A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Hi folks! 
HAPPY EASTER DAY!
New VIDEOS for YOU - in the Life of Riley: 
Here is Episode 2's SNEAK PEAK of @thehappyhourtalkshow - Whose Side Are You On? Patrick or Kendrell?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_IBn2KjP4s&feature=youtu.be (Full Episode on MAY 2nd)!
Thanks to our SUPPORTERS for SHOWING UP AND OUT on Episode ONE: https://youtu.be/yKmJVXsocUY
SHOUT OUT to DONNA BRIGGS for putting her D. BRIGGS MEDIA treatment on#TheHappyHourTalkShow PREMIERE PARTY. Watch #TheHappyHourTalkShow with#TheHappyHourGuys and our guests + more fun footage here: https://youtu.be/hhl32Yh1kHU. 
And though you can hear it LIVE on this EASTER DAY - on WOWO News or alena360.com - at 12:30pm EST, you can tune into my talk with Alena Chapman on her podcast 30 MINUTE MOMENTS by clicking here: http://serve.castfire.com/audio/federated-media/wowo/30_minute_moments_with_alena_chapman/latest.mp3. 
As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Best and LOVE!
Patrick 

1.  Alena will be in town April 29th at 7pm NYC: "How to Stay Balanced in a Busy World" + JOIN HER FOR A VIP post-event coffee: https://www.facebook.com/events/656092798158759/.  To learn more about ALENA, please visitwww.alena360.com. 
2. Spring/Summer 2019 promotion of my book "Thats What Friends Are For: On The Women Who Inspired Me" - available to pick up on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or where all books are sold.
3. Just back from Richmond, VA for a symposium and book event at Virginia Union University/BND Institute.
4. LOOKING AHEAD TO SATURDAY, MAY 4TH in DALLAS! Hope you'll grab a copy and come and let me sign at: TBAAL's Roundtable Writer's Breakfast at 10:00 AM. Tbaal Room T 314 1309 Canton St, Dallas, TX. I'll have copies on site as well - while supplies last. WILL SIGN ALL:https://www1.ticketmaster.com/roundtable-writers-breakfast-featuring-patrick-riley-dallas-texas-05-04-2019/event/0C00555CE87743AC
5. Host Committee, Live Out Loud's 18th Anniversary Gala on Tuesday, May 7th at The Lighthouse:https://www.liveoutloud.info/gala2019/ 
6. I'm hosting the 6th Annual Gala for Three and a Half Acres Yoga on Tuesday, May 7th from 7:00pm-10:00pm at Red Rooster Harlem Ginny's Supper Club:https://threeandahalfacres.org/three-and-a-half-acres-celebrate-harlem-at-red-rooster-2019/?fbclid=IwAR0FBzvhUVkIR-nLzUCUTIO6s9NE1Fd_D83JG5xk7EfZ_TK1xDhtDKIQL10
7. Join me in Cancun Memorial Day Weekend May 24-28 For more info www.LGBTMUSICFEST.COM  

Jody Watley EXPLODED

Miss Jody Watley invited Anthony Harper and me out on a Saturday date night TO JODY WATLEY - SHALAMAR RELOADED at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill #TimeSquare!! Jody Watley, Nate, Rosero, and the whole Shalamar Reloaded crew SERVED and DELIVERED! New music and TWO rare gems for me: her "Makeover" Ross cover LOVE HANGOVER: a 72nd birthday homage to THE SUPREME DIANA! Also, she did my EVERYTHING which I asked that she do the next time she was in town! JODY is a WOMAN of her WORD! And a GORGEOUS ONE, might I add! SHE'S FOREVER YOUNG & FOREVER FABULOUS!Along with all the great hits and one upcoming SMASH they performed for the first time, ORIGINAL - an ode to the social media trolls, cyber bullies, and flat-out haters out there, JODY WATLEY commanded the room LEGENDARILY SO - with LOVE and FLAIR:

https://www.facebook.com/ShalamarReloaded/videos/919602521493810/?pnref=story! And SHALAMAR RELOADED took us "back" to the "future" to know pointedly that this LEGACY of MUSIC, DANCE, and STYLE is FOREVER! And never before has it been more relevant than RIGHT NOW! BRAVO, MISS JODY! LOVE YOU SO! #JodyWatley #ShalamarReloaded#nightlife #saturdaynightexperience #itsinthemusic#concerts 

