A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

miss watley is everything

MISS Jody Watley made it a "Night to Remember" for 'Life of Riley' (and childhood friend Ernest Maynor's BDAY + NJ BFF TATA met her "DIVA" in person). B.B. King Blues Club's was the place to be as MISS Watley sang from her Shalamar AND solo repertoire. She was in AWESOME VOICE and her performance gave everything her loyal fans (and the sold-out audience) hunger to experience: the HITS; the MOVES; the DRAG; the DRAMA; and the DIVA! I was on my feet through most of the highly-charged set... and on my knees  -BOWING DOWN - for the rest! LOL! SO WAS THE REST OF HER LOYAL FOLLOWING! She did 'Most' of the material but not 'everything'! BACKSTORY: So, I have loved MISS Jody Watley since she was a teenager – dancing on Soul Train before she joined the group Shalamar – at which time I was a footloose and fancy-free Air Force Brat of six-years old in San Bernadino, CA on Norton Air Force Base --- with a blow-out of dusty dark brown and the inevitable bell bottoms! LOL! Well, fast forward through many years in which she brought me only the FIERCEST brand of JOY - from the balance of her SHALAMAR years through to the launch and lift-off of her SOLO career... and stop for a moment on July 1995. Philadelphia. And MISS Jody Watley was headlining a concert for the National Association of Black Journalists' annual convention. She called me on stage to dance with her. Talk about A NIGHT TO REMEMBER! Though I’d seen her fabulous solo show a couple of years ago at B.B. KINGS, I got another opportunity to be an audience with MISS Jody Watley (album) back in September 2013. Her publicist Juanita Stephens is a mutual friend and led MISS JODY WATLEY to my blog A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY as a vehicle to – via phone and an on-line Q&A - update folks on her latest release "PARADISE" – quite the global dance senastion: iTunes Digitally (as well as other select digital outlets) –

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/paradise/id901587446?uo=4  [EXCLUSIVE CD, includes 'Everlasting' not available digital: http://jodywatley.bigcartel.com/]. What a GREAT PHONE CHAT:

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/9/10/a-nightlife-to-remember.html. SO LAST NIGHT: MISS JODY WATLEY was back at B.B. King Blues Club accompanied by her new and reloaded Shalamar… and we ENJOYED THE SHOW; CELEBRATED BFF (since 7th grade), Ernest Maynor’s birthday; and – afterwards – got some LIFE OF RILEY & JODY WATLEY time and - FINALLY - my posed photo op (though LOVE NABJ bestie and Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts captured MISS WATLEY and me on stage in Philly). Was great to catch with MISS JODY WATLEY on all she's got going: her upcoming shows - including one in NYC this summer (TBA; Stay tuned...); how she came to re-incorporate the SHALAMAR legacy into her SOLO shows - now that she OWNS THE NAME & BRAND! YOU GO, MISS JODY!; and – because ‪#‎itsinthemusic – she shared that her upcoming music release plans, which include forthcoming single “DANCER”: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/paradise/id901587446?uo=4. AND we're excited to hear some of what we didn't hear this go around THE NEXT TIME - including: "Most of All"; "Everything"; "All Begins With You" (MY REQUEST FOR NEXT! LOL!); "When A Man Loves A Woman"; "Off The Hook"; and WHAT ELSE? Shalamar’s “I Don’t Wanna Be The Last” and the MOTOWN REVUE song! LOL! OH, WE JUST LOVE YOU, JODY WATLEY! And could listen to you and DANCE WITH YOU ALL NIGHT LONG! SHOUT OUT to MR. WALLACE who works with JODY... and Editor in Chief of UPTOWN MAGAZINE, my brother friend Isoul Harris! XOXOXOXO ‪#‎JodyWatley#itsinthemusic ‪#‎dancer ‪#‎paradise ‪#‎nightlife‪#‎lifeofriley#allstarkaraoke ‪#‎billiesblack ‪#‎motownmay#ARISETV360 ‪#‎NBCBLK‪#‎COZITV ‪#‎OWNTV ‪#‎TVONE#CENTRICTV ‪#‎BET

more arise

In the wake of doing a freelance interview with Lee Daniels for recurring client NBCBLK: 

 

Author of "The Work" Wes Moore!

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghEXbewLspY

The Authors of "Single Man Married Man!"

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hbvDBYlCJs

Author of "MelloYello" Walker Smith!

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHd0HBPTpQ4

T.S. MONK (Thelonious Monk III)

- http://youtu.be/1EMJPYRQSW4

BRIAN WATKINS (jeweler)

- http://youtu.be/T4dNgHuqxa4

Zaraah Abrahams (from Spike Lee's "Da Sweet Blood of Jesus")

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOIm5qqeIdE

#arise360 #ariseTV360 #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #wesmoore #thework #singlemanmarriedman #pervistaylor #melloyello #jacktherapper #walkersmith #brianwatkins #ritani #theloniousmonkIII

vivica a. fox

Shout out to my friends from SavvyMarketing Entertainment Group LLc for inviting us out to the Unsung HOLLYWOOD premiere of Vivica A. Fox which is airing on TV One! IT'S GOOD!!!!!! And was good to see my peeps Savoy Walker; Mark A Forrest; Cynna Gorham; Tasha Lynch; Jamar Dunn; Deborah Gregory; and MISS Vivica A Fox herself!

