CR 050: Singer-Songwriter Joy Clark is Charting Her Own Course

The celebrated musician discusses the release of her debut solo album and what she learned from performing with Brandi Carlile and Allison Russell.

Joy Clark, photo by Jason Tang

Singer-songwriter Joy Clark was born into a tightly knit, deeply religious family in Southeast Louisiana. After graduating from the University of New Orleans, Clark spent many years touring with and supporting other artists, including Cyril Neville, Allison Russell, and Brandi Carlile, and performing on some of the most prestigious stages in the world. Now, she has finally, at age 40, stepped into the spotlight. Last fall, she released her debut album, Tell It to the Wind, on Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records. The album, which Clark refers to as a declaration of her independence, reflects her identity as a queer Black woman while also giving a nod to the music and traditions that shaped her.

Though some might think that waiting until 40 to release an album may seem like an unusual move for an accomplished musician, Clark says she has no regrets. “I’ve always wanted to release a project,” she says. “I just wanted to wait until I felt like it is the perf…