My UK days. Produced with Gary Langan, Anne Dudley,  JJ Jeclazik who would become ‘The Art Of Noise’ and written with Bruce Woolley formerly of ‘The Buggles’ while living in London just after quitting Shalamar. I had short tumultuous stint on Phonogram Records. The album was never released but it was my connection at Phonogram that resulted in my participation of one of music’s biggest charity singles “Band Aid - Do They Know It’s Christmas.” Everything happens for a reason.
The single that preceded this was “Where The Boys Are” (not the old 50’s classic) but same writing and production collaborator’s as ‘Girls Night Out.’ The clash was strong with Phonogram as I wanted edgy dance funk eager to establish my own distinct identity - they wanted to do music that sounded like my former group Shalamar. Though that music was great, that wasn’t what I wanted to do. This era of 1983-84 was also the first I started rocking Jean Paul Gaultier who was virtually unknown as seen on the cover of ‘Girls Night Out’ and the video for ‘Where The Boys Are’ (complete with his cone bra, albeit the less extreme version, though I also had the extreme version in red-the bra of course would be made famous and become a ‘signature’ look many years later).  By the time I returned to America in 1986, I had my vibe totally worked out and signed with a label who supported and my vision.

My UK days. Produced with Gary Langan, Anne Dudley,  JJ Jeclazik who would become ‘The Art Of Noise’ and written with Bruce Woolley formerly of ‘The Buggles’ while living in London just after quitting Shalamar. I had short tumultuous stint on Phonogram Records. The album was never released but it was my connection at Phonogram that resulted in my participation of one of music’s biggest charity singles “Band Aid - Do They Know It’s Christmas.” Everything happens for a reason.

The single that preceded this was “Where The Boys Are” (not the old 50’s classic) but same writing and production collaborator’s as ‘Girls Night Out.’ The clash was strong with Phonogram as I wanted edgy dance funk eager to establish my own distinct identity - they wanted to do music that sounded like my former group Shalamar. Though that music was great, that wasn’t what I wanted to do. This era of 1983-84 was also the first I started rocking Jean Paul Gaultier who was virtually unknown as seen on the cover of ‘Girls Night Out’ and the video for ‘Where The Boys Are’ (complete with his cone bra, albeit the less extreme version, though I also had the extreme version in red-the bra of course would be made famous and become a ‘signature’ look many years later).  By the time I returned to America in 1986, I had my vibe totally worked out and signed with a label who supported and my vision.

(Source: blackculture)

The one and only Marvin Gaye is gone but never forgotten. Though his life ended tragically this day 28 years ago, he left an incredible legacy of music and artistry for generations to come. I’m so happy to have grown up with this quality music and to be exposed and influenced by his fearlessness to grow and evolve throughout his career. His 73rd birthday would have been tomorrow. If you ever have a chance, ‘Divided Soul’ by David Ritz is a must read.

The one and only Marvin Gaye is gone but never forgotten. Though his life ended tragically this day 28 years ago, he left an incredible legacy of music and artistry for generations to come. I’m so happy to have grown up with this quality music and to be exposed and influenced by his fearlessness to grow and evolve throughout his career. His 73rd birthday would have been tomorrow. If you ever have a chance, ‘Divided Soul’ by David Ritz is a must read.

Jody Watley by Skrebneski for Saks Fifth Avenue Fall Winter Catalog 1995. “The New Coat” 1 page of 15 (Military Coat).

Jody Watley by Skrebneski for Saks Fifth Avenue Fall Winter Catalog 1995. “The New Coat” 1 page of 15 (Military Coat).

Jody Watley by Steven Meisel, 1989. Black and White

Jody Watley by Steven Meisel, 1989. Black and White

Classic Vintage. Ashford & Simpson. Great music and style.

I first discovered designer Norma Kamali and shoe designer Charles Jourdan from this dynamic and legendary duo when I was in the group Shalamar back in the late 70’s early 80’s.
RIP Nick Ashford. Prayers to Valerie Simpson and their daughters, family and friends.

Classic Vintage. Ashford & Simpson. Great music and style.

I first discovered designer Norma Kamali and shoe designer Charles Jourdan from this dynamic and legendary duo when I was in the group Shalamar back in the late 70’s early 80’s.

RIP Nick Ashford. Prayers to Valerie Simpson and their daughters, family and friends.

Jody Watley. Vintage Tour Book Photo in Jean Paul Gaultier. 1989. 

Jody Watley. Vintage Tour Book Photo in Jean Paul Gaultier. 1989.