3 the hard way comedy

Shout out to my BET colleague and sister in CREATIVITY, Thembisa Mshaka, for hipping me to some work she's doing with an amazing comic named Jabari Baraka Davis, whose definitely on the rise in standup. He produces an event called 3 The Hard Way Comedy--the goal being to diversify comedy in NYC with talented women and people of color taking the often segregated stages of Manhattan. He considers himself a product of both philosophy and hip hop, and his comedy reflects this in unexpected ways. He's also a former substitute teacher, so the jokes are smart and street.The BHM edition has 3 Black comedians: Seaton C. Smith and Janelle James join Jabari Davis on 2/24 at 8pm at Stand Up NY LabsY. There will also be shows March 6 and 31 - so look for my updated accordingly and know that I'll likely be at one of the shows. SO, PLEASE SAY HI, if you come. Here's a link to Jabari's bio: http://jabaridavis.site.socxs.com/home CONGRATS!

get focused on reading

Shout out to my brother friend Goldin Martinez, Founder of Get Focused - www.getfocused.org - introducing its newest initiative called Get Focused On Reading, which will be the focus of an event on Saturday, March 21st, 2015 at Inwood Academy to commemorate National Reading Month. They want to increase their impact with Get Focused On Reading… and to give you a chance to help:

1. Organize a book collection with your network. They accept all books from poetry, biographies, children books, and more, and can arrange a pick-up. This will help us reach our goal of 1,000 books.2. Make a personal monetary donation to our cause. This will help us with transportation, storage, t-shirts, marketing material, etc. Our goal is to raise $2,000 to help pay for expenses.

Go to www.getfocused.org for more information.

standing next to God

He's much like a nephew! Mr. Myles and his mom Tracey Moore are producing his documentary "Standing Next to God" about his recovery from traumatic brain injury. Please make a Love Donation and share this link in your network. Thank you! This is the fundraising campaign for Standing Next to God -Myles Marable: http://de.gofund.me/StandingNextToGod  ‪#‎StandingNextToGod

precious queen

MY LATE, GREAT MOM QUEEN ELIZABETH BELLINGER RILEY - a social media SENSATION! LOL! With all the controversy over Beyonce and Ledisi and "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" and the Grammys, I'd been having an internal dialogue with myself about MY LATE, GREAT MOM QUEEN ELIZABETH BELLINGER RILEY. My self-chat goes something like this: "Thank you, Thomas Dorsey for the song! Thank you, Mahalia for sharing it with the world! Thank you, Ledisi for your recording on SELMA! Thank you, Beyonce for your performance on the THE GRAMMYS! But NO ONE SANG "TAKE MY HAND, PRECIOUS LORD" LIKE MY MOTHER!!!!!!!!" 

Well, I'd told many of you my mother could sing and did often in The House of Prayer (our family church) as well as in all our travels - from Germany to Japan to California to Valdosta, GA, etc.  I've even compared her to Mahalia Jackson with a little Tamala Mann to boot! LOL! Well, via FACEBOOK, it seems we're not the only ones thinking this. A FACEBOOK note from my sister's childhood friend from our mid-to-late-'70s days in San Bernadino, Califonia on Norton Air Force Base underscored what we always knew (How’d she remember, after all these years?):

 February 10 at 7:05am · Edited ·

Janice, I don't care what anyone says "Queen" is still my winner when it comes to singing "Take my hand". Everytime I hear it I remember her singing it at Norton! — feeling blessed.

 MY FIRST DIVA! LOL! #RIP #QUEENELIZABETHBELLINGERRILEY

 

 

KEKE WYATT

 WEEK 4 of Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley did that!

It featured the announcement of our #motownmay

And Keke Wyatt was our SUPREMELY SPECIAL GUEST!

 She SANG - including a LOVELY BDAY serenade for my partner Anthony Harper! It was to the tune of "If Only You Knew" - a song Keke Wyatt covered some years ago of the Patti LaBelle classic: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202471111313827&set=vb.1075882270&type=2&theater.

First things first, THANKS to everybody for coming out! We had record numbers on the strength of our little night that could... and IS DOING - only because of our ALL STAR KARAOKE regulars who support us week-after-week at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul whether we have surprises, giveaways, or not.

This time, however, our cup runneth over with surprises and giveaways.

Our weekly sponsor is Joseph Riley Land ( Riley/Land Gourmet Pantry) - www.riley-land.com. He is popping up all over Harlem. Tonight's gift: A Taste of the South including handmade toffee from NC, drenched in dark chocolate and topped with finel-ground pecans, award-winning stone-ground grits from SC, Virginia peanuts dusted with wasabi; and an Uber car credit.

And all the singers brought their A game!

I couldn't name all the fabulous talent (Some clips, however, I must share - like this one with my boo boo Darius Booker! Can't he sang?

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202590938709284).

