Cassandra Joy

At first glance, Cassandra Joy's endearing smile and quiet demeanor may have you thinking shes timid and shy but get her talking about her passions, singing and writing and youll quickly discover this young twenty something has a lot to say.

Born Cassandra Joy Russel in Troy, OH, there was no doubt this bundle of joy was a force to be reckoned with. The typical 40 weeks was simply to long to wait so Cassandra Joy came into this world ready to go at 30 weeks instead. For a preemie, with underdeveloped lungs, the odds were not great for survival much less a singing career but with the solid faith of her parents and a very strong will she not only survived but also thrived. Upon putting her first words together, Cassandra Joy began singing and she never stopped.

Cassandra Joy's childhood was filled with the love and laughter of her adoring parents who instilled in her their strong Christian faith and values. The companionship of her brother Curtis completed the circle of the close knit Russel family and provided Cassandra Joy with a consummate playmate. With her family's support she explored her artistic abilities and would soon join her schools Honors Ensemble. There she was immersed in the musical styles of the Classics and Broadway while she dreamed of becoming the next Charlotte Church. A change in transportation would change her direction in more ways than one.

Upon entering high school, Cassandra Joy began carpooling with a family whose radio was always tuned in to the local Country music station. An avid storyteller herself, she fell head over heels with the melodramatic themes of love and heartbreak and the real life stories the Country artists sang about. A self described hopeless romantic, Cassandra Joy became hooked on the Country genre and writing went from a favorite past time to an intense passion. She joined her local NSAI (Nashville Song Writers International) chapter and quickly became a permanent fixture at their many workshops each month..

During a performance at a training class in Nashville, Cassandra was discovered by music industry veteran and president of PCG Nashville, Bernard Porter, who invited her to attend his highly esteemed artist development program. During this training she worked with world-renowned media consultants, voice coaches, and producers, and has co-written songs with Nashville hit songwriters.

She is paying her dues performing at county fairs, local festivals, malls, in her home church worship team, and at famous Nashville venues such as "The Bluebird Cafe", "The Listening Room" and "Pucketts", in addition to being featured on her local radio stations. Cassandras bubbly personality and casual jeans kind of girl style, combined with her strong, angelic vocals and original songs, captivate her listeners and leave them anxious for more.

When Cassandra Joy isn't singing or writing songs with her favorite guitar you'll find her working on her fantasy/adventure novel for preteens, illustrating a children's Bible story book that she authored or honing her photography and photo editing skills.

Cassandra Joy's many talents and high ambitions leave no doubt that her future will bring tremendous success and adventure. Though her creative juices may flow in many directions her focus remains on her first love -- country music. She knows the odds are stacked high against any artist breaking through the pack to become the next big country music star but it wouldn't be the first time shes beaten the odds. Cassandra Joy is determined it won't be the last.