Jody Watley’s “Real Love” was the first single to emerge from her 1989 sophomore album, Larger Than Life. Watley co-wrote “Real Love” with longtime personal and professional collaborator, André Cymone. Prince’s childhood friend and former bandmate worked with Watley on her debut, co-writing every song. Three top ten singles and a Grammy for Best New Artist certified Watley’s breakthrough as a new pop star. Larger Than Life had a similar impact, and “Real Love” was one of the three top ten hits that made it to number two on the Billboard Hot 100, just as “Looking For A New Love” did in 1987. “Real Love” was a bass-driven dance track with splashy horns. The video was one of the most impactful because of Watley’s progressive style that made it look like a high-end fashion show. All of the clothes were from her closet, and she did a runway walk with her iconic big hoop earrings. David Fincher directed the video that is one of the most nominated music videos ever. Fashion photographer Steven Meisel photographed her for the album cover. “Real Love” also received a Soul Train Award nomination for Best Female Single.
Larger Than Life hit another mark with one of the earliest collaborations between a singer and rapper on “Friends” with Eric B and Rakim. Watley’s success made her the only other dance-oriented female artist in the mainstream besides Janet Jackson. In 2026 “Real Love” is still making people dance. In 2021, Watley became the First Ambassador of the National Museum of African American Music. She received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from Joe Biden in 2022 on Jody Watley Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Watley has an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from T.I.U.A. for being a successful entrepreneur, and she was inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2025, Watley released the remix compilation Let’s Dance Vol. 1 – Hit Them Beats.
