Jody Watley-Photography Albert Sanchez

Check out my latest interview, this time with Damon Gonzalez who just arrived in Los Angeles from Brooklyn. You always learn something new..in this case see what my thoughts are about Rihanna, longevity, and tips on dealing with shade. Read it: Here

Don’t be afraid to change it up on your journey. It’s your life. Although there’s a higher power to all of us as a guiding force – it’s what we do with the knowledge, instinct, lesson..are you listening to your life? Are you making the necessary changes if you feel they’re needed? Have you become stagnant – to a point where you feel restless? Are you pushing yourself? “..those who do not move, do not notice their chains.”

Rosero McCoy and I had been talking about doing a dance video for a while, and I’m happy to say we finally made it happen. As he’s been doing with recent ‘concept’ dance videos (shortened video’s for a new generation) – Rosero made it all come together.

I’ve only used a lot of dancers once in a video (I Want Your Love) and it wasn’t the best experience. It’s such a gift of life to have other opportunities for a different outcome. This was magic. The energy, the kids, the parents there supporting their kids and their passion, the director Q, Nate from Shalamar Reloaded and the variety of dancers in various genres including of course waacking  – everyone who was there made it a special night in celebration of dance, diverse cultures, confidence and going for your dreams. As inspired as I was – when the video is done, it’s my desire that others will be inspired too.

There was a dancer named Dor, fresh from Israel in America to pursue his dreams of being a professional here. I met him by chance while rehearsing with Rosero, and we reeling him in..he was looking lost and had gotten the schedule wrong for a class.

There was also little Jaxton in the video working his first job – at 7, just going for it. It was an inspirational night – they are me and I am them.

Dancing is where I first found a sense of escape and confidence, it was my field of dreams..the music, the creativity.

I believe a dancer lives in all of us – the drive, the passion, the learning of confidence and the feeling you were born to shine no matter what your circumstance, passion or job is. We are all navigating. DANCER.

Love these two little one! Tati and Tahani. This is our second time working together – I’m in awe of them.  Next generation!! Clock the hoop earrings! Photo via: Michelle McQuay/Instagram (Tati’s Mom)

DANCER. After wrapping the video. Photo: Michele Soulchild / Instagram

Dor from Israel and Jody Watley. DANCER. Follow your dreams!

Nate Allen Smith from Shalamar Reloaded, The Waackers, Jody Watley and Gene Tapia. DANCER.

Jody Watley. DANCER. Selfie (during month of December use #DonateASelfie) on Instagram meals will be donated #FeedingAmerica

Jaxton and Jody Watley. DANCER.

Hip hop, locking..freestyle. “Get In The Music! “Good vibes. DANCER.

DANCER. The kids getting it in! “Clock this confidence..lose yourself..”

Rosero McCoy (Rosero Inc) choreographer, dancer, artistic director,  Jody Watley, Nate Allen Smith. Shalamar Reloaded. We are all have a common bond as dancers. DANCER.

Get the single: iTunes

Wise words.

This journey with Nate Smith and Rosero began prompted by trying to correct misuse and false ads, and undoubtedly turned into something else fueled by God and the universe. As the year progressed, and as it goes with the journey of life we cleared hurdles, were dealt many challenges to overcome and an initial flood of naysayers — but I remained steadfast ad did Nate and Rosero who continued to have my back. In that – we really became a group, not fueled by cashing checks but with a similar passion for music, dance and having a good time. Our goals and objectives changed as the year went along. Here’s to the unexpected, new goals, new challenges to be overcome, new inspirations and 2016. Togetherness and teamwork.

The remix is produced by Jamie Von De / Bill Coleman and Peace Bisquit

Original SlowDance Video: Damien Sandoval

Edit: Christopher Burke

Logo Design: Ray Easmon

Truth.

I posted this earlier in the week on a couple of my social media accounts..it’s really a thought for everyday.

“Ms. Rose” reppin’ Jody Watley and Shalamar Reloaded looking fab.

I celebrated my Mom’s birthday with a post on my various social media as I always do (April 8). She is always tickled, overwhelmed and full of gratitude to see the outpouring of love and well wishes – me too! Watch this adorable video of my Mom “Ms. Rose” as she is affectionately called by friends and colleagues.

