled or had had surgery. It made me reflect of being so grateful that neither my daughter or son had ever experienced any major medical issues. I can’t imagine how difficult that must be. Tears came to my eyes as one Mom caressed her son’s hair who appeared to be no older than 3, as he waited for his surgery. Being who I am, and being really low key – it was also very humbling to be greeted with so love and be reminded what my music means to people in their lives and how it’s inspired and motivated young ladies to be themselves and rock their own style with confidence.

In recovery now, my Mom’s progress will be slower than we thought. She made it out of the surgery which was huge – telling me with over 3,000 people praying for me, I had to make it. She was overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and support.

Joan Rivers, Jody Watley, Melissa Rivers, Leon Hall

We’d talked about the legendary Joan Rivers before and were sad to hear that she’d passed. We’d both met her when I was a guest on The Joan Rivers Show and also the original Fashion Police – she was so nice and gracious to us and so funny through the years – what a trailblazer.

I took my mother  to a convalescent home yesterday for physical therapy and to help get her strong enough to walk. The first person we saw when arriving was another older woman whose legs had been amputated due to diabetes. Sobering.

Take care of yourselves – and never take your health for granted. Work out, stretch, eat well.

On a happier note, I enjoyed seeing a few more ‘PARADISE’ shares, the music always keeps me in a good mood.

Graphic Designer, Ray Easmon – United Kingdom (at Victoria and Albert Museum)

Photographer Marco, Cerrone – United Kingdom

Van Roy of BAILEY’S in Marksville, Louisiana

Raph, Australia

The fabulous Naycee Villarta, from NY

Rick – St. Louis, MO

Mike – Atlanta, GA

Lisa -Oakland, CA

John Eshaya, Los Angeles, CA – JET Boutique

A moment of pause -Thoughts and prayers go out to all impacted by this day, Sept. 11 – 13 years ago in 2001; to the families, loved ones, friends left behind – to the first responders, citizens who tried to help and suffer the effects and to the innocent victims of this horrific day in American history.

I’ll never forget it – watching television making breakfast that morning for my son and getting him ready for school. 13 years on – my son is now a college student in New York.
My daughter was in her sophomore year in NYC for college in 2001 – her dorm two blocks or so from the towers..it was hours before I knew she was safe, there were restaurants, cafes inside. All phone lines were jammed or down – panic then prayer. It was an extremely emotional and difficult experience for her to be there and see it all, to see families posting pictures of missing loved ones.. she came back to LA, petrified to fly (an understatement) for a while and took time off before returning to college. To day this day as someone who travels and flies because of my job in entertainment is a fear I’ve had to learn to deal with and face. Healing prayers to all. Peace on earth. Love in place of hatred.

Sandra Green, Hollywood CA “WATTAGE goodies all up in the Sanctuary! Here’s to The Queen of Cool… Ms. Jody Watley Mentor, Pen Pal, Dermatologist, Inspiration, Visionary and the only person to envisioned me on Broadway Thanks for the music but most of all for being MS. WATLEY and allowing me to share my out of the box thoughts without calling the white coats.”

Tomas Rosado, Canada “All killer, no filler. Thank you, Ms. Jody Watley, for bringing Paradise to our ears.”

Jeffrey Muskiat from the Netherlands adds Paradise to his Jody Watley Collection

Chris Keen, UK “
“A total joy to receive my Paradise CD & T-shirt combo! LOVE the message throughout the new music, Jody….life is for living! ‪#‎LiveIt‬ ‪#‎EnjoyIt‬ ‪#‎BeFabulous‬ “

Cecil Brandon-Brooks, Florida ” Jody Watley / New CD PARADISE is rocking Hot!!!!!!”

Cecil Brandon Brooks, FL

Michelle Page “This cd is good I really like nightlife makes me want to go out and have a good time
And everlasting is good”

Mervin Malone, Austin TX “And here it is all custom-framed! It was worth EVERY cent! Ms. Watley – your beauty in a designer frame perfectly accents the other high-art in my home office. You are on the wall opposite the Black Madonna of Częstochowa! All I need is a custom framed print of the Mona Lisa!”

GLASS, recording artist and funkateer from Los Angeles representing his digital version!

