jcompretta

“Tis an ill wind that blows nobody any good.”

Thus, began the inevitable journey following a dream that was born in a child destined to follow in the footsteps of her father down a musical path. In the following paragraphs Joni explains how fate came to help her make her decision to take that first step.

“Around the age of 7, I remember my Dad rehearsing with his band many nights in our basement singing the songs of Elvis, Conway, Alabama and many others. It was those sleepless nights that I only wished and dreamed that I could join them. As I grew older, I realized that music was going to be a very big part of my life. Throughout the years, I sang side by side with my Dad, he taught me all about the art of music. I have always known deep down in my heart that I was born to sing and perform. I earned a degree as a Registered Nurse so that I would have a profession to fall back on while pursuing my music career. Life happened and I settled into a full time job, I still made music a big part of my life by singing at local weddings and events. However, I knew in my heart that it was time to take that next step toward achieving my musical dream, yet fear of the unknown is quite scary and I waited. God has a way of getting your attention, he gives each of us a special gift or talent for a reason, there is a purpose and time for everything. I have quickly learned that through every tragedy comes a blessing...thus my story.”

“Bay St. Louis” was a beautiful picturesque little town on the Gulf Coast; it was the kind of place you never leave. Everyone there knows each other, it’s a place where Southern hospitality still exists and you’re always greeted with a smile. However, On August 29^th the Bay was forever changed. Hurricane Katrina dealt a devastating blow to the quaint little town that I grew up in, not only shattering every single structure standing but also the lives of all that called this place home. The mind cannot conceive the destruction that was left in Katrina’s path. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see my town this way, no City Hall, restaurants, grocery stores, schools or livable homes, just FEMA trailers on every piece of property as far as the eye can see. Most of the town’s residents have been misplaced, families divided and separated due to the loss of homes and jobs. The one thing that Katrina did not and could not destroy was the love that residents have for their town, they will never be defeated, and they will build again! Bay Saint Louis will be back and more beautiful than before! I dream of that day!”

“Since the storm I personally have realized that tomorrow is promised to no one and that each and every moment should not be taken for granted, that life could be changed in an instant. I now see that life was meant to be lived, if there is something that you have always dreamed of doing but have been afraid to take a chance, do it now, for life is too short to wonder about what could have been. Grab your dreams while you can, that’s what I’m gonna do! No more waiting for tomorrow.” – Joni Compretta

Since moving to Tennessee, a chance meeting, brought Joni into contact with Nashville record producer Lonnie Ratliff and she has recently finished recording her debut album “Out Of Mississippi.” This album has musical insiders saying that there could be a “ Whirlwind” blowing into Nashville and it will be carrying the music of Joni Compretta “Out Of Mississippi” into the rest of the country music world.