It all went down in downtown Los Angeles yesterday for Nate, Rosero and myself filming the video for the forthcoming new single “O.R.I.G.in.A.L.”

The last time I filmed a video in downtown Los Angeles was for ‘Don’t You Want Me’ many moons ago.

The day was beautiful and the action progressed nicely in the fashion district. Lensed by Q Burdette for Rosero Inc. the team behind my recent solo concept video for ‘Dancer.’

The song was inspired by a year of trolls and haters who have tried to derail our every effort, marginalize our efforts, discourage and attempts at poaching any interest on bookings with  promoters..they troll and bash us from Youtube to every social media account we have as well-bound and determined to trash my name with slander, character assassination and attack or as well attempt to diminish my contributions as a solo artist down to my signature hoop earrings. They’ve been the first commenters on most interviews I’ve done over the past in in introducing the group. We are originals – not replacements and not trying to pretend we are anything other than ourselves – creating our own foundation and mark one effort at a time in whatever we do.

The experience has made us stronger as a group and gave us material for the song with an edgy sparse beat. Online bullies and trolls will always be around and don’t stop the progress – so I guess you can say we are turning our lemons into lemonade. That’s what you have to do in life..like I wrote awhile ago “The Beat Don’t Stop.”

Selfie. Jody Watley “Original.”

On a mission. Shalamar Reloaded “Originals” Nate Allen Smith, Jody Watley, Rosero McCoy

On set. Nate Allen Smith foreground. 

Before the filming we had quite a few brainstorming creative sessions with Rosero as the anchor bringing his vast knowledge in staging and choreography to the table.

After another meeting at Rosero’s. Shalamar Reloaded. Teamwork.

Dinner meeting with Rosero. We enjoy creating magic as a group..and of course we’ve been friends and working together since 1998.

Pre-Order “O.R.I.G.in.A.L. available for Pre-Order Now at Amazon and iTunes.

Release date: May 6 on my longstanding indie boutique label Avitone.

Self explanatory. This past year we (Rosero McCoy, Nate Allen Smith and myself)  dealt with a lot of hate, naysayers, slanderers, underminers etc and we still are – so we wrote a song about it and made a hot video to go with it. I am against bullying, harassment and online and off – I’ve seen blocking people doesn’t always work, these people just create fake accounts to attack, discourage and put down. The funny thing is usually the most vocal haters are the ones who watch your every move and try to emulate you – and in the same breath try to diminish you. As well, this is about us being originals to Shalamar Reloaded creating a new foundation for ourselves one effort at a time.  It’s not for everyone – but we doing what we love and having a blast in this process – our journey.

Watch the video!!

“Watch me walk out – fashion walk out..”

Video directed by Q Burdette and Rosero McCoy. Logo Design Ray Easmon and Jody Watley.

It was also a bit of a family affair with this one, one of Rosero’s sons Eric brought this track to us and we took it from there with this total collaboration.

No matter the adversity – keep moving forward and stay fabulous.

Love this! Keep moving forward to where you’d like to go..the permission of other’s isn’t required.

For this #TBT – a look back at my #1 workout tape “Dance to Fitness.” A first for a woman of color, my motivation was that there were no fitness tapes with black women a fact that baffled me. It was the era of Jane Fonda and Denise Austin..and then me! Light cardio dancing, it was an awesome opportunity and moment in my journey. It’s in the Music!

Watch a clip:

In life, you must allow for the reality that people outgrow each other in many aspects of life personally and professionally. It may be a difficult realization but that’s OK. Don’t fight it.

An example of a false ad that was being used – a photo with me in it from “Three For Love” album from 1979 – and someone else’s name in it’s place.

An example of a false ad that was being used – a photo with me in it from “The Look” album from 1983 – and someone else’s name in it’s place.

In the continued aftermath of my legal trademark registration efforts brought on to stop the false and misleading ads and misuse of my likeness related to my days as an original member of Shalamar by others, I’ve been contacted by quite a few former members who wish to remain anonymous from other groups inspired by my efforts wanting advice. This means so much to me. For avoidance of doubt, my legal USPTO # is 4, 530, 877. Despite the ongoing challenge process to cancel my registration with the TTAB (Trademark and Appeals Board)  from the step-daughter of Dick Griffey, I remain the owner and entitled to all rights as such until she has successfully proved her challenge and proves that she is the legal owner under trademark law.

