Black Music Month Rewind: Jody Watley Makes Impact 1987

Magazine cover of Jet featuring Jody Watley, smiling and wearing a black crop top with a silver belt, showcasing a stylish pose.
Jody Watley – JET Magazine 1987 Cover – Photography Isaac Sutton

On June 22, 1987, Jody Watley appeared on the cover of JET Magazine, one of the most influential publications in Black culture and media.

The feature arrived during a landmark year for the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter as her self-titled debut solo album established her as one of the most exciting artists in contemporary music. Released earlier that year on MCA Records, Jody Watley delivered a series of hit singles that showcased her distinctive blend of R&B, pop, dance music, fashion, and innovation.

The album produced multiple Billboard Top 10 hits, including the No. 1 R&B and No. 1 Dance smash “Looking For A New Love,” along with “Still A Thrill,” “Don’t You Want Me,” and “Some Kind Of Lover.” The success of the project demonstrated Watley’s creative vision as an artist, songwriter, and trendsetter, helping to redefine the possibilities for women in popular music.

At a time when a JET Magazine cover represented an important cultural milestone, the feature recognized a rising star whose influence extended beyond music into fashion, style, and contemporary culture.

The cover captured a pivotal moment in a career that would continue to break barriers and set new standards. Nearly four decades later, Jody Watley remains celebrated for her artistry, innovation, and enduring impact on music and culture.

Her newest release is “The Dawn” #1 Record of the Week on UK Soul Radio.

#OnThisDay #JodyWatley #JETMagazine #MusicHistory #BlackMusicMonth

About The Artist: Jody Watley

Producer • Songwriter • Creative Entrepreneur • Independent Music Pioneer

GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Avitone Recordings.

For more than four decades, Jody Watley has built a career defined by innovation, creative independence, and cultural influence. As a pioneering solo artist, she helped redefine the intersections of music, fashion, visual storytelling, and popular culture while earning multi-platinum success, chart-topping hits, and industry recognition including induction into the Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame and inclusion in Billboard’s lists of the Top Female Artists, Top Dance Artists, and Top Black Solo Artists of All Time.

In 1995, Watley founded Avitone Recordings, establishing an independent platform focused on artistic ownership, strategic partnerships, and creative freedom. Through Avitone, she has continued to develop new music, multimedia projects, brand collaborations, and innovative approaches to audience engagement while maintaining a global presence across streaming, digital media, live performance, and content creation.

Today, Jody Watley remains committed to creating forward-thinking music spanning dance, electronic, soul, and pop while championing authenticity, innovation, and long-term artistic sustainability.

Revisit and Discover her Ongoing Discography; https://jodywatley.net/discography/

Jody Watley’s Summer Wishes and Music Updates

As we enter a new summer season, Jody Watley extends well wishes to everyone. With so much going on, especially in LA please be safe, cool and informed.

Life can be tricky – Stay in your magic!

Watch the NEW video upload here and other recent uploads including a rare video interview from 1987. Jody Watley talks with Richard Blade about the moment she first heard “Looking for a New Love” on the radio — and the creative vision behind her iconic debut video. A true original, then and now.

Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for a new music release announcement celebrating 3 decades of being independent via Avitone coming soon.

Jody Watley Classic Image of The Day. JET Magazine Cover 1987. Solo Debut Feature.

Wattage!