Jody Watley
Biography
Jody Vanessa Watley, born January 30, 1959 in Chicago, is an American singer, songwriter, and producer.
Her music career began as a dancer on the television show Soul Train, which led to her becoming an original member of the group Shalamar from 1977 to 1983.
She then launched a highly successful solo career, marked by a string of hits between 1987 and 1990. Her debut album, *Jody Watley*, produced the smash hit Looking for a New Love which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, followed by two other top 10 singles: Don’t You Want Me and Some Kind of Lover. The album’s success earned her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1987.
Her follow-up album, *Larger Than Life*, spawned three more US top 10 hits: Real Love, Everything, and Friends. She ranks #21 on *Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Top Dance Club Artists* list.
She is the older sister of Midori (2), the goddaughter of Jackie Wilson, was engaged to Leon Sylvers, and is married to André Cymone.