 Still, I must name my "internet wife" Mara Schiavocampo, who is a BFF,  popped by. And you know we had so much fun! And we didn't take it for granted given she had just completed a busy day as ABC News Correspondent - often filing on "Good Morning America". I LOVE YOU, MY MARA!

 

And certainly she is standing on Whitney's shoulders! So much so that after KeKe did "If Only You Knew" for Ant, I offered him a song. He asked for "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" (also by Whitney) and half-way into the song, KeKe came back from her seat to join me on stage:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202587840755200&set=vb.1172177040&type=2&theater

 &  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152166354908737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater.

This, after we discovered the song Ant loves for me to sing wasn't available: Des'Ree's "Kissing You"). WHAT A BLAST! And may I say that KEKE was FUN, GRACIOUS, GENEROUS of her time and talent, and even said some SWEET THINGS about her enjoyment of my VOICE! HEY! She also said she would LOVE to come back some time! We'll keep the door open and your mic hot, KeKe! CONGRATS ON EVERYTHING!

 THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I feel each and every one of your well wishes! And I am eternally grateful. #ENDLESSLOVE

 

MOTOWN MAY

 

And all of this went down before I made the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL and BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE are partnering for MOTOWN MAY – an opportunity for one of our ALL STAR KARAOKE REGULARS to – get this:

 

1. WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE ONLY THE HOTTEST SHOW ON BROADWAY RIGHT NOW: “MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL” IN JUNE, which is BLAC MUSIC MONTH

 

2. THIS PERSON WILL ALSO WIN A “WALK ON ROLE” IN THAT VERY PRODUCTION OF “MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL”

 

3. AND DINNER FOR TWO AT “BILLIE’S BLACK”!

 

BACKGROUND:

* THAT’S RIGHT! "Motown: The Musical" will be a month-long sponsor of "Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke hosted by Patrick L. Riley".

 

* In addition to our standard hash-tags: #billiesblack and #allstarkaraoke, we'll additionally be using #motownmay for all correspondence and social media messages.

 

 

* Soon, we'll have an e-flyer for sharing on all platforms that we’ll ask all of your help in GETTING THE WORD OUT! 

 

The campaign will flow as follows:

 

1. On Tuesday, May 6th; Tuesday, May 13; and Tuesday, May 20th, BILLIE'S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE will dedicate the 9PM hour for MOTOWN-RETURNS-TO-THE-APOLLO-style SINGING COMPETITION.

2. On each of those respective nights, there will be UP TO 10 PARTICIPANTS who can sign our list that we’ll make available at 7p SHARP. On that list, you’ll note: your name; (from the book, what song and song number you’ll perform on that night in the 9p hour); and your cell phone and email address – so we can stay in touch with you. FEEL FREE TO TRY AGAIN, IF YOU DON'T GET 1ST OR 2ND THE FIRST OR SECOND TIME.

 

3. TO REITERATE, if you participate, you will sing ONE MOTOWN SONG (of your choosing from the karaoke catalog - classic or modern).

 

4. On the respective TUESDAY in May, anybody can sign up --- up to 10 people --- before the MOTOWN-RETURNS-TO-THE-APOLLO-HOUR (9p-10p) wraps.

 

5. As the clock nears 10p on each of the first three Tuesdays of MAY, we’ll determine who wins our MOTOWN-RETURNS-TO-THE-APOLLO-style competition by round-of-applause. NO BOOS!

 

6. Weekly prizes for each 1ST and 2ND PLACE WINNER will be the MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL SOUNDTRACK and some especially SUPREME MOTOWN merchandise.

 

7. BUT THERE’S MORE: Those SIX PEOPLE who win the top two prizes for the first three weeks of MAY are eligible to come back the FOURTH TUESDAY of May for: "Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke: MOTOWN MAY’s GRAND FINALE".

 

8. Remember, the GRAND FINALE at which the TOP TWO from each of the THREE WEEKS gets to compete THEIR SAME MOTOWN SONGS against each other and be judged by a panel of MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL cast-members and special MOTOWN FAM!

 

9. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED:

 

GRAND PRIZE:

 

1. WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE ONLY THE HOTTEST SHOW ON BROADWAY RIGHT NOW: “MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL” IN JUNE, which is BLAC MUSIC MONTH

 

2. THIS PERSON WILL ALSO WIN A “WALK ON ROLE” IN THAT VERY PRODUCTION OF “MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL”

 

3. AND DINNER FOR TWO AT “BILLIE’S BLACK”!

 

RUNNER UP:

 

1. WINS SUPREME BAG OF MOTOWN MERCH

 

2. DINNER FOR TWO AT “BILLIE’S BLACK”

 

On Tuesday, May 27th's GRAND FINALE of MOTOWN MAY, we'll EXTEND the night beyond 7p – 10p and have a FULL NIGHT OF MOTOWN - including:

 

(1) a sprinkling of Motown throughout the ALL STAR KARAOKE PROGRAM - starting at 7p;

(2) our ALL STAR KARAOKE regulars will perform MOTOWN

(3) we'll do a little Q&A trivia throughout the night and give away MERCH to ALL STAR KARAOKE attendees

(4) ALL STAR KARAOKE NIGHT extends from 10p to MIDNIGHT - so at 11p, we:

 

THROUGHOUT MOTOWN MAY at ALL STAR KARAOKE and inside all blog references and the varied e-blasts, we will provide information for DISCOUNT TICKETS to see Motown the Musical - a discount code that's been extended to July 6, 2014: ABC123 (see flyer below along with our flyer for BILLIE'S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE)

Special shout out to my friend Marcia Pendelton, Marketing Outreach for “Motown: The Musical”,  who brought this synergy to us. She first introduced me to the “Motown: The Musical” folks when they were in search of a host for their Opening Night video – a career highlight for me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ.

