Jody Watley

Jody Vanessa Watley (born January 30, 1959) is an American singer known for her versatile music career spanning multiple genres such as pop, R&B, jazz, dance, and electronic soul. She rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a member of the popular R&B/funk band Shalamar, achieving considerable success, especially in the UK. In 1988, Watley gained further recognition and won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist as a solo artist. Throughout her career, she has been nominated for three Grammy Awards. Watley received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Billboard magazine in 2008 and was featured in the historic black issue of Vogue Italia. She has also been recognized as one of the most successful dance artists of all time by Billboard and has been honored for her groundbreaking achievements and influence in the Black Music Honors TV special. Jody Watley is regarded as one of the top female artists of all time, according to Billboard's ranking in 2018.