Grammy Award-winning vocalist/producer/songwriter Jody Watley made a name for herself with the dance-soul trio Shalamar before embarking on a solo career that would bring her numerous Top Ten hits and a reputation as "The Queen of Cool." Watley was born in Chicago, IL, on January 30, 1959, but grew up in Los Angeles. Jody's teenage gig as a dancer on Soul Train would lead to a meeting with the hit TV show's booking agent, Dick Griffey. Along with fellow singers Jeffrey Daniels and Gerald Brown, Watley was recruited by Griffey to join Shalamar in 1977. A string of poppy dance-soul hits that would chart in America and the U.K. began in 1979 with "Take That to the Bank." She was one of the first black artists of the 80s and 90s to successfully merge music and fashion. Recognized as a trendsetter, her sense of style was noteworthy, leading to layouts for Harpers Bazaar, VOGUE, and Rolling Stone, and named one of People Magazines 50 Most Beautiful People. Jody also participated in historic charity single - Band Aid Do They Know Its Christmas and the first 'Red, Hot and Blue' project - created to provide HIV and Aids Awareness around the world...through music.

www.jodywatley.net