Entertainment

Jody Watley: New Tour, New Music and New Shalamar

Published

11 years ago

May 30, 2015

By Mary L. Datcher
Speical to the NNPA via The Chicago Defender

If you grew up in the era of cultural identity, sexual exploration, political uprise and post-Vietnam—most likely you’re either a baby of the late 60’s and 70’s period. Each of us could probably recount a song, album or musical artist that influenced our daily moods. As we developed our musical palette into the 80’s, the world of hip hop, punk rock, funk and post disco transcended into dance—launched the power of a new generation of young women entertainers who took centerstage.

Among this breakout group of artists, was Jody Watley—a former member of the R&B group, Shalamar. A native of Chicago, Watley relocated and was raised in Los Angeles often gracing the Soul Train dance floor. Signed to Dick Griffey’s Solar Records, Shalamar was a regular fixture on Soul Train. Joining the group at the age of 18, Watley shared the spotlight with fellow group members; Jeffrey Daniels and Howard Hewitt. The group topped the R&B charts with hits such as “Second Time Around”, “A Night to Remember” and “There it Is” making them one of the most sought after groups on the international circuit. After a 3-year run with the group and creative differences, Watley left the group.

“As a child I wanted to do a lot of things – sing, dance, design and own my own business. The beginning days of Shalamar was a learning experience for me from ’77-’83 over the course of those albums there was a lot going on. The business was wrong, no one in the group was getting along and my Dad had died in 1982. It changed my life. I didn’t want to take things for granted, not wasting time, not wanting to be around people who were negative.” she said.

Soon after, she moved to England for some soul searching, where she participated on the Band Aid charity concert organized by rockstar, Bob Geldof to raise money for anti-poverty efforts in Ethiopia.

She explained. “When I left the group in ’83, most of all I wanted to be happy in my life. As long as I’m happy, I’m good. I moved to England and lived there for 3 years. I made a plan for myself in what I wanted to do, what kind of music I wanted to do. I was able to do something that not many singers from a group are able to do. To establish your own identity and create hits on your own. It doesn’t happen that often.”

Returning to the U.S., after a couple of years performing at the Band Aid charity concert, she pursued her dream of going solo as an artist. At the time, Jheryl Busby was the President of the Black Music Division at MCA Records and signed Watley knowing she had a unique appeal with the potential of crossing over into the Pop music market. Watley trusted him immensely.

“Coming back to the U.S. and I met with the various companies. When I met with Jheryl Busby, we just connected right away. He got my creativity, he instantly appreciated the fact that I knew what I wanted. All of artists at the time, had looked the same to me.” she said.

“My first album cover, I wanted to be black and white because it’s timeless. I like classic Hollywood glamour. He said, ‘black and white’ album covers don’t sale and I told him mine was going to sell. He loved it and had so much respect for me from the beginning. It wasn’t because I was girl, or just trusting the label but as a woman he empowered me. He empowered MCA Records to rally with us and me to make it happen.”

As we witnessed her rise as one of the most influential Pop music entertainers during the late 80’s into the 90’s, Watley earned a Grammy for Best New Artist, for her debut single, “Looking for a New Love” following up with another hit, “Still a Thrill”. She’s been recognized for numerous accolades for a style fashionista, gracing international magazine covers and holding her place among Pop music royalty like Madonna, Janet Jackson and Tina Turner.

“Through the moments when some people at the company didn’t think I sounded Black enough or I wasn’t street enough. Not everyone is going to get it but that’s how you become a trendsetter. I’m not trying to be Janet Jackson. I’m a freestyle girl, I’m doing fashion – the jumbo hoop eye rings, the ripped jeans so they were like, ‘what is this?’”

Most of us can remember her collabo with Hip Hop Gods, Eric B. and Rakim on “Friends” infusing R&B Dance with Hip Hop meshing the two worlds together.

With the music industry changing, being married, divorced and raising two children as a single mom—has not stopped Watley’s continual drive in her career. She’s taken time out in between projects to raise her children, nurture her independent label and release music throughout the last couple of decades.

“My daughter just graduated from college. My son is currently in college so in the midst of being ‘Jody Watley’ , to be a sane person and to have grounded children is really number one. I’ve never been afraid to step away from the spotlight and take my son and daughter to their school events. To be there to cheer them on because time goes very fast.”

Today, we still see her influence with the next generation rocking the mega hoop earrings, chunky gold jewelry, ripped jeans and a freestyle spirit of creating trends from Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Miley Cyrus and others. Everything goes full circle.

“I was determined to have it to be my own style–how I looked, the songs I was writing, who the photographers were and who I was working with. It was an easy transition and I still enjoy being a solo artist. The unique thing with the new Shalamar it feels very collaborative. It’s refreshing for me to not think of every detail.”

