Joy Nance-Johnson, a local gospel singer, has flown under the radar when it comes to recognition, so well that nobody has heard of her.
“I was talking with one my associates, Adam Krock, one day. Adam has a group called Mercy’s Child. He mentioned my name to a few artists,” said Joy Nance-Johnson.
“After several people admitted to not knowing who I was, he promptly informed them that the reason not many people of heard of me is that I am the best-kept secret in St. Louis.”
Nance-Johnson has had opportunities to sing at outlets such as the Solid Rock Café in Eureka. On one occasion, she played to a standing-room-only audience.
“It was amazing to see so many people up in there to hear gospel music,” she said.
Joy’s current CD release, Songs of Joy, is a virtual potpourri of musical styles. R&B, jazz and traditional gospel arrangements give this CD a distinct flavor that has something for all musical tastes.
Nance-Johnson covers two Donnie McClurkin songs, “Get To Know You” and “Didn’t You Know,” as well as several original compositions, “I Am Jehovah” and “You Are Holy,” written by her collaborator and executive producer, Greg Worzel.
Joy, a St. Louis native, has been singing since the age of 10. During a bus ride on a church trip to Grant’s Farm, many of the children were singing “Old McDonald Had A Farm.” Little Joy’s rendition stood out so much to her pastor, the late Samuel L. Rabun, that he dubbed her the “little girl with the very big voice.”
Nance-Johnson has performed in various choirs and singing groups around the St. Louis area. One such group, the Earthen Vessels, partners her with good friend and musical partner, Jackie Morris.
“When we sing on different projects, they call us the dynamic duo,” said Nance-Johnson.
Nance-Johnson attends Life Christian Church, where her producer, Greg Worzel, first approached her about making a CD. “It was something I had been praying over for a long time, and it was an answer to a prayer,” she said.
One of Joy’s biggest and most vocal supporters has been her mother, Virginia Nance.
“One night we were all together, watching Saturday Night Live. Queen Latifah was hosting, and was the musical guest as well,” Nance-Johnson remembered.
“My mother said, ‘I just don’t understand why she is on TV. Joy, you sing better than she does! That was huge vote of confidence.”
Joy’s jazzy and soulful flair is best exemplified on the track Just A Prayer Away, a melodic ballad that encourages those in need of God’s guidance and comfort. Strains of Anita Baker as well as other jazz-gospel influences echo through this heartfelt song.
Nance-Johnson is passionate about her music ministry. Although she has had numerous opportunities to sing on a secular circuit, she still remains committed to gospel music.
“I want my songs to be a triumph of the spirit in a way that hits the listener’s soul and moves them to rise above whatever obstacles they have in their lives,” she said.
Many of the obstacles she sings about reflect personal testimonies to God’s redeeming power.
“I’ve survived being a co-dependent spouse of an alcoholic and endured the loss of a child,” she said. “But, through it all, I’ve learned to lean and depend on Jesus, my only power source.”