Listen Up: September 6, 1997 (Archive)


Release Date for Album Moved to January 98
In a surprise move that dissapointed many diehard Jody fans, Atlantic Records has moved the release date of Jody Watley's upcoming album to January of 1998. The lead-off single will be released about one month prior to this date. The album was previously slated for release in late October. However, when Jody's album didn't show up on the release schedule of major record retailers, fans began to suspect that a delay was emminent.

According to Jody's publicist, Tom Estey, the album will be entitled "Jody Watley", and not "Saturday Night Express", as previously rumored. Mr. Estey did not elaborate on why the album was delayed, but did confirm that it will be released in January, although no specific date is set. He also acknowledged that Jody is well liked by her fans and people in the music industry in general, and no doubt will have a succesfull album to show for it this coming winter.

Jody has already started making the promotional rounds, and we'll be seeing more of her in the months to come. She will guest starring on the new UPN series, "Hitz" on Tuesday, September 9 at 9pm EST.


The Evolution of An Artist
 Jody Watley has evolved dramatically since her days with Shalamar. From R&B to Funk/Dance to Pop and back to R&B, she has taken her fans along for a very alluring ride. No one really knows what to expect from Jody. But this seems to be what most of her diehard fans love about her so much-- her free spirit and sense of mystery. And it's reflected not only in her songs, but in her looks and how she portrays herself in the limelight. She's never a constant, but always changing and pushing the limits of fashion, but without going overboard.

She has evolved once again, and this time around we're sure it's gonna be something pretty special. We'll have to wait and see what the new look is going to be, what the new sound is, but one thing is certain, it will be 100% Jody Watley. Because whatever is going on in her life at the moment, will be what is reflected in her songs and in her overall attitude. But as soon as she's back on the scene, be careful not to brand her-- as a new evolution will have already begun.