 

BROADWAY 2014

Derrick Hemphill and I saw Cabaret the Musical Broadway recently (in preps for future analysis on Broadway and the forthcoming Tony Awards season). Was GREAT to see my Karu F. Daniels in the house! I LOVE THAT!). After, we stumbled into the cast of ROCKY Broadway, the musical we saw last week with Derrick's LSU buddy Katrina Pete Dunn: Rocky, Adrienne, and Apollo! Both shows are GREAT! It's been a wonderful season at the theater, hasn't it? Anyway! After that, Anthony Harper's BDAY fete started as Ant's Kappa brother Christopher Genwright has made it to town. So, Ant’s BDAY celebration had begun.

 

SOUL OUT LOUD

 

I interviewed many of the cast members and the icons they play on the opening night of “MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. Was EXCITING to get further up-close-and-personal with a few of them last night. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL’s TRIPLE GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEE, who portrays Stevie Wonder: RYAN SHAW BROUGHT “SOUL OUT LOUD” BACK TO THE CUTTING ROOM LAST NIGHT! And I’m so glad Marcia Pendelton invited Anthony C Harper, Derrick Hemphill, Kevin Anthony, and me out to enjoy. Gordon Chambers was there too. And was that Debbye Mcintyre and Jamar Dunn? It was. But as happy as we were to see our NEW YORK CITY FAM, none of us could take our eyes and ears off of the stage – from MR. SHAW to his SPECIAL GUESTS MOTOWN THE MUSICAL CAST MEMBERS BRANDON VICTOR DIXON (“Berry Gordy”) and MORGAN JAMES (“Teena Marie”). Ryan’s bi-monthly “Soul Out Loud” show features special guests from the theatre and music worlds and is highly anticipated on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at The Cutting Room. Theatre enthusiasts and music fans can appreciate the Monday night Broadway “dark night” tradition of stars performing their own music on the “night off.” Ryan joins a list of Broadway talent to stop by the "musician's living room" for the warm, intimate feeling, incredible acoustics and sight lines and comfortable experience for performers and audiences.

 

AND THEY WERE SINGING! Here are clips:

CLIP 1 - "Shake You Down" by Brandon and Ryan

 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152164521878737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 

CLIP 2 – “Caravan of Love” and “Shake You Down” by Brandon, Ryan, and audience:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152164543738737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 

CLIP 3: Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You” by Brandon

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152164552193737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 

CLIP 4: “Hallelujah” by Ryan

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152164567928737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

Shaw’s music can be described as a fusion of soul and rock. The musician’s singer, Shaw is also a brilliant songwriter and has been nominated for three Grammy Awards. In addition Shaw and/or his music have been featured in such movies as: “Bride Wars”, starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway; “Soul Men”, starring Bernie Mac and Samuel Jackson; “My Blueberry Nights”, starring Jude Law, Norah Jones and Natalie Portman; and on soundtracks such as “Sex and the City”, and TV shows including “Dancing with the Stars”, “So You Think You Can Dance” and ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters”. The Cutting Room has been named one of the top five “Intimate Show Venues To Check Out” by NewYork.com and features performers, bands, events and entertainment ranging from rock icons to up and coming singer songwriters. A look at http://thecuttingroomnyc.com/ highlights entertainment for a wide variety of musical tastes, a delicious menu and a comfortable rock and roll atmosphere with great optics and extraordinary acoustics. After opening a decade ago, The Cutting Room continues to build upon its dynamic reputation of having launched and hosted top musicians like Ronnie Wood & Mick Taylor, Sting, Billy Joel, John Legend, John Oates’ stripped down solo CD release party, the night after being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Darryl Hall and Lady Gaga (who was signed after a showcase at the venue) and many more. FOLLOW RYAN SHAW: http://www.thisisryanshaw.com./ THANK YOU, MARCIA! 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANT!

 

Thanks to all of you who came out to DANCE to the sounds of DjStormin Norman of SUNDAE SERMON fame as we ALL lifted Anthony Harper up for his BIRTHDAY! HONEYCOMB PLAYHOUSE was our speak-easy backdrop this past weekend! And so many came by to TOAST ANT! THANK YOU ALL!

EXCERPT OF TOAST AND CAKE:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152164234868737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 

 

 

UPDATE: THANKS FOLKS for the LOVE! If you missed last night's premiere of TV One's "Life After" with Maia Campbell, PLEASE FEEL FREE to check it out online here: http://tvone.tv/shows/life_after/video/life-after--full-episode--maia-campbell-.html

Hi folks! As always, THANKS FOR YOUR "Life of Riley" LOVE! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/ Glad to be back on Arise Entertainment 360 with my friends, co-hosts Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier. Here's a link: http://youtu.be/AijZZeZgFkQ This time, we talked NEW MUST-SEE BROADWAY SHOWS 2013! A LOT OF GREAT SHOWS ALREADY OUT and/or COMING OUT!

