Americana Highways:

Joy Zimmerman “Be the Reason”

Americana Highways presents this video premiere of Joy Zimmerman’s song “Be the Reason” from her forthcoming album. “Be the Reason” was produced by Joy Zimmerman with Maggie Heeren; recorded and mixed by Maggie Heeren at La Luna Recording & Sound; and mastered by Anna Frick, Ally Sound. Some additional recording was courtesy of Duane Trower and Ryan Dugan.

“Be the Reason” is Joy Zimmerman on vocals, acoustic guitar, and violin; Ryan Dugan on acoustic and electric guitars, and harmony vocals; Carolyn Koebel on percussion; Andrew Stinson on bass; and Danielle Anderson on harmony vocals.

The footage for the video is a soothing balm on the wounds of fear and sorrow that are stoked daily in the world around us right now. It starts with hopeful images of kids, forests filled with wildlife, with Joy calling on us to reach out, stand up, and support others: “be the reason somebody’s hopeful.” Set on a foundation of acoustic guitar and violin, this is a folk song directly grounded in hope. Just in time for Pride Month, this song is an inspiration and a motivation.

This video was produced by Linda Dill and Joy Zimmerman.

I wanted the video for “Be the Reason” to embody the invitation of the song’s lyrics. While we are bombarded by heartbreaking news each day, I called on the ever-present power of beauty, kindness, and equality. Weaving together these stirring, poignant images was as healing as writing and recording the song itself. We filmed my performances in favorite locations – an Oregon forest, the InterUrban ArtHouse, and our backyard. With new research showing that nature photos can relieve pain, I am optimistic that images of hope can do the same. May this song be an antidote that bolsters us and inspire action. – Joy Zimmerman

Agile Leadership Journey:

In a world brimming with division and uncertainty, we all face daily choices: Will we be a source of hope or hesitation? Will our presence create safety or anxiety? These aren't abstract questions; they're the reality of being human, whether we're leading teams, raising children, caring for aging parents, or advocating for our communities.
 
Folk artist Joy Zimmerman, whose music is featured in our Relearning Leadership podcast, has released a new song, “Be the Reason,” that beautifully captures this essential truth. Joy speaks to the inherent opportunity we have to transform the environment around us through how we show up for others:
 
Be the reason somebody's hopeful
A reason they feel seen
An anchor they can count on
When lost or in between.
 
Like being a catalyst, being an anchor doesn't mean being rigid or having all the answers. Instead, it means being grounded in your values and consistent in your approach to people. It means being someone others can count on to maintain perspective when pressures mount, to remain curious when others become defensive, and to choose hope and action when cynicism and retreat feel easier.
 
Let this song remind you that every interaction—whether with a team member, a child, a neighbor, or a stranger—is a choice: to create hope or fear, to build up or tear down, to be an anchor or add to the storm. 
 
We all have influence, and so much depends on how we choose to use it.

Heartland Song Network Artist of the Month Interview:

Our Artist of the Month for September 2022 is Joy Zimmerman, a Kansas City based Singer/Songwriter. Board Member Erin McGrane interviews Joy on discovering the ability to write original music later on in life, and coming in to one's own as a woman, activist and artist.

Northern Spirit Radio: 

Joy Zimmerman combines consummate instrumental skill, with moving lyrics, and with abundant Light & Love. Immersed in classical music & violin throughout her youth, it was later in life that she picked up a guitar and discovered her gift for songwriting. Joy shares deeply from her rich life and her passion for making a better world, and she does it with wonderful creativity, beauty, and her clear, ringing, passionate voice. Find her in Kansas City and on Facebook.

Past/current religious/spiritual influences: Lutheran, Progressive Christianity, Disciples of Christ, Earth-Based Spirituality

All songs on this program are written & performed by Joy Zimmerman:
If Your Life Were a Movie - from The Canvas Before Us
Mosaic - from The Canvas Before Us
My'Rish Blessing - from Sweet Bird
Women Who Walked on Water - from The Canvas Before Us
Where Will You Stand - from The Canvas Before Us
Measure My Heart - from The Canvas Before Us
Plant Me a Tree - from Shakespeare Texting
The Gift of Light - from Gift of Light