Who Is Jody Watley? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on January 30, 1959, Jody Watley is a prominent American singer-songwriter and record producer. As of 2025, she is 66 years old. With an impressive career spanning over three decades, Watley gained fame in the 1980s as a member of the group Shalamar and later embarked on a solo career that catapulted her to international stardom. Known for her distinct voice and style, Watley remains an influential figure in the music industry.
| Occupation | Blues Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1959 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Jody Watley's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jody Watley has always maintained a fit and healthy lifestyle. In 2025, she stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighs around 130 pounds (59 kg). Her body measurements include a 36-28-38 figure, showcasing her commitment to fitness and well-being.
After two-and-a-half years in England, Watley returned to America and secured a recording deal with MCA Records, eager to establish her own identity. Her debut solo studio album, titled Jody Watley, was released in March 1987, and she co-wrote six of the album's nine songs with partner André Cymone, who also produced her first four albums.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Watley would say that she wanted to showcase her voice against "really funky hard dance tracks". The album's lead single, "Looking for a New Love", became a hit and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album peaked at number ten on the U.S.
Billboard 200, number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and sold two million copies in the United States and a total of four million copies worldwide.
It produced five uptempo dance and R&B singles that charted on the Billboard Hot 100, with three peaking within the top ten: "Looking for a New Love" (#2), "Still a Thrill" (#56), "Don't You Want Me" (#6), "Some Kind of Lover" (#10) and "Most of All" (#60) Also included on her debut album was a duet with George Michael, "Learn to Say No", produced
by Bernard Edwards of Chic fame.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Jody Watley has been open about her relationships. As of 2025, she is reportedly dating a private individual, keeping her romantic life relatively under wraps. Previously, Watley was married to musician Nicholas Krampe from 1993 to 1998, and she has one son, to whom she is deeply devoted. Jody values her family life and often shares moments with her son on social media, showcasing the importance of family in her life.
Apparently undeterred by disappointing sales, Watley stated she was more concerned with broadening her creative boundaries than in having huge record sales. In November 1993, MCA released her fourth solo album, the introspective relationship-themed Intimacy.
Noting that new jack swing was the emerging popular subgenre of R&B at the time, Amy Linden wrote in People magazine that Intimacy continued the process of Watley's move toward more refreshingly adult themes and that Watley was deserving of serious attention. Watley herself said that the songs she wrote were always personal statements.
Net Worth and Salary
Jody Watley's successful career in the music industry has amassed her considerable wealth. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is around $5 million. This figure is a result of her album sales, touring, and ventures in the entertainment industry. In addition to her music career, Watley has also received significant income from endorsements and business investments, further contributing to her financial success.
A previously unreleased song featuring Watley with George Duke titled "Baby Love" was included as a bonus track on The Best of George Duke: The Electra Years in 1997.
Career, Business and Investments
Jody Watley's musical career took off in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After achieving fame with Shalamar, she launched a successful solo career with hits like "Looking for a New Love" and "Everything," earning her a Grammy Award. Continually evolving her sound, Watley has explored various genres, ensuring her place in the industry.
Beyond music, Watley is an astute entrepreneur, venturing into fashion and wellness. She launched her own line of beauty products, emphasizing natural health and self-care. In 2025, she also invests in various tech startups, demonstrating her versatility and business acumen.
In 2022, Jody Watley received an honorary doctorate in business and Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from Joe Biden at Jody Watley Day at Georgia State Capitol, and was inducted into Women Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Social Network
Jody Watley maintains an active presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans worldwide. She regularly updates her followers on her music, projects, and personal life through Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. As of 2025, she has amassed a considerable following, allowing her to engage with a diverse audience and promote her latest works.
In February 2010, Jody Watley joined Jamie Foxx onstage at a post-Grammy event for a duet performance of her signature hit "Looking For a New Love" and also appeared in the VH1 documentary Soul Train: The Hippest Trip In America.
On October 27, 2012, Watley starred in the one time international humanitarian musical event Loving the Silent Tears with performers from 16 countries and cultures, created by Al Kasha, directed by Vincent Paterson and choreographed by Bonnie Story at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles
Education
Jody Watley attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to study sociology before fully committing to her music career. Although she has enjoyed significant success in the industry, she emphasizes the importance of education and personal growth, often encouraging her fans to pursue their passions relentlessly.
Watley made her first stage appearance at eight years old with family friend and godfather Jackie Wilson. She got her start on the TV dance show Soul Train at the age of 14. At Dorsey High School she was voted 'best dancer' in her senior class poll.
Documented by Ebony magazine in 1977 as a part of "The New Generation," Jody Watley was one of the most popular dancers on the show and recognized as a trendsetter for her style and dance moves.
As standouts on the television show, Watley and fellow Soul Train dancer Jeffrey Daniel were selected to join Gary Mumford and become original members of the R&B group Shalamar by show creator Don Cornelius. (Mumford was shortly replaced by Gerald Brown, and Brown himself was soon replaced by Howard Hewett as lead vocalist.
) The lineup of Hewett, Watley and Daniel would be the most successful. Watley remained with Shalamar from 1977 to 1983.
The trio released several albums and scored several hits on both the pop and R&B charts including "Take That to the Bank", "The Second Time Around", "Make That Move", "For the Lover In You", "Dead Giveaway" and "A Night to Remember".
Because of conflicts within the group, disagreements about the artistic direction of Shalamar with Dick Griffey, and lack of payment from Solar Records, she finally left the group in 1983, prior to the release of The Look album.
