Jody Vanessa Watley is an American singer whose music crosses genres including pop, R&B, jazz, dance and electronic soul. During the late 1970s and early 1980s she was a member of the R&B/funk band Shalamar, who scored many hits, notably in the UK. In 1988, she won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist and has been nominated for three Grammy awards.
Jody Watley in 1977
Watley in Paris shooting the music video for "Still a Thrill" in 1987
Watley circa 1989
Watley photographed with President George H. W. Bush, First Lady Barbara Bush, 1992
Shalamar is an American R&B and soul music vocal group active since the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. Shalamar's classic lineup on the SOLAR label consisted of Howard Hewett, Jody Watley, and Jeffrey Daniel, together with dancer Jermaine Stewart. It was originally a disco-driven group created by Soul Train booking agent Dick Griffey and show creator and producer Don Cornelius. They went on to be an influential dance trio, masterminded by Cornelius. As noted in the British Hit Singles & Albums, they were regarded as fashion icons and trendsetters, and helped to introduce "body-popping" to the United Kingdom. Their name was created by Griffey.
Shalamar in 1983 (left to right: Howard Hewett, Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel)
Shalamar in 1982
Shalamar in 1982
Shalamar in 1982