 ALSO ON TODAY's show - promoting his new project I'M IN LOVE WITH A CHURCH GIRL - https://www.facebook.com/iminlovewithachurchgirlmovie (TWITTER: @Churchgirlmovie): STEPHEN BALDWIN (TWITTER: @StephenBaldwin7) who PRAYED for MILEY CYRUS during his segment! TONGUE-in-CHEEK! AMEN! LOL! SEE IT HERE: http://youtu.be/fEFndVUAAfQ #iminlovewithachurchgirlmovie Also in the house: Lori Anne Douglass with Moses and Singer LAW FIRM who weighed in on the HIGH-PROFILE break-ups and the legal implications around them! SEE IT HERE: http://youtu.be/0gvWT6dkq_E ALWAYS A GREAT TIME at ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360! My most recent appearance on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 had me predicting winners from the TONY AWARDS nominations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5S1wKUs0. A few weeks prior, I was on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 to talk BROADWAY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY.  In the aforementioned ARISE 360 Broadway segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway's "The Trip to Bountiful". And she was!! YAY! So, they played that clip and referenced my prediction the following day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0. I was again on ARISE recently to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop! HERE'S THE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo. AND OF COURSE, I've been talking BROADWAY on COZI-TV for its NEWS 4 at 7 newscast as well: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html which happened alongside my hosting duties for Motown the Musical as its opening night celebration host: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. (I've also been talking a lot of TV on COZI - most recently an EMMY RE-CAP with TV Guide Magazine's Matt Roush: http://youtu.be/lKDDhF_6qy4 and that was a call-back that came from the EMMY NOMINATIONS ROUND-UP we did in July: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Emmy-Nominations-for-2013/216162211).  My most recent pop culture analysis is currently on TV One's LIFE AFTER! Clifton Davis was my debut: http://tvone.tv/shows/life_after/video/full-episode--life-after-amen--clifton-davis-.html. And I'm also featured in Levar Burton's episode: http://www.tvoneonline.com/shows/life_after/video/life-after--full-episode--life-after-roots-levar-burton.html. Here's a sneak-peek of my next appearance on TV One's Life After Maia Campbell 2.0 - http://www.tvone.tv/shows/life_after/video/life-after--maia-s-it-factor-.html This will be on tomorrow night! Please be sure to tune in… and still check out for me on next week’s SHEREE WHITFIELD Season Finale! 

 

p.s.

 

RIP MISS MAXINE POWELL! I'm so GLAD I got to meet you in beloved Detroit where Anthony Harper and I were invited guests at Miss Aretha Franklin's birthday party a few years ago. THANK YOU for being one of my MISS Diana Ross' teachers en route to SUPREME FABULOUSNESS! WE SPEAK YOUR NAME! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/26/people-say-im-the-life-of-the-party.html #motown MOTOWN THE MUSICAL OPENING NIGHT:http://youtu.be/KK1yncqPlOQ #standingonyourshoulderpads #motownlegacy DIANA ROSS STATEMENT via the Detroit Free Press: http://www.freep.com/article/20131015/ENT04/310150182/diana-ross-salutes-maxine-powell  

Girls growing up in underprivileged areas need to know their worth and their value.

I was born in the Brewster housing project and meeting Maxine Powell showed me that there was the possibility of beauty, grace, integrity and meaning to my life.

The wisdom she shared with me and all of the young artists at Motown will never be forgotten.

She was the true example of a mentor and coach and just someone who cared about us.

I also hope to be such an example as I live my life.

We will truly truly miss her.

Diana Ross

JODY WATLEY

I got a call from my industry buddy of 15 or more years, legendary PR exec Juanita Stephens who I’ve known since BFF Chandra Jones worked as her publicity associate at Warner Brothers Records in the mid-‘90s. Juanita is now Atlanta-based and independent – clients including “Uncle Charlie Wilson” and many more! Juanita represented one of my favorites Jody Watley when she first came on the scene at MCA – “Looking for a New Love”. I’ve adored Miss Watley since her days as a Soul Train dancer; then as a member of the iconic SHALAMAR; and all of the years since then – as her solo career has reached the highest levels – from Grammy to MULTI-PLATINUM. And unlike many of her contemporaries, she’s maintained a youthful zest (loving THE KIDS), a sensuality unparalleled (even today), and an enterprising ambition which keeps fans – like me – continually fulfilled with new music(In 1995, she called me on stage to dance with her as the National Association of Black Journalists convened in Philadelphia where she headlined “A Night of Dazzling Divas”. Also on the bill: the late, great Vesta Williams and Regina Belle).As she prepares for another fun ride of new material and promotion around it – global and underground, Juanita told Jody Watley about ‘a friend of hers named Patrick Riley who blogs and LOVES pop culture, divas, good music….’. Miss Watley, I understand, interrupted “…You mean ‘DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY’? I follow that guy…” AND VOILA! Jody Watley and I are now following each other into her NIGHTLIFE. She - for sure - gave me MY LIFE!

