Member Since: 05/08/2006
Band Website: www.tonijoleneclay.com
Band Members: Born in central Ohio, in the 50's, Toni grew up singing a wide variety of music. The Gospel in song has always been one of the strongest influences of her music. She began performing in a band publicly in the 60's. Over the years, she's worked with many wonderfully gifted people who have helped guide her decisions...and footsteps. She resides in Nashville, Tennessee. A writer, vocalist, pianist, record producer and speaker, Clay performed at Gilley's near Houston for many years, opening for a 'who's who' in country music. She recently recorded "A Song For You", a duet with longtime friend Johnny Lee, on his latest CD. She is also heard on Lee's original recording of "Cherokee Fiddle". A solo of Clay singing a song she co-wrote with legendary songwriter Jim Weatherly, "Silver Moon", is on Mickey Newbury's critically acclaimed "Lulled by the Moonlight" cd. She is the only artist Newbury ever honored in such a manner. Newbury's follow up cd was titled "Stories From The Silver Moon Cafe", a reflection of the impact of Clay's song. Toni Jolene has written over 300 songs and is preparing to release her sixth cd as a solo artist. Her songs have been recorded by Willie Nelson, first lady of the London stage... Elaine Paige, southern gospel favorites... George Younce, The Whisnants, The Steele's, Legacy Five, The Hopper's, The Florida Boys, Crossway, Sandra Payne, Friends Four, Lauren Talley, Three Bridges, and many church and university choirs. They have been featured on the popular Gaither Homecoming Series, and included in the GMA's Hall of Fame series. She is a multiple nominee for the prestigious Dove Award. She wears many hats...singing, recording, producing, writing, demo'ing, and publishing. Toni also accepts speaking & concert engagements at churches and special events nationwide.
An ordained minister, Toni also is the director of a ministry team called
"Voices With Purpose". VWP conducts retreats, conferences, and seminars around the country. To find out more about this non-profit organization, visit www.womenwithpurposeonline.com.Toni serves as the Music Pastor at River of Life Church in Smyrna, TN.
Influences: Things seen and unseen, words said, and left unsaid...the quiet space of rest between the notes...emotions felt and yet to feel... love lost...love found...love known and yet to know. People who took the time to know me, people who didn't have the time...for me or themselves. Songs that cause you to forget to breathe...songs that give you strength...expose your weakness, and allow transparency and vulnerability. Great writers and singers like Mickey Newbury & Dottie West, who showed genuine friendship to me...George Younce who was as real as he seemed, and a host of others who have given of themselves to sow into lesser gifting's, dreaming one day of a great harvest. A father and mother who would not compromise for lesser gods. A sister who taught me how to live while dying, how to die with grace, and how my hope in what lies beyond this world is well placed. Her children...their children...and the wonder of them. The flowers of my youth that are still fragrant even when the bouquet has begun to age. A sunny day...a rainy day...the wind...the salt of the earth...literally and figuratively...the simple life...which at times escapes me, the Dove of peace, which sometimes flies away...and the hope of Heaven...which is at home in the heart of me. The road my heart follows....and the silver moon.
Sounds Like: Me...with an occasional glimpse of those who have helped shape me...some still here...some gone on
Record Label: The Potter's Clay Music Group
Type of Label: Indie