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The one and only Jody Watley returned to The Big Apple on Friday night for a sold out show at Times Square's B.B. King Blues Club. It was the first time the Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter performed in New York City in three years.Adorned in a black sequined blouse, black slacks and Christian Louboutin pumps, the Chicago native (with the dazzling smile) rose to the festive occasion with a string of her most memorable tunes, including 'Looking For A New Love,' 'Don't You Want Me,' 'Real Love' and her newest single 'Candlelight,' during an hour-long set.
In between numbers, the charismatic chanteuse chopped it up some by offering anecdotes about various subject matter, including her divorce and her former group Shalamar – which prompted her to wish "love to all" while briefly singing a few of the group's biggest hits (along with the audience, of course).
One of the show's highlights occurred when Watley welcomed Tyrone Procter -- the original dancer from her 1987 music video for 'Still A Thrill' – to the stage to relive some of their former magic. He, along with his Imperial House of Waacking hoofers, bounced, twirled and offered decadent dance attitude – getting the eager crowd hyped with their surprise performance. Watley, a consummate performer herself (formerly a top dancer during 'Soul Train's golden years), took a moment to school the audience about the fact that the "waacking" dance style predated the "vogue" style that has become ubiquitous amongst dance music lovers over the years. "I was doing that when I was like 14. Everything comes back around again," the 50-year-old diva proclaimed before launching an intense Michael Jackson tribute with her band. See exclusive video clip here.
With an amazing 32 Top Ten Singles and 13 No. 1 Singles in the R&B, pop and dance music genres over the past three decades, Watley has consistently broken new ground in music, video and fashion. With 'Candlelight' just arriving to radio this summer, there seems to be more of Watley's innovation in store.
And that, coupled with a light and lively BB King set, leaves her loyal legion of fans yearning for more.
Comments: (9)
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By: airmanchairman on 8/03/2009 7:54AM
I remember the early 80s, when I was leader of a local band billed as support act for Shalamar when they performed in Lagos, West Africa, and Jody was said to be 5 months pregnant then.
You wouldn't have noticed watching from the audience as she shimmied and sashayed all night in foot-long stiletto heels like a Soul Train trouper. But backstage she was doubled up with pain and exhaustion. A true professional.
We read that there was further heartbreak for her after she had her baby, but boy, how she bounced back with her solo artiste success, Grammy Award nominations and wins plus top-selling singles and albums.
You still got them moves, Jody, and that's sweet!!!
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By: bobcat on 8/03/2009 6:10PM
Great to hear that story. I am sure we will get all the details once the book is released!
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By: Freedom on 8/05/2009 11:22AM
This really brings tears to my eyes to see Jodie. She was a class mate of mine in the 9th, and 10th grade at SouthEast High in Kansas City, Mo. We only said hello and goodbye when we saw each-other but we did speak. Now Jodie and the Fox that I married from that school were real good friends so, whenever the Whispers toured Shalamar, Lakeside, and everyone from Solar Records would be with them...So, 1981 they had a big softball game at Parade Park and that was the last time I saw Jodie so I'm glad to see her looking FINE as ever and in good health. Tell your brother John hello for me.........Shalom..
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By: BETH on 8/05/2009 10:17AM
EVERYBODY KEEPS TALKING ABOUT THEY WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH JODY WELL I WENT TO THE SAME SCHOOL AND SHE WAS A SNOB THEN AND STILL IS ONE TODAY AS A MATTER OF FACT I DON'T EVER REMEMBER HER TAKING TO ANYONE EVERY TIME I SAW HER SHE HAD HER NOSE UP HER AND ASS AND WHY DON'T SHE EVER ADMIT SHE WAS FROM KC NOT A CHICAGO NATIVE
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By: angel love on 8/05/2009 3:06PM
I was at the show at BB Kings and I wouldnt miss it for the world. I bought the tickets the day after the tour announcement. And a friend of mine was supposed to go with me but backed out due to a family emergency. So I went alone and bumped into an old friend. We enjoyed the show together. Jody is such a great person, and I appreciate all of her wisdom that she imparts on her audience between the songs.
I have seen her every time she's in NY. I especially love her music now more than her oither hits that everyone else knows.
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By: Gayle Storms on 8/05/2009 3:05PM
I missed seeing the Unsung episode with Shalamar. TVOne repeatedly showed Unsung episodes, but not this one. I know this was a pre-fab group but I always wanted to know the deal about Jeffrey Daniels. Did he even sing? I remember distinctly hearing Jody's & Howard's voice, but that's it.
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By: roanokem6 on 8/05/2009 10:56PM
oh how cool jodie back missed you have you considered doing a duet studio with howard
hewett a mixture jazz and all you guys are bad to the bone stay tight and keep wailing soul
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By: Eri on 8/09/2009 1:33PM
I remember the Jody W. songs. And I loved them. People should remember that we only know the "artist" not the person. I dont care how people viewed her, I loved her music.
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By: LOL Jody! on 8/10/2009 7:43PM
Not hatin, it is a thrill seeing Jody back on the music scene but it's not a THRILL seeing her hair like that in the above pic? LOL :-) Don't get me wrong, I always admire Jody and her style when I was young. I'm sure her voice sounds nice. I guess, bad hair day or wig day I should say?
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