#music #dance #style #MusicMonday#Entertainment #Easterweekend #MissRoss#DianaRoss 

#LoveHangover #TheMakeover

BILLIE'S BLACKOUT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DIANA ROSS! MARIAH CAREY! CHAKA KHAN! ARETHA FRANKLIN! ALL THE ARIES DIVAS! WE/I sing them at Billie’s Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley whenever I can! SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, April 14th... and LOOK OUT FOR OUR PROMO TOP OF NEXT WEEK: Billie's Black Gourmet Soul is going under renovation from mid-April for a couple of months. So, SEASON 5 of Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley will be back in the FALL 2016! BUT on THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH from 7p-11p, we will do a ONE NIGHT ONLY All Star Karaoke followed by an 11p-3am AFTER SET that we'll call BILLIE'S BLACKOUT!

THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH. 
Event Time: ALL STAR KARAOKE: 7pm - 11pm Full menu
Billie's Blackout after set: 11pm - 3am Appetizers will be served 
Drink Specials: $5 Well Drinks/ $3 Shots RESERVATIONS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for seating and dining during ALL STAR KARAOKE: 212.280.2248.‪#‎billiesblack‬#allstarkaraoke#billiesblackout 

P.S. When we're back up, come and DANCE & SING with us:https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152166354908737#getready#motownthemusical 

#BILLIESBLACK‪ #‎ALLSTARKARAOKE‬ ‪#‎NBCBLK‬

P.P.S. GIVEAWAYS will include:
A. MISS JESSIE'S giveaways

B. BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine with MISS JESSIE'S Co-Founder & CEO Miko Branch on the cover

C. BILLIE'S BLACK ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE - presented by ALL STAR KARAOKE (December 2015 - extended through February 2016): Contemporary Artist Shenna Vaughn will have SMALL ITEMS available for sell (SHENNA: "I Create Soulful Funk On Canvas to Create A Mind Blowing Experience").

D. ANOTHER featured sponsor that we introduced during SEASON 4 of ALL STAR KARAOKE: SHOO NAIL POLISH - via its Founder and CEO Shawanda Vickers - is donating 20 gift bags. 

E. TICKET GIVEAWAYS for BROADWAY/OFF-BROADWAY SHOWS – from Walk Tall Girl Productions and Walker International Communications Group, Inc  (limited supply for ALL STAR KARAOKE participants)

F. HARLEM SKIN & LASER CLINIC GIFT CARD

HATEFUL 8

SHOUT OUT TO ARIES DIVO Quentin Tarantino! His The Hateful Eight's DVD street date is March 29th. Can't wait Tagan Lee and Anna Fuson! #THEHATEFUL8

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: 

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/precious-butler-director-lee-daniels-building-empire-n290416, I got a booking to chat about the success of EMPIRE on ARISE AMERICA with Debbye Turner Bell: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152816022788737. We had a GREAT TIME as she's a FAN like me. I guest co-hosted last week on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 (and am on HOLD for some days in the coming weeks). Has been fun to fill in for my friend Shannon Lanier to and to rejoin Sharon Carpenter who is filling in for our beloved Lola Ogunnaike. YOU can watch them (and me from time to time) - now on Time Warner, Verizon Fios, and On Demand... www.YouTube.com/AriseENT360.  As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Here are a few of the segments we did this week:

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

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!

