On this day February 23 1987 Jody Watley released her self titled debut album launching her into solo stardom. After gaining recognition as a member of Shalamar Watley stepped out on her own with a fresh mix of R&B dance and pop that defined late 80s music. The album was a massive success reaching number 10 on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the R&B Albums Chart.
The album’s biggest hit Looking for a New Love became an anthem of empowerment and heartbreak peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B Songs Chart. The track introduced the world to the iconic phrase Hasta la vista baby years before Arnold Schwarzenegger made it famous in Terminator 2. Other standout tracks included Still a Thrill which showcased a funkier side of Watley’s sound and Don’t You Want Me which became a dance floor favorite.
Jody Watley’s debut album earned her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1988 and solidified her place as one of the defining voices of late 80s R&B and dance music. Her style and music videos also helped pave the way for the fusion of fashion and music in the MTV era.
Fun fact: Prince was an admirer of Jody Watley’s music and even invited her to record at his Paisley Park Studios though the collaboration never resulted in an official release.
Trivia question: Before launching her solo career Jody Watley was part of a popular R&B group in the late 70s and early 80s. Can you name the group she was in?
The album’s biggest hit Looking for a New Love became an anthem of empowerment and heartbreak peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B Songs Chart. The track introduced the world to the iconic phrase Hasta la vista baby years before Arnold Schwarzenegger made it famous in Terminator 2. Other standout tracks included Still a Thrill which showcased a funkier side of Watley’s sound and Don’t You Want Me which became a dance floor favorite.
Jody Watley’s debut album earned her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1988 and solidified her place as one of the defining voices of late 80s R&B and dance music. Her style and music videos also helped pave the way for the fusion of fashion and music in the MTV era.
Fun fact: Prince was an admirer of Jody Watley’s music and even invited her to record at his Paisley Park Studios though the collaboration never resulted in an official release.
Trivia question: Before launching her solo career Jody Watley was part of a popular R&B group in the late 70s and early 80s. Can you name the group she was in?
