Joy Williams (singer)

Last updated

Joy Williams
Joy Williams in Kansas City I (crop).jpg
Williams performing, 2011
Born
Joy Elizabeth Williams

(1982-11-14) November 14, 1982 (age 41)
West Branch, Michigan, U.S.
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Years active2000–present
Spouses
Nate Yetton
​
​
(m. 2004;div. 2019)​
Ted Woods
​
(m. 2022)​
Children2
Musical career
Genres Contemporary Christian, pop, folk rock
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano, concertina
Labels
Website joywilliams.com

Joy Elizabeth Williams (born November 14, 1982) [1] is an American singer-songwriter. The winner of four Grammy Awards, Williams has released five solo albums and four EPs since her self-titled debut in 2001. She was half of The Civil Wars duo from 2009 until 2014.

Contents

Early life

Williams was born in West Branch, Michigan, but raised in a Christian home in Mount Hermon in Santa Cruz County, California, where her parents worked in ministry. [2] She attended Valley Christian High School in San Jose and graduated as the class valedictorian in 2001. [3]

In addition to singing in church, Williams began writing faith-based pop songs while living in Santa Cruz. At 17, she was signed by Reunion Records, a subsidiary of Sony/BMG based in Brentwood, Tennessee. [4]

Williams cites Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Massive Attack, and Portishead as being her influences. [5]

Career

Between 2001 and 2005, Williams was nominated for 11 Dove Awards, and the three records she released on Reunion cumulatively sold more than 250,000 copies. [6] In 2005, she left the label to expand her musical horizons. [7]

Williams traveled to Europe, worked briefly at Paste Magazine and then at a Nashville boutique. In 2006, she signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell music, and in 2008 she co-founded an artist development firm, Sensibility Music, as a vehicle for her career development. That same year Oscar Mayer selected her song "It Doesn't Get Better Than This" for a 2008 marketing campaign. [8] Williams subsequently released three EPs through Sensibility Music. The songs "Charmed Life", "Speaking a Dead Language", and "Sunny Day", were featured on the TV show Grey's Anatomy . [4] [9]

The Civil Wars

In 2008, Williams attended a writing camp in Nashville, where she met John Paul White. They formed the folk rock duo the Civil Wars in 2009 and released their breakthrough album, Barton Hollow , in 2011. The album was widely praised by critics [10] and went on to sell more than 650,000 copies in the U.S. [11] White and Williams won four Grammy Awards as the Civil Wars.

The duo announced an indefinite hiatus in November 2012, prior to the release of their 2013 self-titled album. [6] [ better source needed ] [12] [13] The duo was officially dissolved in August 2014 [14] [15] and in March 2015, Williams said her last conversation with White was after their Roundhouse show in London in November 2012. [5]

In 2023, they individually participated in a re-recording of "Safe & Sound" with Taylor Swift, credited under their individual names. [16]

Music and acting

Late in 2013, Williams collaborated with Chris Cornell on the song "Misery Chain", which they performed on Late Show with David Letterman . [17] She also collaborated with Matt Berninger from The National on "Hush", the theme song for Turn . [18] [19] Williams and Hayley Williams (no relation) of the rock band Paramore collaborated on a new version of Paramore's "Hate to See Your Heart Break". [20]

Williams began working on a solo album, Venus , in 2014, ultimately releasing the record the following year. [5] [21]

Williams made her acting debut in 2016 in an episode of Roadies [22] and her recording of The Chainsmokers' "Don't Let Me Down" was used for a State Farm commercial in 2017. [23]

In 2018, while pregnant with her second child, Williams recorded fifteen songs in a five-day period; [24] of those fifteen songs, twelve were included on her Kenneth Pattengale-produced album, Front Porch , released on May 3, 2019.

