专辑简介

“I was born to sing!” says praise leader, singer, and song writer, JoAnna Williams. This native of Portland, Oregon, has been singing since the age of nine, along with her sisters, Dorcas, Leah, and Rachel—The Brown Sisters of Portland. Her parents, Reverend Thomas and Charlene Brown raised their six children to love Jesus, as well as, expose them to the world of music. Other than classical, gospel music was the only genre that would be heard in the Brown household. JoAnna’s father, Rev. Thomas, demonstrated his love of music to his children by collecting recordings of the late Rev. James Cleveland, The Richard Smallwood Singers, Commissioned, Mahalia Jackson and many other well-known artists. These songs inspired and encouraged the children throughout their childhood, as well as, planted a seed that would cause them to dream of inspiring others through song. JoAnna’s mother, Charlene, played the piano and organ at their church for 40 years, “She always had a listening ear and encouraging word while we would practice our parts. Her consistent belief in us that we would be successful at anything that we put our minds to, kept our dream alive.” shared JoAnna. Along with her siblings, JoAnna, had the privileged opportunity to receive piano, violin, and vocal lessons through their late mentor, Edwina Wills.

In addition to singing in church, The Brown Sisters have had the honor of performing at several openings for Dr. Maya Angelou; they have partnered with the Russian community in ministry; they performed the National Anthem at a fundraiser located at the home of actor/artist Jamie Foxx; and they continue to inspire and uplift many people through their gift of singing in the local community.

In September of 2001, JoAnna, her husband, Cornelius, and their three children, Dominique, Gabrielle, and Alexander, relocated to Lithonia, Georgia. Although the move was a tremendous adjustment, it was ordained by God. To aid in this transition, JoAnna quickly immersed herself into the music ministry at their church and soon began directing the choir and leading worship.

Today, JoAnna continues to use her gifts by leading worship to middle school youth and directing the youth choir. Moreover, she is a kindergarten teacher and uses music to enhance learning in her classroom. Although JoAnna is still a part of The Brown Sisters, she has expanded her ministry to include a solo project that will prayerfully be released in 2014. In the interim, she has had the opportunity to sing background vocals for Atlanta’s own-worship pastor, singer, songwriter, and producer, Korey Bowie and worship leader and vocal artist, Leah Lee. Moreover, JoAnna has recorded two singles titled, “Love to Worship You” and “Strength and Honor”, that she plans to release later this year.