Joy Zimmerman is a folk & acoustic singer-songwriter with a soulful voice and inventive lyrics that light up her music. You’ll hear echoes of your own journey in Joy’s songs of hope, strength and humor. Joy’s most recent album, The Canvas Before Us, debuted at #8 on the Folk Alliance International Folk Chart.
Born on Shakespeare’s 400th birthday, it’s no wonder Joy is a natural writer. Her songwriting has been recognized nationally with an American Songwriter Lyric Contest Honorable Mention and ten Walnut Valley Festival NewSong Showcase wins. Joy’s music has been described as “vivid and alive, tender and poignant, and altogether a gift for the listener” (Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg, Kansas Poet Laureate Emeritus).
You could say Joy’s emergence as a dynamic singer-songwriter is surprising. She didn’t pick up a guitar, sing a solo or writer her first song until mid-life. But all the elements were there…a voice of honey waiting to be discovered, insights to write about for days, and a lifelong love of music beginning with a request for violin lessons before kindergarten.
A touring musician based in Kansas City, Joy’s performances are thought-provoking and full of opportunities to laugh and reflect. At home on guitar and violin, Joy’s bound to add a fiddle tune or two along the way. She leaves you wishing you had heard her sooner and trying to figure out how to be her friend.
Joy recorded her most recent album at Inside-Out Studio in Sparta, Illinois. Her previous studio albums were recorded at Weights and Measures Soundlab (Kansas City) and Azales Studios (Nashville). Joy’s live album was recorded at Knuckleheads and Weights and Measures Soundlab.
“Cultivate Joy” and “Amplify Hope” logos adorn Joy’s merchandise
The Canvas Before Us - Debuted at #8 Album of the Month on the FAI Folk Chart (August 2021)
Women Who Walked on Water - #4 Song of the Month on the FAI Folk DJ chart (March 2022)
We'll Hold the Light - #16 Song of the Month on the FAI Folk DJ chart (February 2021)
Heartland Song Network Artist of the Month (2022)
Artist as Activist Award - Mid-America Arts Alliance (2022)
Artist INC Program Graduate (2022)
FARM Folk DJ Showcase (2021)
Kansas Public Radio Top Ten New Releases - 3x (2021)
Walnut Valley Festival NewSong Songwriting Contest 10x winner (2011-2020)
American Songwriter Songwriting Contest - Honorable Mention (2017)
Venue References
"Whether she's strumming her guitar or fiddling her fiddle, Joy Zimmerman brings a voice of angels to her music. I've booked her before and I'll book her again." ~Mike Paget, Green Guitar Folk House
"Hire Joy today! I have had the pleasure of working with her for 3 years now and know her to have the highest standards for her performances. She has emceed and played a show after an annual event which draws over 30,000 people to our downtown area. A true community partner and awesome artist, we cannot recommend Joy highly enough." ~Ellie Haire, Events and Marketing Manager for Downtown Overland Park
“Joy has a wonderfully unique way of connecting to her audience...she engages every audience member and wraps everyone in a blanket of beautiful music." ~Peggy Kelly, Open Range Concert Series
Reviews of Joy's new album, "The Canvas Before Us"
"Joy Zimmerman has taken her music to a new level on "The Canvas Before Us," which not only showcases her lovely voice but also an array of new songs speaking eloquently and emotionally to the human condition. Am greatly looking forward to playing these songs on Kansas Public Radio's Trail Mix." ~Bob McWilliams, host Trail Mix on Kansas Public Radio
"The Canvas Before Us" is a warm and beautiful album about hope, reflection and the loving humor that only Joy Zimmerman can infuse. I love this album! Inspiring women, love, our future, the state of the world—so many unique stories accompanied by music that is both original and comforting. Joy Zimmerman gives us both in this lovely and thoughtful new release. Lucky us." ~Dani Goodband, Lakeside Music
