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Cymone talked about Watley’s impact and influence on female artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Selena and future generations during a sit-down interview backstage at her recent sold-out 35th anniversary blockbuster self-titled album and birthday celebration at Sycuan Casino and Resort in San Diego.

Cymone says, “Her music and incomparable style is pure and stands the test of time still today, 35 years later.”

When asked if he knew her debut album would reach its platinum status and beyond, Cymone responded, “Yes, I did. I knew we had something really special.”

His personal favorite from the Jody Watley song collection, which he produced, is Still A Thrill. “I think this song will go down in history as one of the classic funk songs of all time. Jody came up with the lyrics and a vibe for the song, and the rest is history,” says Cymone.

To the audience’s surprise, Watley introduced Cymone, who joined her for the first time on stage in celebration of her 35th Anniversary Solo Debut Concert. In the show, Watley said, “It’s a historical night.”

On her solo debut album, Cymone was an early collaborator with Watley, co-writing hits like Looking For A New Love, Still A Thrill, Some Kind of Lover and subsequent hits Real Love, Friends, I Want You on their work together over four albums.

The former couple was also married, divorcing in 1994 and have one son together, Arie. Andre Cymone has since remarried. Their son Arie was in attendance, and daughter Lauren and Andre’s wife Katherine joined in the festive occasion.

As a solo artist, the ageless pop and R&B singer has 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles, 13 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and platinum albums, 2007 Billboard Dance Lifetime Achievement, 2017 recipient of the Black Music Honors Crossover Music Icon Award and nominations from the American Music Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Awards and Soul Train Awards.

Watley is a trendsetting pioneer in music, video, fashion and style, one of the architects of 21st-century pop. The cultural music iconic singer in Pop/Soul/R&B continues to amass chart-toppers!

You can follow the iconic singer on her social media @jodywatley

Click here to watch the interview!