Personal life

On June 12, 2004, Williams married Nate Yetton. Williams and Yetton have a son born June 30, 2012; and a daughter born August 6, 2018. [25] [26] In an interview with Pop Matters, Williams stated that she and her husband had "decided to part ways" in early 2019. [27] Williams married Ted Woods in October 2022. [28]

Discography

Solo

The Civil Wars

Awards and nominations

YearAssociationCategoryNomineeResultRef.
2006 Dove Awards Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year Genesis Nominated
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year"Hide"Nominated
2011 CMT Music Awards Duo Video of the Year"Barton Hollow"Nominated
Americana Music Association New/Emerging Artist of the YearThe Civil WarsNominated
Duo/Group of the YearNominated
Country Music Association Awards Vocal Duo of the YearNominated
ASCAP Awards ASCAP Vanguard Award Won
2012 Grammy Award Best Folk Album Barton Hollow Won
Best Country Duo/Group Performance"Barton Hollow"Won
CMT Music Awards Video of the Year"Safe & Sound" (as featuring)Nominated
Collaborative Video of the YearNominated
Duo Video of the Year"Poison & Wine"Nominated
Americana Music Association Duo/Group of the YearThe Civil WarsWon
A2IM Libera Awards Album of the Year Barton Hollow Nominated
Country Music Association Awards Vocal Duo of the YearThe Civil WarsNominated
Musical Event of the Year"Safe & Sound" (as featuring)Nominated
2013 Grammy Award Best Country Duo/Group PerformanceNominated
Best Song Written for Visual MediaWon
Golden Globe Award Best Original SongNominated
2014 Grammy Award Best Country Duo/Group Performance"From This Valley"Won
2019 Grammy Award Best Folk Album Front Porch Nominated

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The National (band)</span> American indie rock band

The National is an American rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in Brooklyn, New York City in 1999. The band consists of Matt Berninger (vocals), twin brothers Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner, as well as brothers Scott Devendorf (bass) and Bryan Devendorf (drums). Carin Besser, the wife of Matt Berninger, is not a band member but has written lyrics for the band alongside her husband since its 2007 album Boxer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paramore</span> American rock band

Paramore is an American rock band from Franklin, Tennessee, formed in 2004. Since 2017, the band consists of lead vocalist Hayley Williams, guitarist Taylor York and drummer Zac Farro. Williams and Farro are founding members of the group, while York, a high school friend of the original lineup, joined in 2007. Williams is the only member to appear on all six of Paramore's studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hayley Williams</span> American singer (born 1988)

Hayley Nichole Williams is an American singer. She is the lead vocalist and only constant member of the rock band Paramore, which she co-founded in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Decode (song)</span> 2008 single by Paramore

"Decode" is a song by American rock band Paramore from the soundtrack of the 2008 romantic fantasy film Twilight. It was written by group members Hayley Williams, Josh Farro, and Taylor York. The song was first made available October 1, 2008 through Twilight author Stephenie Meyer's website. "Decode" was promoted to American modern rock radio by Fueled by Ramen and impacted on October 21, 2008, serving as the soundtrack's lead single. It is also included as a bonus track on the international version of Paramore's third studio album, Brand New Eyes (2009).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Only Exception</span> 2010 single by Paramore

"The Only Exception" is a song by American rock band Paramore. It was released by Fueled by Ramen in February 2010 as the third single from the band's third studio album, Brand New Eyes (2009). The song was written by band members Hayley Williams and Josh Farro; Paramore is also credited as being co-producers to the song. The song was generally well-received by music critics; praise of the song was mainly about Williams' vocal performance. Music critics reviewing the song noted that "The Only Exception" was a different musical theme for the band.

<i>Barton Hollow</i> 2011 studio album by the Civil Wars

Barton Hollow is the first full-length studio album from the Civil Wars. Produced by Charlie Peacock, it was released on February 1, 2011. It peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Digital Albums chart, No. 10 on the Billboard 200, No. 1 on the Billboard Folk Albums chart, and No. 2 on the Billboard Rock Albums chart, selling 25,000 copies in its first week. As of August 2013, the album has sold 623,000 copies in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Civil Wars</span> American musical duo

The Civil Wars were an American musical duo composed of Joy Williams and John Paul White. Formed in 2008, The Civil Wars won four Grammy Awards prior to their 2014 breakup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Paul White</span> American musician (born 1972)

John Paul White is an American musician and former member of the Grammy Award-winning duo the Civil Wars. He restarted his solo career with his 2016 release, Beulah.

