In celebration of Black History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited various artists to contribute essays that reflect on themes such as identity, music, culture, and inclusion.
Today, we feature Joy Clark, an acclaimed singer/songwriter and guitarist from New Orleans, who shares her journey toward finding connection and community, and how these experiences influenced her debut album, 'Tell it to the Wind,' as part of Atwood Magazine's Black History Month initiative.
Hailing from Louisiana, Joy Clark is carving her own path with her debut album, 'Tell it to the Wind.' As the youngest of five in a close-knit, devout family near New Orleans, this release represents both her declaration of independence and a tribute to the traditions that shaped her. The album signifies Clark’s emergence on the national scene as a proud, queer, Black woman who blends the social awareness inherent in folk music, the rhythms of Southeast Louisiana, and the soul music she was raised on.
Joy cultivated her guitar skills and gained stage experience at her parents’ church, where she led worship services alongside her siblings every Sunday in Harvey, Louisiana. While her role at church incorporated her family and her love for music, she often felt out of place. Being home-schooled for much of her youth allowed her to hone her craft, but it also left her feeling isolated as a queer woman growing up in a strict household.
During her time at the University of New Orleans, Joy immersed herself in the city’s vibrant music scene, embracing its traditions, especially the “do whatcha wanna” spirit that contrasted sharply with the religious upbringing just a short distance away. The supportive community she found among queer individuals, poets, artists, activists, and those living authentically combined with her social science studies to bring her closer to her evolving self. Eventually, Joy secured a regular touring spot with Grammy winner Cyril Neville, a living legend.
“Over the last few years, I've had the honor of performing and touring with many individuals I admire. I keep learning the same lesson — that there is space for everyone, and the world becomes more beautiful when we all express our unique selves,” Joy reflects. “'Tell it to the Wind' tells the story of how I learned to shine, and I hope it inspires others to embrace their true selves as well."
Joy's songwriting, characterized by intricate progressions and themes of freedom, love, and self-acceptance, garnered her attention in the folk and Americana music scenes just a few years back, including performances at AmericanaFest. 'Tell it to the Wind' serves as an announcement of Joy's arrival and signifies a new era for both her and those who engage with the album. Read Joy’s essay below and listen to her debut album wherever you stream music.
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by Joy Clark
I have often experienced prolonged periods of feeling disconnected from myself and my voice. I believe this stems from how society distanced me from my own heritage as a Black woman, along with the strict beliefs of my fundamentalist Christian upbringing that dismissed any form of ancestral witchcraft as pagan or non-Christian. I felt somewhat adrift in the sanitized sphere of fundamentalist Christianity.
I co-wrote “Lesson,” one of the tracks on my album 'Tell it to the Wind,' with my producer and friend Margaret Becker just a week after the passing of my grandmother, Catherine Johnson. However, the song had been brewing in my subconscious through blues riffs well before we began writing. In many ways, my grandmother authored the song through nearly 40 years of conversations with me. She shared her experiences of growing up in New Orleans during segregation, living without indoor plumbing, and missing many things we take for granted today. She spoke of how her lighter skin made life challenging among both white and Black people.
I recall one instance when she entered a bathroom labeled “Blacks Only,” only to be told by a white woman that she was in the wrong place. I cannot fathom that pain. She recounted moments of her family preparing a pot of gumbo, with everyone contributing what little they had to fill it. Reflecting on these stories helps me feel a stronger connection to her, as I realize she too might have felt disconnected from herself at times. Yet, she relied on her community for support, even when circumstances were far from ideal.
I frequently receive questions about what inspires my music and songwriting, and for a long time, I found myself at a loss for words. I believed that to be deemed a legitimate artist, my narrative had to align with others’ stories.
We often forget about those who infuse art into their everyday lives, like my grandmother, whom we affectionately called Bumaw. Despite the significant obstacles she faced in the Jim Crow South, she created a beautiful life and brought immense joy to those around her. She was adept at making much out of little, knowing how to stretch a meal and discover the best deals.
Saturdays were dedicated to running errands with her. My siblings and I
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Renowned New Orleans singer/songwriter and guitarist Joy Clark discusses her quest for connection and community, revealing how she integrated those experiences into her debut album 'Tell it to the Wind' for Atwood Magazine’s Black History Month series!