Dr. Jody Watley received the honor of a lifetime at the Georgia State Capitol on Thursday, June 2.
A ceremony was held to honor her lifelong commitment and influence in music at the state level and she was also celebrated with Jody Watley Day being proclaimed by Georgia State Rep. Billy Mitchell in Atlanta.
Watley brought her unique blend of street style and elegance to the music scene in the as a solo act 80s and 90s that helped the R&B and Hip Hop music genres cross over into Pop. The trend setting vocalist and dancer sang about love and relatinships with an attidude that empowered women on the Grammy-winning hit "New Love." She also relased huge hits like “Real Love," “Don’t You Want Me,” “Some Kind of Lover,” “Friends” and "Still A Thrill.” The world first met Jody in 1970s as a member of the group Shalamar (”The Second Time Around,” “Dead Giveaway,” “A Night to Remember”) . Watley also have been credited with puttin her stamp on fashion trends from rocking loose pants and cropped shirts to sharp dresses and tresses.
“To be honored and recognized in this way with your own day and the presidential lifetime achievement award is absolutely surreal, and I’m truly grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey.”
Watley’s successful self-titled solo debut album celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.
A rare few stars receive the presidential honor. The artist proudly posed with the framed medal that was situated between photos of Pres. Joe Biden and Vice Pres. Kamala Harris beside it.
Watley, a Chicago native, received an honorary doctorate in business and has advocated for pay equity in music. The honoree continues to share her passion for all forms of music with the Grammy youth prorgram pouring her gifts into future generations of musicians.