I write this entry from 17E -  a Continental Airlines, coach MIDDLE seat that positions me uncomfortably between two nice gentlemen – one of whom (the winner of the window seat) is accompanied by – GASP! – his dog. The pooch, considered carry-on for these purposes, is quiet as a mouse and just sits beneath the seat that’s in front of his owner. I wouldn’t have been reminded he was there (no smell or anything) but I just reached for my bag and laptop. Nothing against God’s four-legged ‘best friend’, but on a commercial flight? And yet I am GRATEFUL to one of my life coaches and friends Curtis for making it possible for me to be on this flight and the one that’s poised to get me to L.A. for two months and the one that’s poised to get me back home after my assignment wraps in L.A. come October. Also, after waiting in Atlanta’s airport for TEN hours last week to get home (based on lightning storms in New York), I too am HAPPY that the plane is moving in the air and on schedule. HEY CUTE LITTLE DOGGIE! NO COMPLAINTS FROM ME! LOL!

Well, here marks MY REALITY of late – chockfull of anecdotal craziness yet somehow I keep it moving. I am generally in a good mood as I head to Tampa for the National Association of Black Journalists convention (www.nabj.org)… and you know this is my annual therapy (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/7/29/like-i-never-left.html). Always a good time!!!! (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/8/13/audacity-of-hope-and-dreams-in-vegas.html). Hey! It’s where I met President Obama two years ago. And NABJ is where I interviewed Jennifer Hudson (just a couple of months before “Dreamgirls” would change her life forever!). I Chair the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force. I am co-producing the NABJ Hall of Fame Banquet with my friend Michael K. Watts. I am hosting “NABJ Presents…” – a franchise I’ve anchored before with sponsor Walt Disney (www.disney.go.com). A couple of years ago, Steve Harvey was one of the special guests among others. This year, NABJ will greet ‘the first African American animated lead’ Anika Noni-Rose who brings Tiana to life in “The Frog Princess” (www.disney.go.com/disneypictures/princessandthefrog/). There are other surprises on tap for this well-produced event. And I am also sitting on a couple of panels – one about ‘freelancing’ (and what it takes to survive). The other is about ‘Gays in the Media’ (I have a month to ask you if you saw my photo in “OUT” Magazine – www.out.com - LOL! - http://www.out.com/detail.asp?id=25657).

I wish Ant could be here but his current project “The Wendy Williams Show” requires he be in the studio as that show pops out LIVE everyday (But he promises he’ll make it his business to come and see me in L.A. – hopefully an extended Labor Day weekend.).

Given I just got back home to New York City/New Jersey from my five weeks in Atlanta, it is a bit difficult to be leaving home (and Ant) yet again. But of course, duty calls towards keeping the revenue streaming. Of course, with the theme of my business for the last few months being “reality TV”, I too realize how important it is not to lose my own “quite lovely” reality as I chronicle other peoples’ reality with a fine-tooth comb and a microscope (all for entertainment and a living). On top of that, there are many things within MY reality that I want to work on and manage (home improvements, a vacation, blog upgrade, book deal, etc.) and same for Ant. He and I have our eye on ‘the balancing act’ – so we can multi-task these many goals alongside those relatable pieces that continue to pay our bills.

Perhaps I’m feeling encouraged and optimistic because of how Ant and I spent our small window of time together. Of course, our social calendar can be a beast to manage. But we made sure to make us the priority in anything to which we committed. So, if it was too stressful to commute or if it wasn’t so necessary that we go, we didn’t. Of course, there were a number of things we wanted to do around the house i.e. replace air conditioning; fix bulb in kitchen; organize clothes and closets; etc. But we were not going to spend our limp four days together doing that. Still, Ant sacrificed some sleep to pack my bags and ensure that I had everything I needed for this long trip. With that, we still had lots of time to chill and connect (despite his long, working days on Thursday and Friday), and – believe it or not – there was STILL lots of time for us to socialize.