Few outlets will cover this aspect of the business to enlighten other aspiring or veteran artists who end up feeling helpless in many cases. Imagine seeing a concert that you’ve not been asked to be a part of, while your image is used to help generate more income for others. Some still ask, what is she doing? Why this – why that. The why is business though others have made it personal against me. It has changed the way they go about their ads now – make no mistake about it. That’s a success in itself.

Women in business, as I’ve stated many times are often marginalized and have their voices silenced or ending up discouraged and out of the business altogether. Sexism is one of the many isms pervasive in society.  Throughout my career, I’ve talked about business and those elements, though more often the conversation is style, fashion, being a teen dancer one of my least favorite topics at this point beyond speaking on always be tenacious and determined with a vision for yourself. People are to quick to give up their power because they don’t feel they have any.

It’s a sad fact in this industry that until artists decide to look into business matters deeper than you might otherwise and to not to intimidated by threats or other tactics to discourage efforts in either establishing long overdue rights and or gaining control over your image and likeness, as well as potential music ownership it will continue to be an unfortunate reality to many. I’m proud to have quietly inspired others to handle their business. What you experienced in your teens, 20’s 30’s and so forth – every step is a lesson.

Just because someone claims to own something – they must prove it with real and legitimate receipts and paperwork. Check into it, don’t assume and beware of smoke and mirrors.

(Update): To potential buyers – ignore the phone calls, meritless threats of facing ‘a big lawsuit’ and efforts to not only undermine my business efforts with the new group but to damage my reputation with false and libelous allegations.

#Shalamar Circa 1982, Jody Watley, Jeffrey Daniel, Howard Hewett. “Friends”

Howard Hewett, Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel. 1982 

1983. The Look album era.

Howard Hewett, Jody Watley, Jeffrey Daniel. Three for Love era. “Make That Move”

Putting in work – paid my dues. 1979 The Second Time Around “Big Fun” album

1978 #Shalamar with Gerald Brown, Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel “Take That To The Bank” Disco Gardens album.

Gary Mumford, Jody watley, Jeffrey Daniel, originals in 1977 “Uptown Festival” album promotion.

It’s ongoing, however these are my rights.

June 21, 2016

Cease and Desist:

Re:      Ongoing Infringement of Jody Watley’s U.S. Trademark

Registration No. 4,530, 877 for “SHALAMAR”

Gentlemen:

I’m writing to you on behalf of our client Jody Watley concerning the numerous false statements (both written and oral) that have been and continue to be made by you and your colleagues about Ms. Watley’s ownership and registration of the trademark SHALAMAR.

Please be advised that Ms. Watley is the official owner of U.S. Trademark Registration No. 4,530,877 for such mark (the “Registration”), which Registration remains valid and subsisting.

Specifically, we understand that each of you, individually and/or in concert with Ms. Carolyn Baldwin, have given interviews, made public statements, and posted written comments on social media of a false and defamatory nature concerning Ms. Watley and the Registration, including statements that Ms. Watley’s actions are “illegal,” that the Registration was obtained by fraud, that Ms. Watley has no right to the Registration, and that Ms. Baldwin is the owner of the “Shalamar” trademark, among others.

You should be aware that, under U.S. trademark law, as codified in Chapter 22 of Title 15 of the United States Code (the “Lanham Act”), Ms. Watley’s Registration conveys, inter alia, the right to exclusive use of the mark in connection with the goods and services identified in the Registration, which includes entertainment in the nature of live musical performances. Ms. Watley therefore has the right, under the law, to prevent any other party from using the same mark in connection with the same or related goods or services, or otherwise in a manner that is likely to confuse the consuming public. The benefits of ownership of a federal trademark registration, including the right to stop infringing uses of the mark, such as those being made by your clients, remain firmly in place until such time as the registration is surrendered or rights in the mark abandoned by the trademark owner.

As Ms. Jones previously advised Ms. Baldwin’s manager Michael Gardner on June 3, 2014 (the “Jones Correspondence”), any US performance by you and/or Ms. Baldwin under the name “Shalamar” constitutes an unlawful and unauthorized use of Ms. Watley’s trademark, in direct violation of the Lanham Act and the exclusive rights granted to Ms. Watley by her federal registration. In addition, any use of the “Shalamar” name to advertise or promote such an unlawful performance would similarly violate Ms. Watley’s rights under the Lanham Act.

