KERENSA JOY
Originally from Kingsport, in mountainous Northeast Tennessee, Kerensa Joy is the lead female host/vocalist at Tennessee Shindig. She uses a variety of styles of music and talents to touch people of all ages and walks of life.
You may recognize her voice in "Wayfaring Stranger" on Canjoe John's album One Man, One Can, One Band, of which many listeners have commented on its crystal clear, yet enchanting style. You may happen upon her television debut singing background vocals for country music star Alan Jackson on CMT for his Christmas special, "Let It Be Christmas". Perhaps you have seen her opening for other artists such as folk music's Eric Garrison or country music stars Chely Wright, Sherrie Austin or Ty Herndon. You might have even seen her entertain at the Nashville Palace, where she performed as a regular, following in the footsteps of Randy Travis and others.
Among her impressively long list of awards, Kerensa Joy held the titles for Entertainer of the Year and Vocalist of the Year in contemporary gospel music and has twice held titles for Entertainer of the Year and Vocalist of the Year in traditional country music from the North American Country Music Association, International.
She enjoys bringing traditional music to the elderly in nursing homes and teaching music to children. Kerensa has participated in various bluegrass, old-time and country music festivals. he true beat of her heart, she has found, lies in American music, a mixture of folk, country, bluegrass and gospel.
In 2002, Kerensa released her album Two Hearts Breaking Even, a variety of music for all audiences, but with a pure country sound and a unifying theme of passion and inspiration. Appalachian Strings recorded several albums with her: Heart of the Mountains and Mountain Flowers.
Kerensa has studied music business at Belmont University in Nashville, with an emphasis in management and marketing. She is also a part of the OK Chorale, the background vocalists for Smoky Mountain Cowboy Church held at Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge. The program airs live on 650 WSM AM, and is broadcast over radio and internet to over 60 million listeners each Sunday morning. She also appears at Cowboy Church as a regular guest.