One of our stay-in treats was “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (www.bravotv.com) which roared onto the airwaves as a record 2.7 million viewers tuned in to make it the highest-rated debut in the overall franchise (any city). I’m not quite at the part within this season where I can share a slight tid-bit here or there on my attendance at a couple of the events that took place during the filming. Still, I can talk about how – in “my reality” – I had a lovely dinner in New York City at Harlem’s “Amy Ruth” (www.amyruthsharlem.com) with NeNe’s ‘House’-husband Dwight Eubanks (www.purpledoorsalon.com) who – as I’ve mentioned before – is a friend of my friends Carl Nelson and Lamoh Hicks. Since my time in Atlanta (and his wonderful hospitality), we’re warming to friendship status ourselves. Ant also got to meet Dwight and Lamoh – two ‘earth angels’ during my lonely stint down South. Later, we all gathered at “No Parking” (www.noparkingbar.com) in Washington Heights to ensure the boys got a proper welcome to New York City where they are working on some things I’ll be sure to report when I can.

This lovely night came on the heels of an awesome day that started in bed from which neither Ant nor I could part but soon thereafter we hooked up with our girl Dawn who manages and coordinates production units with many of the hit shows that film here in New York City. Additionally she is an actress and working on an ensemble piece that’s running at The Fringe later this month (www.fringenyc.com). The director of that upcoming project and Dawn's friend Ericka joined us at Kif (www.kifbrooklyn.com) - a Moroccan restaurant on “Restaurant Row” along Dekalb in Clinton Hills/Fort Greene area of Brooklyn. Ant also budgeted his wages to take me shopping – so I could accent my ‘couture’ with some new pieces. I’m fortunate to have lots of clothes but haven’t been able to justify ‘new buys’ inside our economics. But as they improve, Ant wanted to support me – as my man and my stylist – to gift myself (in addition to everything else we’re doing to stay afloat and catch up on our arrears). Some cute shops in Chelsea did the trick (at their expense. Several of these stores are closing!). But my obligatory roll through Moshood (www.afrikanspirit.com) ensured my convention will be blessed as he, Kunle, and the gang always ensure I walk out with something that doesn’t break the bank but will turn a head or million. Ant and I also got the chance to see our favorite couple Mara Schiavocampo and her husband Tommy who invited us by for tea and dessert. Like my “earth angels” Dwight and Lamoh, Mara and Tommy take care of Ant when I’m away which always makes me feel good. And I couldn’t leave town without seeing Ant’s “Amazing Grace” – best girlfriend Manivone. We went to his sometimes-bartending spot “Velvet Cigar Lounge” to say HI to her.

On the night prior to this day-long marathon, Ant and I drove out to New Rochelle, the stomping ground of my “Amazing Grace” Nichole who had in-town visitors Tori, her sister, and Daylen, her niece – both of whom are always a joy to be around. In the wake of our five-month blitz in Atlanta, Nichole and I were due a bit more of a reprieve from each other. But enough time had passed (two days) that I felt fine to see her (and her trusty lip gloss) again. SMILE!Plus, her girlfriend Cynthia who has become our girlfriend was celebrating her birthday at the beautiful home of another of their friends Michelle (and her husband Nelson). I’ve blogged about THE NEW ROs (I call them) many times. In fact, I joke (kinda’) that the next “REAL HOUSEWIVES…” could be culled from this group. Ant and I love to hang out with this group as their homes are lovely; their hospitality is awesome; and their easy-going way and care-free nature are totally embraced. Plus, they are always working on great projects. Michelle is a former recording industry marketing exec who is now wife and mother (to baby boy) alongside being interior designer (www.simplicitydesigns.org) and artist manager. Cynthia – in addition to her pursuits and accomplishment (just got a Masters) in social work – is the artist and has an Obama-inspired show (5 pieces) running in The State Building (in Harlem) as we speak (www.profoundaudacity.org). Then, nearby neighbor and girlfriend Chenoa (who attended Cynthia’s set with her husband Carlyle) is now a photographer. But my fellow Scorpion sister is always reinventing (www.chenoamaxwell.com). She too is an actress – perhaps most notably seen as “Lena” – the interim love of Darnell, Maya’s ‘husband’ on “Girlfriends”.

