Who is K.Joy? Good Question! Born in Chicago, K.Joy started singing at the tender age of five and it did not take long for the precocious singer to attract attention. K.Joy attended William H. Ray Elementary School in Hyde Park, where she began to develop her musical abilities through playing classical piano, writing lyrics, and where she also learned of the Chicago Childrens Choir. K.Joy played piano for five years and sang in the Chicago Childrens Choir for three years, which granted her the opportunity to share her musical gift around the world. It was then that she realized how much she loved to perform.
K.Joy has all the makings of a legend. She won first place in a high school talent show coordinated by known mentor Lena Mclin (to Chaka Khan, R.Kelly and others) beating out now multi-platinum recording artist R.Kelly who came in second place. Although we were competing it was really about the music, we all had a passion for it. she explains.
She attended Northwestern University and immediately joined the renowned Northwestern Community Ensemble, under the tutelage of the dynamic musician, recording artist, and director, Mr. John Ray. As a member of NCE, K.Joy was lead vocalist for many songs featured in concert while on tour with the choir in the U.S. While a student at NU, K.Joy wrote the lyrics to her first Top Ten Billboard dance music hit Like This. This was the illustrious beginning of K.Joys legendary career in the music business. She opened for acts such as Roy Ayers, touring all over the U.S. and performing at places such as the legendary Paradise Garage in New York, where the famous resident DJ was the late Larry Levan. Like This is a classic house music anthem still being played in dance clubs both in the U.S. and overseas, as well as in radio rotation all over the world today.
Later in her career, K.Joy became lead singer for the band Complete Desire, which opened up for the legendary 60s group The Mighty Tams and toured throughout the U.S. Touring was a great experience for me. I was able to learn about different cultures and it helped me grow as an artist. Im more diverse as a result of my varied musical experiences. says K.Joy. It is that diversity that continues to compliment K.Joy as she hones her craft. Not only is she a phenomenal artist, lyricist and arranger, but also her vocal range is evident in her experience as lead vocalist for various Gospel and Classical Choirs, as well as Dance, Jazz, Blues, and R&B bands around the country.
Being the multi-talented artist that she is, K.Joy began to explore her roots in hip-hop as a rapper. She was a featured artist on The HolyWar Records compilation CD under the artist name Saran. On this compilation, not only did she provide background vocals for two of the other artists featured, but also wrote, arranged, rapped, and sang vocals for her single Betta Way.
K.Joy is currently working with various legendary producers for the Adonis Recordings release of her upcoming album. Today, K.Joy can be seen at the hottest clubs and venues around the world.
