Dear Friends,
I’d been out of the studio since 2023, but I jumped back in after the debut of “Be the Reason” at Green Guitar Folk House in January. Only five days into the new administration, I needed a way to manage my fears. I also wanted to remind us that our actions matter and encourage us to remain engaged, kind, and resilient. And so here it is — the newly-released “Be the Reason” on Joyzimmermanmusic.com, Bandcamp, and Spotify.
Many fabulous folks contributed to the the recording of this song: Danielle Anderson, Linda Dill, Ryan Dugan, Anna Frick, Carolyn Koebel, Maggie Heeren, Andrew Stinson, and Duane Trower.
A live version of “Be the Reason” with bonus harmony from a familiar face…
The authors “asked each other, their dearest friends, and 118 of the world’s most brilliant wayfinders: As you’ve traveled these roads—marriage, parenting, work, recovery, heartbreak, aging, new beginnings—have you collected any wisdom that might help us find our way?
As Glennon, Abby, and Amanda wrote down every life-saving answer, they discovered two things:
1. No matter what road we are walking down, someone else has traveled the same terrain.
2. The wisdom of our fellow travelers will light our way.
They put all of that wisdom in one place: We Can Do Hard Things—a place to turn when you feel clueless and alone, when you need clarity in the chaos, or when you want wise company on the path of life.”
“Now more than ever, environmental solutions may seem out of reach. But they’re happening all over the country. This year, we’ll be highlighting one thing that’s working in every state.”
What would life be without the arts? As the current administration rescinds National Endowment for the Arts grants to organizations across the country, We the People must step up. Contribute to an arts organization you treasure (one of mine is below), attend more live shows, buy more art, and contact your legislators about the importance of federal, state and local arts funding.
“To preserve, present, and promote folk music as a living, evolving force for connection, justice, and cultural continuity," donate to support the work of Folk Alliance International.
Jellyfish!
Thanks for being a reason I feel hopeful! xoxo, Joy
Americana Highways will premiere the official “Be the Reason” video on June 10th…stay tuned!
Joy Zimmerman is a folk and acoustic roots singer-songwriter who creates community through music. Her latest album, Where the Light Lives, debuted at #6 on the Folk Alliance International Chart, adding to a growing list of accolades and awards. A multi-instrumentalist with a rich, clear voice, Joy blends insightful songwriting, fiddle tunes, and storytelling into performances that leave a lasting impact. Dani Goodband of Lakeside Music calls her “a show any host would line up to present.” joyzimmermanmusic.com