Here’s a little from our chat this week: 

LIFE OF RILEY: Hi Miss Watley! What a total honor for me to take this few minutes with you!

JODY: HELLO! HELLO!

LIFE OF RILEY: Because I follow you religiously on FACEBOOK and via social media, I know where you are many minutes of the day or – at least – what’s on your sharing heart, which – may I add – inspires and encourages me every day! My current blog’s name “A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY” has a second-line “pop culture and possibilities” and you are quite an exemplar of that with your posts. So, I just want to - in this moment - THANK YOU FOR THAT!

JODY WATLEY:  Oh, Cool! That means the world because I’m mindful of that and I always think that this platform is not just for keeping everyone up-to-date with what I’m doing and everything. I wouldn’t feel right if I weren’t putting things up and out there to inspire people. So, THANK YOU!

LIFE OF RILEY: With that, you have NEW MUSIC! So, ‘tell us about your new single “Nightlife” and what inspired you to release this one and what we can expect from it? POUR THE TEA, PLEASE! LOL!

JODY WATLEY: (LAUGHS) “NIGHTLIFE” is a song I started working on maybe two years ago. Was traveling with it – taking it on the road. Perfecting it. People loved it right away. It has opened my show which is very bold to perform a song – open the show – and people don’t know it but they respond to it as if they already knew it. So, coming up towards this year’s Essence Festival, I said it’s time to finish it and go on and put it out. It’s inspired from my love of dance music. I love different types of music. But I wanted to do something that still has that soulfulness. As dance music became more commercial, but it was a certain type of dance music that wasn’t so soulful – more Euro-pop and that wasn’t something that I wanted to experiment in of the different incarnations and evolutions of my writing and my artistry. So, the classic Disco soul I thought that I’d go there with it but in a modern way. Not in a retro way. But playing homage to that because I started out doing that as a Soul Train dancer and – of course – with Shalamar obviously.

LIFE OF RILEY: And how profound that the universe has identified a way for SHALAMAR to come off of your tongue without having to re-hash the controversies of the past with Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniels. Many don’t know or choose to remember that there was a singer before Howard: Gerald Brown. Can you explain that history and then jump right into – after all these years – how you came to reconnect with Gerald?

JODY WATLEY: I’d reconnected with Gerald Brown after Unsung. He got left out of it. So, I did “Unfiltered” on my YOU TUBE Channel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDWhuwbYtIM). Because fans wanted to know what happened with Gerald Brown. I hadn’t seen him since I was 18-years-old. And he was always a great guy. I thought to bring “NIGHTLIFE” --- really bring that sound full circle --- that it would be nice to add that special, surprise touch. So, I asked Gerald to sing on “NIGHTLIFE”. So, he’s thrilled and people are loving it! And it makes people happy!”

And also, I wanted to do something that was about being glamorous because that’s missing in music.

LIFE OF RILEY: Yazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! I agree! And the iconography, may I add, that I’ve seen thus far with “NIGHTLIFE”. I know it’s a work-in-progress campaign. But the images are just amazing. Your looks. Your glamour. Your drag.

JODY WATLEY: THANK YOU! And I want to inspire others to be FABULOUS! HAIR DONE! NAILS DONE! GET YOUR DRAG ON! So, with NIGHTLIFE, you get the music and the soul. But you also get the message that reminds people that times are hard, but it’s okay to LIVE  a little. When people say “Oh! These days are so hard! And I’m not this! And I miss the good ol’ days!” I say “The good ol’ days are now! It’s what you make of them!” So, BE FABULOUS NOW! Hanging with your friends! NIGHTLIFE is an uplifting song!

LIFE OF RILEY: I heard about another funky dance jam “The Don” inside of a forthcoming album “PARADISE”.

JODY WATLEY: I did that one at the Essence Festival and some other shows – including The Howard Theater, which was amazing! People love that one, too! It was produced by Mark de Clive-Lowe, a really cool DJ and musician. And the album is called “PARADISE”. It will be out after the first of the year. So, these are songs from “PARADISE” which represents the feeling I’ve always gotten and continue to get from music. Where music can take you is a feeling of paradise. There’s a club I used to go to often called Paradise.  So, there are many elements to it: soulful, funky, fabulous, and another step in my journey and evolution as a singer and a songwriter and a producer and a DIVA! (laughs)

LIFE OF RILEY:  I know you’ve gone on the record as being a fan of MISS DIANA ROSS! I know that along with you, she is high up in my galaxy of divas. Her first rotation at disco and dance music gave us the innovative “LOVE HANGOVER” (which you remade recently) and soon-thereafter “LOVIN’ LIVIN’ GIVIN” from THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY (a film that starred Donna Summer). You were dancing or about to be dancing on SOUL TRAIN at that time and beginning to create your own version of grandness. What were little Jody Watley’s ears hearing and seeing (when you perhaps saw Miss Ross and the disco contemporaries of the time)? Did you have a sense that this was a muse you were going to connect to as an artist?