To be clear, it is the U.S. Registration obtained by Ms. Watley, along with the common law rights that she has acquired through her ongoing commercial use of the mark throughout the U.S., that provides her with the right to object to and curtail all infringing activities. No court order is required in order for Ms. Watley to assert and/or enforce her exclusive rights in the SHALAMAR trademark, as imparted on her by the Lanham Act as the trademark’s owner, including to truthfully advise third parties (such as CelebrityAcceess) of her rights and ownership of the SHALAMAR trademark and registration. It is these rights, conveyed by the Lanham Act, by which you and your clients must abide.

Any attempts to register Ms. Baldwin’s musical group with promoters or databases in the US, such as the CelebrityAccess database, under the name “Shalamar” is therefore in direct violation of Ms. Watley’s exclusive rights in the SHALAMAR trademark. The inclusion of the word “Featuring” does nothing to eliminate the likelihood that those persons familiar with the SHALAMAR trademark would believe, in error, that any musical performance promoted under the name “Shalamar” originates from, is associated or sponsored by, or is provided under license or permission from, Ms. Watley as the owner of all U.S. rights in the mark and name.

Additionally, any third parties participating or assisting in such unlicensed and unlawful uses, such individuals or venues using the “Shalamar” name in advertising or promoting live musical performances, would be liable for vicarious and/or contributory trademark infringement, subjecting such parties to penalties, including punitive and/or compensatory damages, injunctive relief, and payment of court costs and attorneys fees, under U.S. Trademark Law.

Further, any attempts by you and Ms. Baldwin to promote her musical group in the U.S. using the “Shalamar” name is in direct conflict with Mr. Gardner’s prior agreement on June 3, 2014, conveyed during his telephone call with Ms. Jones in response to the Jones Correspondence, and wherein he acknowledged receipt of the Ms. Jones’ letter and agreed the group would abide by the restrictions set out in the Jones Correspondence.

As a result, your and Ms. Baldwin’s (and your respective representatives’) ongoing efforts to promote yourselves under the name “Shalamar” and/or attempt to secure dates and venues within the US to perform as “Shalamar” without license or permission of the Registration owner represent acts of unfair competition as well as ongoing acts of infringements of the exclusive rights provided under the Trademark Law. Such activities are a source of great harm to Ms. Watley and the valuable goodwill she has developed in the SHALAMAR trademark, as well as a source of confusion to the purchasing public. These infringing activities are intentional and are being undertaken in bad faith, with the full knowledge of Ms. Watley’s rights, and in direct breach of the parties’ prior agreement, as set forth between yourself and Ms. Jones on June 3, 2014.

Finally, at the time Ms. Watley lawfully filed for and obtained the Registration, there was no other party that possessed a federal or state trademark registration for the “Shalamar” trademark, and in fact, at no time did Mr. Griffey or SOLAR Records register such trademark. Any rights in the “Shalamar” name or trademark had long been abandoned by Mr. Griffey and SOLAR Records. Mr. Watley was entirely within her legal rights to file for and register the trademark “SHALAMAR” as she did, and the Registration was lawfully obtained from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and has been (and continues to be) lawfully used by Ms. Watley. Therefore, any statements by you (alone or in concert with Ms. Baldwin) that Ms. Watley acted illegally or unlawfully, or that the Registration is invalid or improperly obtained, constitute knowingly false, defamatory statements, are harmful to our client and to her business ventures, are likely to interfere with her contractual relationships, and are actionable at law.

Therefore, on behalf of Ms. Watley, we hereby demand that you cease publically making and distributing false statements (oral and written) concerning the Registration, Ms. Watley and her use of the “SHALAMAR” trademark and name. Additionally, we once again demand that you and your partners, employees and/or agents cease all use of the “Shalamar” name in connection with musical performances in the US and with all and any advertising and/or promotional efforts on behalf of Ms. Baldwin and/or your musical group, along with any other actions or activities that infringe Ms. Watley’s trademark rights.