PARADISE, available digitally at iTunes, Amazon and other online outlets worldwide, includes “NIGHLIFE” video and 8 page digital booklet :

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/paradise/id901587446?uo=4

PARADISE CD, includes Everlasting not available on digital version – exclusively available : http://jodywatley.bigcartel.com

#itsinthemusic #JodyWatley #Paradise

Catch Jody Watley LIVE in Philadelphia at The Tower Theater, “A Night of Timeless R&B” with Lillo Thomas and The System  November. 15, 2014

Tickets: Here /  Here / and  Here /

Always choose to love yourself, while working to be better each day – and never play yourself small. Keep your inner light glowing outward. This does not mean be obnoxious or have an overly bloated ego. My take is always try to give and be at your best and make people rise to your occasion and by doing so you will bring out the best in others as well – hopefully.

My son Arie celebrated his 22nd birthday October 17. It’s always a time of celebration and reflection for me, as his Mom as well. Away from the spotlight, my priority when they were growing up was to be present in their lives. I’m still present and involved though that role has changed an morphed into something different since both are young adults now. It’s not easy to be the child of someone the public knows. I’ve shielded them from the public wanting them to maintain their anonymity, keep them grounded, validated and confident in who they are. However, I’m like most proud Mom’s – sometimes you just want to brag a bit of how awesome your children are and how much you love them. I asked his permission before posting to ask if it was OK for me to share on my social media pages – he said yes. He is the best son in the world. I’m so proud of how responsible and solid of a young man he is, loving, kind hearted, funny, hard working, intelligent and handsome of course. I miss his presence being home – but proud that he is in college in New York studying business laying the groundwork to fulfill his ambitions, dreams and personal happiness in a city he’s always loved. He’s also held a part time job since high school – which is something instilled in both children, a strong work ethic. I miss dressing up for Halloween, playing action heroes, and so much more from when he was little – my favorite guy in the world. I don’t miss getting him off of World of Warcraft to do homework in junior high! Now, we FaceTime, text, share funny memes, and talk nearly every day. I cherish our relationship and bond. I am inspired by my son Arie and my daughter Lauren.

Here’s to Arie –  the best son in the universe!! I was there for his 21st (pictured in collage) and can’t wait to see him next week when I travel to New York for a visit and belated birthday celebration.

I love this – beauty and joy from the inside out. Let you thoughts become your actions as well.

Indeed – you really have to love yourself and spread that out into the universe.

“A Night of Timeless R&B” in Philadelphia on November 15, 2014 was a lot of fun. Doing the new show and it’s blend of classics making them feel new again and the what’s now of PARADISE is energizing. The ladies are enthralled with new addition Paul’Micael Bair handling the male leads of SHALAMAR ™ reminiscent to some of a young El Debarge mixed with Justin Timberlake – while for my ears having his own developing style. It’s really hit packed and energetic from start to finish which ends with some of my own signature solo hits. I met some super people like Brian Walmer who is continuously supportive of the new music, Patty Jackson from WDAS and radio personality Muthaknows. Put your hands in the air doesn’t need much prompting. Good vibes all around.

Jody Watley LIVE onstage at The Tower Theater. Collage by Brian Walmer

Jody Watley and Brian Walmer backstage. I love my fans and always try to show ,my appreciation.

Patty Jackson of WDAS and Jody Watley Tower Theater 2014

Jody Watley in PARADISE T and MuthaKnows of Philly’s Power 99 Rise & Grind Crew

Paul’Michael Bair, Rosero McCoy, Jody Watley in metallic eyes T, Eric McCoy and John “Havic” Gregory backstage Tower Theater 2014

Jody Watley and vocalist PaulMichael Bair (Jody Watley featuring SHALAMAR ™ ) the ladies and gents are loving him already  – good vibes, young and soulful, fresh energy.

Once arriving home, I was beyond ecstatic to spend a week with my daughter Lauren who was visiting from the bay. Cooking, just hanging out in our lightweights aka pajama’s or comfy clothes  – getting to watch “Scandal” together, talking politics, current events, pop culture..dining out, shopping for makeup at our favorite spot and just overall spending time being together. I’m so happy that we have the relationship we do and that I put the time in from day one to be present – and remain so. I cherish time spent with family and friends. The week was capped off with dinner at our favorite Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse with my Mom and one of my nieces. We shared so many laughs – the only person missing was my son Arie, we had a creme brûlée’ for him – this is life!

Skyview, counting my blessings, reflecting on a wonderful trip, looking forward to coming home as always and praying for a safe landing!

© 2014 Jody Watley I’m just a typical Mom, when I’m not the artist – snapping pictures of my  stunning baby girl always in awe of  HER – so regal, beautiful and smart..neither of my children like taking pictures but they always indulge me. Lauren was having her makeup done at NARS – she rarely wears makeup. We were served champagne, which felt very chic – while we enjoyed the process,, stocked up on new colors and enjoyed mother daughter time.