JODY WATLEY: DIANA ROSS is the first definite influence I had as a little girl and she’s someone for whom I continue to have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration. She’s raised wonderful children in a crazy business. That’s not easy to do and juggle! I have two kids in college myself. So, to have them be grounded, MISS ROSS is IT! And so, she’s definitely there. And as a child, I also LOVED jazz singers like Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, and those singers. My parents were big jazz collectors. And the vibe they had on TV was glamorous and classy. And so, that’s ingrained in me. And my mom was an early influence. I tell her that my long-going, love affair with dolman sleeves actually started with my mom BEFORE DIANA ROSS! And I love them to this day! Give me a dolman sleeve and I’m happy!

LIFE OF RILEY: YESSSSSSS! I LOVE THAT! [Life of Riley EDITOR NOTE: I TOO LOVE A DOLMAN SLEEVE! LMAO!]

JODY WATLEY: Donna Summer was another influence during my dancing time on Soul Train. And like Diana Ross, the presentation. It was the music, it was the presentation, but it was also the album covers that were intriguing. There was a sense of mystique about them. And from the beginning of my solo career, I’ve always been big on the visuals and the photography. That’s been very influential to me. Grace Jones I’ve also gone on the record for being so bold and totally unique and not caring. And just being fabulously Grace Jones. Individuality and that’s something that I’ve been about – everything I put out should be like anyone else. But ultimately, people try to be like me. The divas – the ones who really stand out – have something they brought that was very fresh and unique. And uniquely them into the music business. So, as an artist, that’s always been and continues to be important to me. And to not lose that quality and integrity – it’s very key. And all of those ladies have never lost that. Even if commercial popularity wanes (as it does for everyone), your quality, your integrity, and your fabulousness doesn’t diminish if you are real. You don’t drop your standards. You continue to be high. And you continue to want to do great work. That is JODY WATLEY! THAT’S ME! “NIGHTLIFE” is another representation of that. And I have an eternal, youthful passion for what I do. And not in a way that I’m trying to be 15 again. It’s my youthful exuberance in a grown woman’s artistry. You get older but you don’t have to get old.  

LIFE OF RILEY: That’s the perfect transition to my last question because there are a few things at play here: this full-circle moment for you musically – even nostalgically. But as an industry, we’re also observing a retro-dance movement on the charts. What do you make of what’s going on now and where are you in that? Twerking a la Miley Cyrus is now in the dictionary and a house-hold name, but it doesn’t look too unlike something from the Soul Train line. No judgment on my part, but would you even want the credit, association, homage? What do you make of the little divas who are finding their way and who is standing on your shoulder pads in a way that you applaud?

JODY WATLEY: Anyone who is out there pursuing their dreams, I say GO DO IT! I think that – for me personally – I’ve always been conscious. Maybe as a songwriter, I think this way. But I say “When I turn 60, am I going to be able to sing these songs?” Or “Will I look back and be ashamed?” Now, I look back at “Real Love” and say “You Betta WORK!” (laughter) I’ve always been conscious of being timeless and having a classic approach. That’s what I do. That’s me. And the fashion element comes from models. And when I look at artists like Rihanna, Janelle Monae, Beyonce, Solange, and some of these women, I see that they stand on my shoulders the way that I stand on the shoulders of Diana Ross and the artists before me. At that time, Black or White artists weren’t being featured in fashion magazines. That’s a door I opened and don’t often get credit for.

LIFE OF RILEY: And that’s ALL YOU! From my corner of the world, I shout and sing your praises on that front when I’m in diva debates with my friends. They do forget.

JODY WATLEY: THANK YOU! So, I see what is going on. And I’m proud of it. Six pages in Harper’s Bazaar is what I asked for. Some wondered what that had to do with selling records? When you’re innovative and trendsetting and pushing those around you to get you in VOGUE or Harper’s or when I said I wanted to do a song with Rakim (FRIENDS, which became one of the first rap/singing duets). And the questions were “Why do you want do that?” or “How does that work: pop and R&B?” And I asked that they just let me do it. Today, when hearing “Get Lucky” or Justin T’s “Take Back The Night”, “Blurred Lines”, etc., it confirmed I’d been on the right track with the music I wanted to do (“Nightlife”). So, I’m continuing to grow and push myself. But I definitely see (the influence of) JODY WATLEY all the time in the industry now. And everybody has their thing and I still have mine.

LIFE OF RILEY: And another of my dreams have come true! THANK YOU, MISS JODY WATLEY!

JODY WATLEY: Thank you, Patrick! See you on Facebook and TWITTER!