Watley not only has a new project gearing up for a summer release but she has recently brought together new members to launch the new Shalamar. After years of re-issues of the Shalamar catalog through various companies between the U.S. and abroad, Watley was frustrated at her likeness and image being misused. After a long search and the advice of her attorney, she found out the group’s name had not been trademarked.

“In life and in business, you have to have good people around you that are trying to protect you. That’s what led me to it. It was a thorough process for two years so that there was no shady business going on. With a trademark, it’s a long and exhaustive process. So, with a brand – what do you do with it? How can you make it fresh and honor the legacy of it but also bring some younger people on board? Make it something that is marketable and not for just the older fans – the classics.” she said.

###

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Related Topics:Jody Watley Music musicians R&B albums

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Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

Published

11 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Oakland Post

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Black History

How Black WNBA Players Became Collateral Damage in the Caitlin Clark Culture War

AFRO-AMERICAN – WASHINGTON — Caitlin Clark, a WNBA player, has been weaponized against Black women, leading to federal government involvement. A letter signed by 11 Republican lawmakers, led by Texas Rep. August Pfluger, was sent to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, threatening a Department of Justice investigation into the league due to concerns that fouls against Clark “may be racially motivated.

Published

17 hours ago

July 27, 2026

bpusa-syndication

How Black WNBA Players Became Collateral Damage in the Caitlin Clark Culture War

(Black Press USA Newswire) – Caitlin Clark is more than a WNBA player; she has become a tool of weaponization against Black women. And now the federal government is involved.

Led by Texas Rep. August Pfluger, 11 Republican lawmakers signed a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, threatening to have the Department of Justice investigate the league because fouls against Clark “may be racially motivated.”

“As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation. If discrimination or retaliation is occurring and creating a hostile work environment, we support any appropriate investigation by the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If true, such conduct could constitute violations of federal civil rights laws,” the letter stated.

The letter creates a false narrative and is irresponsible and dangerous.

Stephanie Christmas, a former women’s basketball player at Georgia Southern University, has remained a WNBA fan since its inaugural season in 1997. Christmas has never seen politicians use their platforms to sway the league’s direction.

“If you want only one player to play the game, that’s not basketball anymore,” Christmas shared. “I don’t think that they should be putting any legislation in place. They are making it worse for the players and the WNBA game.”

The people who are using Clark as a tool couldn’t care less about what occurs in between the lines of a basketball court. Statistically, Clark is a decent shooter and above-average passer, but she lacks offensive efficiency and is a liability on defense. Her most staunch defenders are not basketball enthusiasts; instead, they view Clark as a symbol to further their hatred for Black women.

Every moment of discomfort Clark appears to face on the court becomes an opportunity for her supporters to unleash vile and racist language against the alleged perpetrator. If Clark is fouled hard, engages in trash talk with an opponent, or receives what she views as an unfair call by a referee, her defenders are incited to unleash their wrath.

During a tightly contested match between Clark’s Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury in June, the Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas and Clark were on the court battling for a loose ball. Thomas’ arm briefly pressed against Clark’s neck during the scramble, but no foul was called. Following the game, Thomas was issued a flagrant one and suspended for one game by WNBA officials. The play triggered Clark’s supporters, and they aimed racial slurs and death threats at Thomas. Thomas responded by calling out WNBA commissioner Engelbert for not protecting athletes in the league.

“We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy. It’s no surprise,” Thomas shared in a press conference after her suspension. “You can see what’s being said on social media. It’s unfortunate, but as usual, she remains silent. That’s unfortunate when our lives are being threatened.”

It was only after Thomas’ statement that Engelbert responded to the threats sparked by Clark’s supporters.

“The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate,” Engelbert said in a statement. “The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority. We ‌are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community.”

Weeks later, Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces faced racial animus following a simple foul call that went against Clark. While driving to the basket, Gray was fouled on the arm by Clark, who collapsed to the ground and held her stomach as if she was in pain. Clark yelled at the referee, claiming that Gray had hit her, but video replay proved that Gray never initiated contact with Clark.

But an otherwise normal basketball play led to Gray enduring racial slurs and harassment. Following the game, Gray reposted a screenshot on Instagram of a man using a racial slur against her, and she wrote, “People act like we make this s— up.”

The post went viral, and the man, who worked for Hilton Grand Vacations, was fired within days.

Gray responded to the ordeal in a press conference, revealing that she and other WNBA players have faced ongoing harassment.

“Enough is kind of enough,” Gray said. “These messages are not the first time. It’s not. There was other stuff, too. I just decided to share that one. This time I got fed up with it, and I just decided to share it. And maybe I don’t share the other ones, but I know people will think twice.”

