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Jody Watley Net Worth 2024: What Is The Singer Worth?

May 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Jody Watley is a trailblazer in the music industry and is known for her innovative contributions to R&B and pop. She has a net worth of $6 million as of 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Watley’s career began with her stint in the influential R&B group Shalamar. Later, she launched a successful solo career that has included numerous hit singles, Grammy Awards, and a reputation as a style icon. Her work has consistently pushed the boundaries of music and fashion. This also establishes her as a major influence in both arenas.

Watley’s rise to fame started in the late 1970s as part of Shalamar, where she gained experience and exposure to the music scene. Her departure from the group in the mid-1980s marked the beginning of a solo career characterized by innovation and hits like “Looking for a New Love” and the album Jody Watley, which won the Grammy for Best New Artist.

Pioneering Music & Style

Jody Watley is recognized for her vocal talents and her distinctive style. It has often merged fashion with music, significantly influencing the industry. Her self-titled debut album, released in 1987, not only featured multiple hit singles. These included “Don’t You Want Me” and “Real Love,” showcasing her as a fashion-forward artist, bringing runway glamour to music videos and live performances. Further, her role in popularizing the music video as a vital tool for artistic expression was significant during the MTV era. She utilized this platform to its fullest potential to elevate her music and public persona. Watley’s music videos were more than promotional tools. They were artistic statements that helped define the visual language of pop music in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Continued Influence In Music & Fashion

Additionally, Watley has continued to evolve artistically. She has experimented with different musical styles, including house music and jazz, and collaborated with various artists and producers. This willingness to innovate has kept her relevant in ever-changing music and has inspired new generations of artists who admire her creativity and resilience. Further, her impact extends into fashion, where she remains a style icon known for her timeless elegance and trend-setting choices. Watley’s influence in fashion is seen in her recognition as one of Harper’s Bazaar‘s Best Dressed and her ongoing presence at high-profile fashion events.

Entrepreneurship & Advocacy

Moreover, Jody Watley has also embraced roles as an entrepreneur and advocate for artists’ rights. Her entrepreneurial ventures include launching her own record label, Avitone Recordings. There, she has released music independently, championing artist ownership and creative control. Her advocacy work includes speaking out for artists’ legal rights and remuneration, reflecting her deep understanding of the music industry’s dynamics. Watley’s ongoing projects and public appearances continue to reflect her commitment to her craft and her influence as a cultural icon. Her legacy in the music and fashion industries is marked by her chart successes and her role in shaping modern R&B and pop music landscape.

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7 Of The Best ‘80s R&B Groups

November 20, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The 80s were an amazing time for R&B. From the explosive fashion, to the new emphasis on contemporary R&B, the decade was stacked with amazing group talents. Moreover, the success of the time helped to ignite an even greater popularity by the time the 90s came around. From New Edition, to the soulful crooners of Atlantic Starr, these are the seven best groups that helped shape R&B in the 80s.

New Edition

New Edition are a staple of 80s R&B. They initially began as a modern rendition of the superstar group, the Jackson 5. However, it didn’t take long for them to establish their own unique sound and look. In fact, many people consider them to be the “original boy band.” The group, which is still active today, consists of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill, and Ralph Tresvant. Some of their most iconic songs include “Mr. Telephone Man” and “Candy Girl.” New Edition is arguably the most popular R&B group of the 80s, and have since been inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

The Gap Band

The Gap Band was named after the Greenwood, Archer, and Pine streets in Tulsa Oklahoma. Formed by the Wilson brothers: Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert, the Gap Band was known for their dance beats and high-energy songs. This was best exemplified in songs such as “Outstanding” and “You Dropped A Bomb On Me,” becoming quick staples of the 80s R&B scene.

DeBarge

DeBarge initially started with just three of the DeBarge brothers. However, in the decade that they were active, different members of the family joined the band. As a result, they evolved into creating fuller sounds and melodies, garnering a booming fanbase. At the height of their fame, they released their fourth album, Rhythm Of The Night. The title track went on to become their most popular song to date, hitting the third spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

Atlantic Starr

Despite a rotating roster of band members, Atlantic Starr was one of the dominant R&B groups of the 80s with hit after hit. They are most known for their immaculate single, “Always,” which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, their catalog of hits also includes songs like “Secret Lovers,” which made the top 10 in both the US and UK, and “Masterpiece.” Overall, their romantic and soulful R&B won them a diverse fanbase, during the 80s, and beyond.

Mary Jane Girls

The Mary Jane Girls were a girl group formed by Rick James in 1983. Though their career only lasted five years, they were able to make a big impact in a little time. Songs like “In My House“ and “All Night Long” became fan favorites. Beyond the music, Mary Jane Girls was also known for the unique individual styles of its members. Rick James famously cast each member of the group as a character archetype, including: the street girl, the model, the cheerleader, and the dominatrix.

Read More: 7 Of The Best ’90s R&B Groups

Lisa Lisa And Cult Jam

Lisa Velez’s booming vocals and general mystique were at the front and center of the success of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. The band was put together by Full Force after Velez auditioned for them and they realized that they couldn’t let her talent go. Throughout the 80s, they released R&B hit after hit. This includes their debut single “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” which was an instant chart-topper, to later hits like “Head To Toe,” and “Lost In Emotion.”

Cameo

Cameo’s music incorporated sounds of funk, disco, Hip Hop and R&B, setting them apart from their peers. They found mainstream success in the late 70s with tracks like “I Just Want To Be,” and rode that success into the 1980s. Cameosis, their fifth album, topped the R&B charts and was their second album to be certified Gold. After the success of the album, they began to churn out Gold-certified albums like no man’s business. They have continued to refine their sound through the years.

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