© 2014 Jody Watley at NARS Melrose with my beautiful daughter Lauren – on a girls day, Mommie  – Daughter out!

Family favorite – Creme Brûlée at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Celebrating one of my closet friends choreographer, dancer Rosero McCoy was also on this week’s schedule. Dancing with Rosero and friends (including my other best friend Wallace Butts) was another moment to reflect on the meaningful things in life – and the people we have it our lives. There was one moment we were all dancing and I really took it all in – the moment, the joy, the smiles and thought this is what life’s all about. Not fair weathered or superficial people who come and go at a whim but the people you know who will be there for you, appreciate honesty without holding it against you and always ready to roll through life’s ups and downs, not social climbers – just friends. Laughter, music, dancing, good food, quality people and friendship – indeed another slice of paradise.

Rosero McCoy – a collage can’t really capture the years and love onstage and off. Top right: Director Bille Woodruff, Rosero McCoy, Jody Watley, Wallace Butts

PARADISE candles are nearly sold-out! Get yours today and the music to go with it.

Shop at The Jody Watley Boutique: http://www/jodywatleyboutique.com 

PARADISE iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/paradise/id901587446?uo=4

UP NEXT 2014:

Cache Creek Resort and Casino with SHALAMAR ™ November 29, 2014

New York Private Event with SHALAMAR ™ Decemer 12, 2014

Manchester, England Charity Private Event December 14, 2014

Billboard Live  Tokyo with SHALAMAR ™ December 28, 2014

Billboard Live Osaka with SHALAMAR ™ December 30-31, 2014

As always, I’m really excited about the upcoming concerts in Japan at Billboard Live. These concerts will close out an exciting 2014. I hired a new booking agent this year and it’s already paying off. In the past, I chose not to work so much because I was enjoying being a stay at home Mom raising her children though picking and choosing when to travel – a luxury of being a songwriter to so many hit singles.  I’ll always be discerning about what and when to take jobs but I do feel a new enthusiasm for this part of the business. With the music of PARADISE, mixed in with a range of curated hits from both catalogs of Jody Watley and the new millennial SHALAMAR ™ adding to the set, it’s even more of a party. Rosero McCoy has done a great job creating new choreography for us. The ladies are enjoying Paul’Michael who brings such a fresh young energy and charm along with his own vocal style. The shows will only get better and we’re having a great time together. Check out our Jody Watley / SHALAMAR ™ ‘Backstage’ passes on Youtube by subscribing to both channels. http://www.youtube.com/JodyWatley and http://www.youtube.com/OfficialShalamar

December 28 - Tokyo Billboard Live

December 30 - Osaka Billboard Live

December 31 - Osaka Billboard Live

February 18   New York BB Kings

February 19 – Atlantic City Harrah’s Resort and Casino

February 28 – Oakland, Yoshi’s

More dates to be announced.

June 24 – Washington D.C. The Howard Theater

June 27 – London Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park -Let’s Rock London Festival

Concert Booking Inquiries:

Pyramid Entertainment smichaels@pyramid-ent.com / scohen@pyramid-ent.com msanto@pyramid-ent.com

Jody Watley Conversation with Cyrus Webb: Click HERE to Listen to our inspirational and fun chat.

Get the current release PARADISE available at digital outlets worldwide. Remixes are being done for Avitone with the assistance of Bill Coleman and Peace Bisquit out of NYC and being reviewed for the next single ‘DANCER.’

Design: Ray Easmon and Jody Watley

SHOP the Jody Watley Boutique for limited edition items: HERE

Stay excited about life, even on days you feel low. Be thankful to be alive; always ready for new opportunities,  challenges, new ways to improve various elements of your life, career, who you are as a person..you don’t need to make resolutions. Take small steps each day, or simply take time to reflect, relax, rejuvenate, plan and then work to execute whatever it is and repeat. Stay encouraged because sometimes you will just have to go with what comes your way and move on regardless.

Paradise and Sanctuary Candles are back in stock: Jody Watley Boutique, the music is available at digital outlets worldwide (Limited edition CD’s may come around again.)

Upcoming concerts in February Jody Watley featuring a rebooted millennial SHALAMAR

New York – 2/18 B.B. Kings

Atlantic City – 2/19 Harrah’s Resort and Casino

Oakland – 2/28 Yoshi’s Jazz Club

Remixes are in the works for the next single from PARADISE: DANCER

Make sure to use your Jody Watley hashtags on social media: #JodyWatley #itsinthemusic #Paradise #Shalamar  – thank you!

This is true.

I learned this yet again – in business. It’s such a disappointment to discover you’re dealing with shady people. Someone on my team..was working not in my interests. Life is always keeping us on our toes – stay woke, keep a backbone, you’ll need it..and a sense of humor.