Later that night, Ant and I stumbled into “G” (www.glounge.com) – a place we hadn’t been together since I lost my camera there last August. We went to say HI to his buddy Aaron who I got to see while in Atlanta (at a house party). I also ran into my friend Clarence Haynes who I’ve blogged about before (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/8/5/movin-on-up-to-the-east-side.html). He’s been supportive to me and my book –project-on-the-market “Big Willies & Amazing Graces: gay men and their best girlfriends” which almost got sold to the publishing house for which he used to work (www.modelmayhem.com/clarencito or www.nycastings.com/clarencito). He transitioned from working as an editor at a world-renowned book publishing company to pursue modeling and acting. He’s been quite busy over the past few months – including an appearance as model in one of the last episodes of UGLY BETTY from last season (www.abc.go.com/primetime/uglybetty/index). He’s the silver man with cape behind singer Adele. Also, was a makeover model on THE MORNING SHOW with Mike and Juliet in May. And Clarence says his big epiphany of late is refocusing on his love of exploration of culture, race, gender and sexuality, both in publishing and performance. And that translates into him doing developmental work on a performance collective that will have dancers, singers, visual artists exploring issues around gender and sexuality – perhaps a backdrop for my sidelight of performing and presentation. And he hasn’t left the written word behind as proven by a piece he just recently wrote on E. Lynn Harris' literary legacy at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/clarence-haynes/what-lies-below-taking-ti_b_248197.html.

And of course, we couldn’t be in NEW YORK CITY for a week without getting a DIVA in. Well, more than one if you count our recently wed Tawana (Tata, I call her). She and I are near and dear, but Ant and I didn’t get the chance to join her in St. Lucia as she married her love Jules. But classic Tata showed up as if she was left to give a gift (always giving, she is) when she called to remind me that we have been long-scheduled to see Jody Watley (www.jodywatley.net) at B.B. King’s (www.bbkingblues.com). Jody was in great voice and in a great mood to vogue and even lay out on the floor for the “KIDS”.  My Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts who does “LIVE FROM FRONT ROW!” (music and concert reviews) noted that the 80s triple threat channeled her Soul Train beginnings as well as her mentors from the most legendary of house music vogueing dancers.  Michael even provided a rundown of the awesome show! THANKS MICHAEL!

7:58 p.m.

Medley: 

     I Want Your Love

     Your Love Keeps Working On Me

     I Want You

     I Want Your Love (Reprise)

Medley: 

     I'm the One You Need

     Looking For a New Love

     Don't You Want Me

     Some Kind of Lover

     Friend

Everything

Sunshine???

Band Introductions

Medley: 

     A Night to Remember

     For the Lover In You

     Make That Move

Candlelight

Whenever...

A Beautiful Life

Real Love

--------------------------------------

Saturday Night Experience

Still a Thrill

Wanna Be Startin' Something

9:12 p.m.

GRACE JONES was also in town. But I didn’t realize. I knew she was going to be at The Hollywood Bowl but didn’t know that there was a New York City date as well. I hear she was FAB! As Jody stands on Grace Jones’ shoulders, perhaps Grace – and Jody  - are standing on the shoulders of Naomi Sims who recently passed away. As one of the first Black models of note in America (if not the first), Naomi Sims opened the door for Beverly Johnson, Iman, Naomi, Tyra, and all the supermodels to catwalk through. I had the luxury of interviewing Naomi Sims a few years back in Santa Barbara. A total honor!!!!

And after a final day of prepping for this trip (including working the phones --- unsuccessfully at this writing --- towards finding a free/cheap-yet-comfy place to stay for my two months in L.A.), Ant and I got to spend ceremonious time with Ern at “On The Border”. It was sort of a last supper before I leave and before they both come to L.A. at some point – over the next month – to ensure I don’t slip through the cracks of someone else’s reality… and know that my own reality is worth maintaining and managing and nurturing. DEAL, GUYS? 

P.S. Congrats to my cousin Kea who is going to be a Navy sailor. Though I was in Georgia a couple of days before her send-off, I had to get back to NYC to regroup for my trip that has me back south (even further... in Tampa). Here are all of us YOUNG COUSINS with Kea and - at-the-time - her pregnant sister. This was just a couple of years ago. Now, Kea is taking it to the next level. TRAVELING MERCIES... and ALL MY LOVE, CUZ!