The Grammy Award for Best Folk Album is an award presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, to recording artists for releasing albums in the folk genre. Honors in several categories are presented at the ceremony annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barton Hollow (song)</span> 2011 single by The Civil Wars

"Barton Hollow" is a country and indie folk song co-written and recorded by the Civil Wars. It was released on January 10, 2011 as the second single and title-track to their debut album Barton Hollow. The single did not enter the U.S. Hot 100 but charted on the top spot of the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles. The single's vinyl release had "You Are My Sunshine" as its B-side.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Civil Wars discography</span>

The discography of The Civil Wars consists of two studio albums, four extended plays (EP), five live albums, eight singles, and six music videos. The material has been released by Sensibility Music, LLC.

<i>Paramore</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Paramore

Paramore is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Paramore. It was released on April 5, 2013, through Fueled by Ramen as a follow-up to Brand New Eyes (2009). Recorded between April and November 2012, the album was described by the band as being a "statement" and a reintroduction of the band to the world and to themselves. It is the first album without guitarist Josh Farro, the only album without drummer Zac Farro and the final album with bassist Jeremy Davis before his departure in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tori Kelly</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1992)

Victoria Loren Kelly is an American singer-songwriter. She first gained recognition after posting videos on YouTube as a teenager, and made it through to Hollywood week on the ninth season of American Idol in 2010. Thereafter, she independently released her self-produced debut EP in 2012, Handmade Songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ain't It Fun (Paramore song)</span> 2014 single by Paramore

"Ain't It Fun" is a song by American rock band Paramore, released as the fourth and final single from their self-titled fourth studio album Paramore (2013). Produced by musician Justin Meldal-Johnsen, the song was recorded in Los Angeles. Development for it began with a keyboard loop recorded by its guitarist, Taylor York. Instruments including xylophone and bass guitar were later brought, along with a six-member gospel choir. York and the band's vocalist, Hayley Williams, wrote the song based on her experience of relocating and the latter's subsequent attitude.

<i>The Civil Wars</i> (album) 2013 studio album by the Civil Wars

The Civil Wars is the second and final album by American alternative folk band the Civil Wars. The album was released on August 6, 2013, by Sensibility Music/Columbia Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hate to See Your Heart Break</span> 2014 promotional single by Paramore featuring Joy Williams

"Hate to See Your Heart Break" is a song by American rock band Paramore, recorded for their 2013 self-titled fourth album Paramore. It was re-recorded to feature vocals by folk singer Joy Williams for the 2014 deluxe edition of the album, the first time Paramore has collaborated with another artist or group on a studio recording.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julien Baker</span> American rock musician (born 1995)

Julien Rose Baker is an American indie rock singer and guitarist. Her music is noted for its moody quality and confessional lyrical style, as well as frank explorations of topics including Christianity, addiction, mental illness, and human nature. She has received six Grammy Award nominations and three wins as a member of Boygenius.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phoebe Bridgers</span> American musician (born 1994)

Phoebe Lucille Bridgers is an American singer-songwriter. Her indie folk music typically centers around acoustic guitar and electronic production, with melancholic lyrical themes. She has received four Grammy Awards from eleven nominations.

<i>Front Porch</i> 2019 studio album by Joy Williams

Front Porch is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Joy Williams. It was released on May 3, 2019 by Sensibility Recordings. It was nominated for Best Folk Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards.

<i>Petals for Armor</i> 2020 studio album by Hayley Williams

Petals for Armor is the debut solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Hayley Williams. It was released on May 8, 2020, by Atlantic Records. The album was preceded by two extended plays (EPs), Petals for Armor I and Petals for Armor II, which make up the album's first ten songs.