I had a fantastic time in my delightful conversation with Emmy winner LeGrande Green on his BOLD podcast. LeGrande is a former supervising producer for the OPRAH Winfrey Show. His vision for BOLD is empower others to listen to that inner voice which propels us to be who we are and who we are capable of becoming – without fear. This resonates with so much. We speak about drowning out the inner voice of self-doubt with candor and humor. I hope everyone embraces new platforms and positive voices such as this. There are always new things and pearls of wisdom to pass along and with each interview I try to do that. Listen: HERE and also check out some  of his other eclectic and join in the enlightening conversations at GetBoldToday.com

Just announced, my appearance in concert with the reloaded renewed SHALAMAR at The Happy Days Festival in Surrey, United Kingdom May 24. Get tickets and information: HERE

Upcoming Concerts:

Feb. 18, B.B. Kings, New York

Feb. 19, HARRAH’S Atlantic City

Feb. 28, Yoshi’s Oakland

May 24, Surry Happy Days Festival Imber Court

June 24, Washington D.C. The Howard Theater

June 25, TBA

June 27, London, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Let’s Rock London Festival

In celebration of The GRAMMY’s​ weekend, this blessing came at the perfect time at that time in my life and career and the goals I had ‘back then’ and the obstacles endured. A lot of people were happy for me – a lot of people are probably still angry and confused how this triumph happened. Some artists never get to experience a moment like this – ever. My tears of joy were genuine and heartfelt-I was stunned. Remember Little Richard taking his well deserved moment to let the people know that as the ‘Architect of Rock and Roll’ he’d never been honored or the recipient of a GRAMMY. It holds a special place in my heart as well because it was New York City, radio City Music Hall and Micheal Jackson performed a riveting ” The Way You Make Me Feel/Man In The Mirror.” The music business and my peers at that time were all heavy hitters. There was so much diversity in R&B/Pop and Rock, though it was already transitioning to the next phase.

I remain full of gratitude with a passion for what I do as an artist, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur decades later – but most of all who I am as a woman/human being – to be a good person through my actions is success. Looking at this younger ambitious part of who I was back then makes me proud because despite everything going on I chose to believe in myself and step out on faith.  Choosing to be happy and in control of my life – remains a constant in the woman I have since become. The love and respect of my children is everything and remaining appreciative of those who continue to support me personally as well in my music career keeps me uplifted in an often treacherous business and world. Never one to back away from a challenge, being fearless and unafraid to make mistakes, lose fans and popularity or any of those things..it’s so much more meaningful to remain authentic and proud of ‘the work.’  Commercial, under the radar, experimental, you name it, it’s all very much me..always going my own way.

Like you, this is a process of continuing to learn and grow. As always, I encourage YOU as well on this journey of life no matter what field of work you’re in. Stay and BE Fabulous!! Make NEW goals and dreams continuing forward.

This is true. People have been talking about me most of my life some good and some bad – but one is true ‘they’ keep talking and I keep doing. If we all did things worried about opinions of others – where would we be?  Where would I be? Those opinions are irrelevant at the end of the day – never one to follow the crowd or popular opinion I say – you have a brain,  instincts,  savvy, smarts – use them! Who cares what someone else thinks, often the negative chatter is rife with fear, jealousy, envy and resentment anyway. If you believe in something or have a dream or goal for the right reasons – go after it.

My father would always tell me as a little girl “It’s not what others think about you – it’s what you think and believe about yourself.” A great lesson for life and self-esteem. Do You!

So true!

Trust in yourself!

The 29^th Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns is more than just a dazzling display of regal glamour, benefitting The Center and The National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce and an opportunity to celebrate the LGBT community, and in particular, the colorful cross-dressing segment of that community. Jody Watley will make a special appearance as a performer singing a few selections as well as donating to the auction

“Everybody needs to feel loved..” Jody Watley, Affection 1995

Tickets: www.NOATG.org

Popular online website Hello Beautiful has produced it’s first documentary in celebration of Women’s History Month. Jody Watley is one of an eclectic range of prominent women (Eve, Soledad O’Brien, Beverly Johnson, Chrissette Michelle, Anika Noni Rose, Lisa Leslie, Jurnee Smollett, and more) appearing in the documentary speaking on topics such as womanhood, sexuality and power in the 14 minute “Women On Top.”

Watch and be enlightened:

Note: I’m very proud to be a part of this!

There’s always something to complain about – or be grateful about, to love or not tp love  –  it’s your choice every single day and moment of your life.