Born and raised in Douglas Harbour, New Brunswick, the youngest of eight children, and a proud Canadian, Joan Kennedy is truly a "working man's daughter". Her father, a truck driver, woodsman and jack-of-all-trades, worked long hours and was often away from home for long periods of time. When he returned though, the whole family would sit around the table and he would tell stories and sing songs written while he was away. Joan listened intently; as the gift of music became part of her life.
Joan Kennedy's talent "officially" emerged in 1983 when she won the Canadian National Talent Contest (kind of like winning "American Idol"). A year later her professional music career began with the release of her first album, "I'm A Big Girl Now". Then, in 1985, she released "A Christmas To Remember". But her true breakthrough album came in 1987 with "Family Pride". This album spawned several smash singles, and resulted in performances in Nashville, as well as sold-out concerts across Canada and Europe. It also earned her nominations for several CCMA country music awards; and earned her four CMT (Country Music Television) awards for "Top Single", "Top Album", "Top Video" and "Female Vocalist of the Year". However, Joan's "ahead of the curve' crossover pop/country style that she introduced was not well received in Nashville. Yet, today it's common!
In 1990 Joan released the album "Candle In The Window", and then was signed by major label MCA. Six top-ten Canadian crossover pop-country singles followed, and her popularity grew. She even had her own syndicated weekly television show in Canada!
"Higher Ground" was her first album with MCA - and it was an absolute smash! It earned Joan more Canadian and European top-ten singles and more awards and nominations; including the prestigious "CCMA Entertainer of the Year", and, CMT's (Country Music Television's) "International Country Music Video of the Year" for the pop song "Talk To My Heart".
For a large part of the 1990's, Joan ranked second ONLY to Garth Brooks as Canada's most played country musical artist! And during this period, she earned 7 CCMA awards, two JUNO Award nominations, and was inducted into the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame.
But during this time, to Joan, her most important achievement wasn't related to music at all! During a CMT awards show in the late 90''s she was presented with "The C.F. Martin Humanitarian Award" for her work on behalf of the Children's Wish Foundation. It brought her teary-eyed peers to their feet; a demonstration of the love and respect for one of country music's most lively, engaging, and giving personalities. But there's more...
In 2000, Joan Kennedy cranked out her sixth album, "A Dozen Red Roses"; a compilation of her favorite songs, her most popular hits, along with several new releases. It was also a chart buster.
Although Joan hasn't released an album since 2000, she HAS been quite busy. First, reduced her hectic schedule in order to start a family with her husband in their adopted home of Portland, Maine. However, Joan remained creatively active. She performed her music primarily acoustically throughout eastern Canada and the northeastern United States whenever possible (in solo mode, duet mode, or with "The Joan Kennedy Trio"). Also, together with her daughter Grace, she become part of a children's television show; called "Ribert's and Robert's WonderWorld". This show is currently viewed in hundreds of households across America on Fox© - and continues to grow. Check out a video of Joan and Grace performing together on the show. We think you'll agree that her daughter sure looks like a chip off the old block!
In late 2007, Joan Kennedy decided to begin performing again in a "full band" format. She also began planning a new album! In late 2008 she released "The Old Saint John (and debuted it at the River Relief '08 concert). Then, in 2011 Joan recorded "I Will Be There" for "The Maine Pink" album (supporting Cancer patients everywhere). She is presently in the studio recording other new music - working eventually towards a brand new Joan Kennedy album.
For those of you NOT familiar with Joan Kennedy and her music, there's still hope for your precious ears! Check out her latest song release, as well as other songs on her music page. Then, check out her music video's. Once you "see and hear" Joan, you'll begin to understand why she remains so popular throughout much of the world. Obviously, Nashville had its chance but lost it - but that makes no difference to her millions of fans. They still flock to see her perform throughout the world!
You really NEED to SEE this energetic and engaging artist perform live in order to fully appreciate her talent! You won't be disappointed either. She's "the real-deal"... |