Please be advised that Ms. Watley will continue to use all available tools, and take whatever actions she deems necessary, to protect her valuable trademark rights, and if necessary will pursue all rights and remedies available against you and your clients, and any associated or affiliated persons or entities who have materially participated in the unlawful activities described herein.

This letter should not be construed as full recitation of the facts supporting Ms. Watley’s claims, her rights in connection with this matter, or a complete listing of her possible claims against you, Ms. Baldwin or any other person(s) associated with the Baldwin/Daniel/Hewett musical group and their activities.

Nothing contained herein is intended, nor should be construed, as a waiver (express or implied) of any of Ms. Watley’s rights, remedies, or positions, at law, in equity or otherwise, each and all of which are hereby expressly reserved, and shall in no way prejudice Ms. Watley should further action be required to protect her valuable intellectual property rights.

Very truly yours,

LOVITZ IP LAW PC

A Professional Corporation

MICHAEL L LOVITZ

MLL/msl

Enclosure

cc:        Jody Watley (via e-mail)

Carolyn Baldwin (via e-mail)

Gregory L. Wilkinson (via e-mail)

This spoke to me..so I’m sharing because I always feel like it may inspire someone elese too. Love to all! Be strong, be resilient – never let people and situations break your spirit.

This is true. I seem to be the target of this very fact..as I continue forward the way I choose.

I’ll be on SIRIUSXM tomorrow at 12:15 EST with Sandyland/Radio Andy with Sandra Bernhard August 30, 2016. Tune in!

Later this week I’ll be on ABC Radio Networks – details to come.

The Freestyle Explosion Concert in Philadelphia at Wells Fargo Center was another fun experience..I must say how great the comradery is with the artists.Lisa Lisa is a sweetheart, the ladies from the music group Expose’, the Covergirls..the list goes on. The fans really get their party on in a night full of quick paced classic hit spotlights.

Jody Watley — Before taking the stage at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia.

Fan Photo. Striking a pose. Jody Watley LIVE at Wells Fargo Center. Freestyle Explosion Concert.

I also ran into my former Shalamar group member Howard Hewett at Philadelphia airport..will do another post about that. Here’s a photo we took..

It’s a small world..bumped into my former colleague Howard Hewett..despite the peddled non drama..I’m always cordial when I see anyone from my past, like anyone else would be with former co-workers.

UP NEXT:

OCT. 13 ABC MORNING D.C. / LOCAL – JODY WATLEY

OCT. 13 – ROLAND MARTIN TV-ONE WITH SHALAMAR RELOADED

OCT. 14 – 16 BLUES ALLEY WASHINGTON D.C. WITH SHALAMAR RELOADED

OCT. 28-29 80’S MEETS SYMPHONY TOKYO DOME CITY HALL – JODY WATLEY

NOV. 11 – YOSHI’S OAKLAND WITH SHALAMAR RELOADED

MORE DATES AND APPEARANCES TBA

“Don’t let the worst of life, get the best of you..stay everlasting..sometimes you win, sometimes you lose..gotta stay up – stay everlasting.” I just posted this on my Soundcloud page. Beautiful for a reflective Sunday or any day. ‘Everlasting” was on the CD version of “Paradise.” My company Avitone may have to make this commercially available for digital release. Good vibes, uplifting song.

I have to thank the tons of fans on Twitter and Facebook who have posted so many positive and encouraging words in support and ultimate understanding of my blog post “To Those It May Concern.” There were also quite a few priceless .gifs and memes on Twitter. I wanted to share them all.

Upcoming:

Oct. 8 Atlanta Pride, Piedmont Park

Oct. 14-16 Blues Alley Washington D.C.

Oct. 28-29 Tokyo Japan Best Hits 80’s Meets Symphony, Tokyo Dome City Hall

Nov 11. Yoshi’s Oakland

SRL. Nate, Jody, Rosero.

On my song ‘Clouds’ from ‘Midnight  Lounge’ I wrote “Are you listening to your life..are you listening to the changes..are you trying to make a difference – are you listening to your experience..”

Make room for  what you truly want or need. The past holds our lessons, the present is a gift, the future is the motivation. Lessons all along the way – stay open. Be the architect of your own life. Live it -don’t just go through it. Enjoy it for all it brings.