FINAL NOTES:

• ·        JODY WATLEY says “NIGHTLIFE” can be mixed straight into Phyllis Hyman’s "You Know How to Love Me" - one of her inspirational, soulful dance classics.  
• ·        JODY WATLEY says “NIGHTLIFE” is a great tune for working out or even walking.
• ·        The NEW single “NIGHTLIFE” from the forthcoming new EP “Paradise” due early 2014. Available now at digital outlets worldwide, including the “Classic Glamour Extended” EP. BUY “NIGHTLIFE” –  Limited edition vinyl coming mid September!
• ·        The NEW Single "NIGHTLIFE" - 'It's In The Music!" http://youtu.be/4j64kkLwerI
• ·        Official Artist Site / Style Blog: http://www.jodywatley.net
• ·        Follow on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/jodywatley
• ·        Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jodywatleyofficial

LIFE AFTER

Hi folks, PLEASE SHARE/TWEET/INSTAGRAM/FORWARD: I mentioned in prior “…Life of Riley…” entry that my “LIFE AFTER” debut on TV ONE premieres TOMORROW, Wednesday, September 11^th at 8:30 pm (CLIFTON DAVIS). AND SET YOUR DVR, FOLKS! I am EXCITED that K2 Pictures (http://www.k2pictures.com/) invited me to weigh in (as pop culture analyst) on about a half-dozen pop culture subjects for TV ONE’s “LIFE AFTER” (http://www.tvone.tv/shows/life_after.html) i.e. Clifton Davis, Jimmie Walker, LeVar Burton, Maia Campbell, and Shereé Whitfield. I am THRILLED to be featured in the upcoming season with other “LIFE AFTER” regulars – including friends Clay Cane; Flo Anthony; and SouLeO. Here’s the season’s fantastic line-up of Life After: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Life-After/266689690047:

September 11 at 8pm - Sheryl Lee Ralph

AND MY FIRST: ALSO, September 11 at 8:30pm - Clifton Davis

September 18 at 8pm - Shirley Murdock

September 25 at 8pm -  Jimmie Walker

October 2 at 8pm - Adina Howard

October 9 at 8pm - LeVar Burton

October 16 at 8pm - Maia Campbell

October 23 at 8pm - Shereé Whitfield

Please tune into this season of Life After and let me know your thoughts!

TWITTER: @patarack @tvonetv

 

TAMAR

Shout out to Nathan Hale Williams for having us out tonight to meet and greet with TAMAR BRAXTON who performed; signed CDs; posed; and proved to be a LIGHT OF GRATITUDE and APPRECIATION for the LOVE – most recently demonstrated by her chart-topping debut. Download "Love and War" on iTunes! http://smarturl.it/loveandwar-album. One of Ant’s childhood BFFs Brina Milton; Derrick Hemphill; Carl Nelson; Kevin-Anthony (Billie’s Black); and a host of others enjoyed CLUB ESCOS for the EPIC affair! #TamartianLoveandWar SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to our friend Ruthy Valdez – surrealist fine artist who unveiled her anticipated new art series, “Embryonic Codes” at Harlem’s speakeasy 67 Orange Street – ‘a link between the abstract spiritual realities and the real forms of the material world’. CONGRATS, RUTHY! We – of course – had more fun with Brina as the weekend progressed! Always a pleasure to see you, Brina! AND ONE MORE TIME: TAMAR DID THAT! LOL!

LATOYA

What a GREAT SUNDAY ! My buddy Karu Daniels invited me to accompany him to “TOM D’ANGORA presents NEWSical: THE MUSICAL” (WWW.NEWSICALTHEMUSICAL.COM and WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NEWSICAL). Its celebrity guest star: LATOYA JACKSON who was absolutely wonderful and charming in her varied segments – including an impressive and satirical spin on her brother’s BFF MISS DIANA ROSS! CUTE! Special shout-out to LaToya’s manager Jeffre Phillips for making it possible for Karu and I to chat with Miss Jackson after the show. They both were so gracious and generous with their time. As you know, my long-standing client Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network commissioned a reality TV series, “Life With LaToya”, which premiered in April 2013. Its been picked up for a second season with new episodes premiering Dec. 2013. JOB WELL DONE, LATOYA! And may I say the rest of the CAST is WONDERFUL – including Kristen Megelkoch; Susan Mosher; Christine Pedi; Dylan Thompson; Tommy Walker; and Michael West. #NEWSical #lifewithlatoya #OWN #oprah

BROADWAY GIVEWAY!!!

Off-Broadway with LATOYA to Broadway with LIFE OF RILEY: ONE PAIR OF COMP TICKETS FOR THE “…LIFE OF RILEY…” READER WHO WANTS TO SEE the forthcoming Broadway production of A TIME TO KILL (www.ATimeToKillOnBroadway.com). Tony® Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes’ stage adaptation of the John Grisham bestselling novel holds the distinction of being the first-ever John Grisham property adapted to the stage. The production, directed by Ethan McSweeny, features Sebastian Arcelus, Chike Johnson, Patrick Page, Tony Award® winner Tonya Pinkins, Emmy Award® winner Tom Skerritt, Fred Dalton Thompson, John Douglas Thompson, and Ashley Williams.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS:

SEND AN EMAIL TO: patarack@hotmail.com NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12^TH AT MIDNIGHT.

On FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH (no later than NOON), I’ll choose – RANDOMLY – a name from that batch of emails and will – in turn – send the WINNER a ticket voucher for you to select a performance date that works for you).

You will EMAIL that form to the box office which will confirm and hold tickets for you at will call. EASY, RIGHT?

Let me hear from you at patarack@hotmail.com. GOOD LUCK… and SEE YOU AT THE THEATER!

A TIME TO KILL begins performances September 28 at The John Golden Theatre.

As always, FOLKS: THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!