References

  1. ↑ Maffeo, Kerry (October 1, 2001). "Opening Acts: Get to Know Joy Williams" (PDF). CCM Magazine : 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 10, 2012. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Roger Williams Obituary". legacy.com. Santa Cruz Sentinel. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  3. ↑ Sanzgiri, Shona. "A little country, a little Santa Cruz: Former resident Joy Williams enjoys musical success with Civil Wars" Archived February 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine The Santa Cruz Sentinel. March 13, 2012
  4. 1 2 Gold, Adam (November 10, 2011). "How The Civil Wars fought for artistic independence and broadsided Music Row". Nashville Scene. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 Mansfield, Brian (March 31, 2015). "Post-Wars, Williams is a new 'Woman'". USA Today .
  6. 1 2 Kittle, Ashleigh. "Joy Williams Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved August 2, 2014.
  7. ↑ Uhelski, Jaan. "The Surrender of Joy Williams" (PDF). thefiretheftproject.com. The Fire Theft Project. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  8. ↑ Clifford, Stephanie (January 14, 2010). "Oscar Mayer Counts on the Joy, Not the Jingles". New York Times. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  9. ↑ Clarendon, Dan. "Grey's Anatomy Music". wetpaint.com. Wet Paint. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Barton Hollow - The Civil Wars". Metacritic. Retrieved August 2, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Barton Hollow Sales". riaa.com. RIAA. Retrieved August 2, 2014.
  12. ↑ McKinley, James C. (October 25, 2011). "Their Year of Living Almost Famously". The New York Times. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  13. ↑ Hoby, Hermione (March 3, 2012). "The Civil Wars: 'I feel we pull from each other's world'". The Guardian. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  14. ↑ Lopez, Korina (August 5, 2014). "The Civil Wars are Officially Over". USA Today. Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  15. ↑ Mansfield, Brian (June 30, 2011). "On the Verge: The Civil Wars". USA Today.
  16. ↑ MacCary, Julia (March 16, 2023). "Taylor Swift Is Dropping Four Unreleased Songs Ahead of Her Eras Tour Start". Variety. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  17. ↑ Leahy, Andrew (December 20, 2013). "Chris Cornell and The Civil Wars' Joy Williams Team Up For "Misery Chain"". American Songwriter. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  18. ↑ Breihan, Tom (April 14, 2014). "Joy Williams & Matt Berninger – "Hush"". Stereogum. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  19. ↑ Gordon, Jeremy (April 4, 2014). "The National's Matt Berninger and Civil Wars' Joy Williams Sing Theme for AMC's 'Turn'". Pitchfork. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  20. ↑ Powers, Ann (November 24, 2014). "Paramore feat. Joy Williams, 'Hate To See Your Heart Break'". NPR. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  21. ↑ Nicholson, Jessica (April 14, 2014). "The Civil Wars' Joy Williams Prepping Solo Album". Music Row. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  22. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Singer Joy Williams Makes Her Acting Debut on Showtime's 'Roadies' -- Watch Her NSFW Scene!". ETOnline. July 22, 2016. Retrieved August 3, 2016.
  23. ↑ "How Covering a Chainsmokers Song in a State Farm Commercial Helped Joy Williams Evolve". Billboard. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
  24. ↑ "Joy Williams on Her Brilliant New Album, 'Front Porch,' Civil Wars And Joni Mitchell". Forbes Magazine. May 1, 2019. Retrieved May 17, 2019.
  25. ↑ "Joy Williams Welcomes Son Miles Alexander". PEOPLE Magazine. July 1, 2012.
  26. ↑ Juneau, Jen (August 6, 2018). "Joy Williams Welcomes Daughter Poppy Louise: 'We're So in Love with You, Poppy Lou'". PEOPLE Magazine.
  27. ↑ "Finding Southern Comfort in Nashville: An Interview with Joy Williams". Pop Matters. May 3, 2019.
  28. ↑ "Instagram".
  29. ↑ Staff Writer Dine Alone Records retrieved 10/17/17
  30. ↑ Jones, Kim. "37th Annual GMA Dove Awards Nominations & Winners]". About.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  31. ↑ "54th Annual GRAMMY Awards Nominees And Winners". Grammy.com.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.