Jody Vanessa Watley (born January 30, 1959) is an American singer, songwriter and producer whose music crosses genres including pop, R&B, jazz, dance and electronic soul. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, she was a member of the R&B/funk band Shalamar, who scored many hits, notably in the UK. In 1988, she won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist (as a solo artist) and has been nominated for three Grammy awards.

In 2008, she was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from Billboard magazine, and was also prominently featured in the historic black issue of Vogue Italia in 2008.

In December 2016, Billboard ranked her as the 21st-most-successful dance artist of all time, and in 2017 Black Music Honors TV special recognized Watley as Crossover Music Icon Honoree for her groundbreaking achievements and influence.

In August 2018, Billboard ranked Jody Watley as one of the top female artists of all time, at number 53.

In March 2021, Jody Watley was named the First Ambassador of the National Museum of African American Music.

In 2022, Jody Watley received an honorary doctorate in business and Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from Joe Biden at Jody Watley Day at Georgia State Capitol, and was inducted into Women Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In 2023, Sirius XM Satellite Radio launched "The Jody Watley Show", a monthly life, music and culture show featuring celebrity guests and classic R&B hits.