Clark never asked to become a symbol for those who aim hatred at Black women, but is she doing enough to distance herself from the position?

She issued a statement after hearing of the harassment Thomas experienced. “The harassment, the hate. None of that is OK,” Clark said. “There should never be a question of character, as I’ve always stood up here and said that, and that’s truly what I believe; that’s how I was raised. So, none of that is okay, and I don’t want anyone to experience that.”

It’s similar to another statement Clark made in 2025 after Angel Reese faced racial slurs while playing against the Fever in Indianapolis. “There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society,” Clark said. “Certainly, we want every person who comes into our arena, whether player or fan, to have a great experience. I appreciate the league doing that. I appreciate that the Fever organization has been at the forefront of that.”

A competitive moment between Clark and Reese during the 2023 NCAA Championship game sparked a cultural division that followed both players to the WNBA. Their star power has coincided with the league’s recent emergence, but the overall success continues to be marred by the divisiveness initiated by Clark’s supporters.

“I would like for to have addressed her fans,” Christmas said. “Her fans are making threats, and they’re making racist comments. And it’s only racial coming from her fans. They don’t even really love the game. They just love her and then try to make it about race. At some point. I would like to see her stand against her fans when she sees them attacking some people that are on the court.”

Beyond her polarizing fanbase, Clark has also been accused of presenting herself as a victim and throwing tantrums on the court when things don’t go her way. During a recent game against the Golden State Valkyries, Clark used her hand to create distance while driving for a layup against the Valkyries’ Kiah Stokes. Clark fell to the ground after the layup and began berating referee Gerda Gatling while yelling, “Give me a f—-g call! I got fouled five times!” Replay video revealed that Stokes initiated no contact, and Gatling showed restraint by not giving Clark a technical foul.

The clip of Clark’s tantrum went viral, and she faced backlash online for her negative attitude.

“Caitlin Clark is a liar and the most dangerous type of white woman,” @mama4obama wrote on X. “One whose lies get Black women death threats. She wasn’t even touched and should have been thrown out of the game for the way she behaved toward the ref.”

“The Caitlin Clark experience serves as a microcosm of America’s divided socio-political atmosphere.”

The Caitlin Clark experience serves as a microcosm of America’s divided socio-political atmosphere. She has been chosen as a figurehead for hatred and division while her Black colleagues on the court remain prime targets.

It’s become an inescapable stain for a league that fought for years to garner interest and respect.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.

The post How Black WNBA players became collateral damage in the Caitlin Clark culture war appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Based on reporting by Afro-American – Washington.

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Commentary

Free Back-to-School Summer Family and Community Event Is Coming to Richmond

OAKLAND POST — Why is the film important? In 2025, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported standardized test reading score results of six selected student groups: African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, Two or More Races, and White.

Published

1 day ago

July 26, 2026

bpusa-syndication

By Carol Lee Tolbert

Boost African American and Black student literacy skills this school year by attending the 2026 ‘Right-To-Read’ film viewing on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. An award-winning documentary exposing the literacy crisis impacting many African American and Black students in our public schools.

In the words of the film’s director, “It’s a game changer.” After the audience views this eye-opening film, our experienced panelists will provide information to parents, guardians, and advocates on how to help children become proficient readers, close the literacy gap, and share why literacy matters.

Here is an example of a comment by a past attendee: “Excellent experience!” “The panel was amazing!”

Why is the film important? In 2025, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported standardized test reading score results of six selected student groups: African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, Two or More Races, and White.

Sadly, African American/Black students ranked last in fourth-grade reading scores and 5th in eighth-grade reading scores. So, what’s the big deal? According to NAEP, just 10 points can mean a grade-level difference between two students in the same class!

THE MORNING ALSO INCLUDES: A Backpack Giveaway, Fun Activities for Kids, Breakfast, Lunch, Prizes, and Materials!

To be sure, some African American/Black students are thriving in public schools, but far too many are not – as the data reveals. By watching this inspiring film and hearing from panelists, WCCUSD parents, guardians, and advocates can give children a jumpstart on the 2026-2027 school year. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed!

This event is sponsored by the Oakland Eastbay Alliance of Black Educators (OEABE), in partnership with Easter Hill United Methodist Church and United Women of Faith.

Pre-register by July 29 at www.oeabe.org. Space is limited. Inquiries can be emailed to oeabe.info@gmail.com. Event location is 3911 Cutting Blvd, Richmond.

About the Author

Carol Lee Tolbert, M.A., M. Ed., is a former School Board Trustee, Education Consultant, and Vice President of OEABE.