Nelly Joy


Nelly Joy is an American singer-songwriter known for her work as a founding member of the country duo The JaneDear Girls and later as a member of the group Gone West. As a songwriter, she has been credited on songs recorded by artists including Kelly Clarkson and Big & Rich.

Early life and education

Joy is from Amarillo, Texas. She moved to Nashville to pursue songwriting and music performance and attended Abilene Christian University.

Career

The JaneDear Girls

Joy formed the duo The JaneDear Girls with Susie Brown. The act received national press coverage during the early 2010s and released music on Warner Bros. Records. Media coverage from the period also discussed the duo's touring and television appearances.

Songwriting

Joy has been credited as a songwriter on songs recorded by other artists. She was a co-writer of "The Sun Will Rise," a track recorded by Kelly Clarkson for the deluxe edition of Clarkson's 2011 album, Stronger. She also co-wrote "That's Why I Pray," recorded by Big & Rich.

Gone West

Joy later joined Gone West, a group featuring Colbie Caillat, Jason Reeves, and Justin Young. MusicRow reported that the group signed with Triple Tigers Records for its early releases. The group's debut album Canyons received coverage from outlets including Billboard and People.

Discography

With The JaneDear Girls

  • ''The JaneDear Girls''

    With Gone West

  • ''Canyons''

    Selected songwriting credits

  • "The Sun Will Rise"
  • "That's Why I Pray"