JODY WATLEY feat. Shalamar "Reloaded"

Jody Watley, an original member of SHALAMAR has a voice and sound that remains a distinct and identifiable piece in the legacy of classic hits, millions of albums sold worldwide. Watley established herself as an early style and dance icon from her days with Shalamar and preceding that from her days as a popular dancer on the iconic show Soul Train.

In 2014 Jody Watley became the legal and registered trademark owner of Shalamar® and formed a new incarnation featuring Nate Allen Smith and Rosero McCoy. In a short timespan, Shalamar® "Reloaded" has performed to sold out concerts around the United States (Oakland, New York, Washington D.C., Atlantic City to name a few) performing the classic hits with fervor and renewed energy, as well they've traveled abroad for concerts in Amsterdam (Melkweg), Brazil (Sao Paulo AudioClub), the UK (Let's Rock London, Happy Days Festival) add to the new mix the high profile television appearances that have followed (WGN Morning News Chicago, KTLA Morning News Los Angeles with Sam Rubin, MY Fox5 DC Morning Show), a one hour special on SIRIUSXM's The Groove with BK Kirkland for the first edition of "In The Groove", countless features from Essence, JET, Eurweb, popular music blog SingersRoom to name a few. Shalamar ® Reloaded released the single "SlowDance" and are set to film their debut video directed by Damien Sandoval.


“I respect my past,” says Grammy-winning singer-songwriter-fashion icon Jody Watley, “but I’m not nostalgic. I hate it when people say, ‘Oh, the good old days…’ Well, the good old days are now, what you make of the now. Some of the music may take people back, however it's about creating new moments, new memories - with fresh ingriedients.”
That attitude, which is the core of her work ethic and creative approach, recently earned Ms. Watley the distinction of being named “one of the most prominent visionaries of her era” by Wax Poetics magazine. It’s also her modus operandi with Shalamar Reloaded, the rebooted version of the iconic R&B/pop trio that launched Ms. Watley’s music career over thirty years ago. Having acquired trademark rights to the name SHALAMAR in 2014, Ms. Watley has brought the brand into the 21st century, weaving the group’s signature sound (rich harmonies, soulful melodies) with fresh choreography and state-of-the-art musical beds composed of innovative beats and forward grooves.


“Becoming owner allows me to revive the name for a new audience, to not get stuck in the safety net of nostalgia because I’m not interested in doing what I’ve already done,” says Ms. Watley. Live in concert we don't disappoint the older fan base because we deliver the hits from "A Night To Remember", "Take That To The Bank", "The Second Time Around", "I Owe You One" "Make That Move", "Right In The Socket" and more making them feel fresh because of the choreography and energy - as well it sounds like what people remember of Shalamar.

Joining Ms. Watley for Shalamar Reloaded are singer/dancer/choreographers Rosero McCoy (Usher, Beyoncé, America’s Next Best Dance Crew, Shake it Up, The Sing Off) and breakout young Ohio talent Nate Allen Smith. The trio’s dynamic stage show breathes new life into Shalamar classics “A Night To Remember,” “Take That To The Bank,” and “The Second Time Around” in a set that includes signature Jody Watley solo hits like “Friends,” “Looking For a New Love,” and “Don’t You Want Me,” as well as music from her 2014 smash album Paradise. That album’s first single “Nightlife” – her 19th Billboard Top 20 Dance hit; a UK Top 10 Commercial Pop and UK Top 5 soul hit – added another notch to her impressive chart history: six Top 10 Pop singles; thirteen #1 Dance Singles; seven Top 5 R&B Singles; two Top 20 pop albums; 2 Top 10 R&B albums; and a Top 5 R&B album. Paradise celebrates dance music’s classic sounds and motifs (nodding to disco, House, soulful R&B,) while looking squarely to the future. As an artistic statement, it’s a perfect encapsulation of Ms. Watley’s career thus far: This is where I’ve been / this is what I’ve done / this is where I am and what I’m doing right now / this is how I’m mapping the future.

“There’s new merchandise for fans to purchase, with plans for new music and other exciting projects in the pipeline.” The new SHALAMAR "Reloaded" with their modern blend of pop, soul, funk and electronica have quickly become a live in concert fan favorite around the world.