Born in central Ohio, in the 50's, Toni grew up singing a wide variety of music. The Gospel in song has always been one of the strongest influences of her music. She began performing in a band publicly in the 60's. Over the years, she's worked with many wonderfully gifted people who have helped guide her decisions...and footsteps. She resides in Nashville, Tennessee. A writer, vocalist, pianist, record producer and speaker, Clay performed at Gilley's near Houston for many years, opening for a 'who's who' in country music. She recently recorded "A Song For You", a duet with longtime friend Johnny Lee, on his latest CD. She is also heard on Lee's original recording of "Cherokee Fiddle". A solo of Clay singing a song she co-wrote with legendary songwriter Jim Weatherly, "Silver Moon", is on Mickey Newbury's critically acclaimed "Lulled by the Moonlight" cd. She is the only artist Newbury ever honored in such a manner. Newbury's follow up cd was titled "Stories From The Silver Moon Cafe", a reflection of the impact of Clay's song. Toni Jolene has written over 300 songs and is preparing to release her sixth cd as a solo artist. Her songs have been recorded by Willie Nelson, first lady of the London stage... Elaine Paige, southern gospel favorites... George Younce, The Whisnants, The Steele's, Legacy Five, The Hopper's, The Florida Boys, Crossway, Sandra Payne, Friends Four, Lauren Talley, Three Bridges, and many others. They have been featured on the popular Gaither Homecoming Series, and included in the GMA's Hall of Fame series. She is a multiple nominee for the prestigious Dove Award. She wears many hats...singing, recording, producing, writing, demo'ing, and publishing. Toni also accepts speaking & concert engagements at churches and special events nationwide. She say's with a smile, "Life is a great adventure... an exciting journey, and communicating what's been lived and learned is one of the things I enjoy most about it".
Influences
Things seen and unseen, words said, and left unsaid...the quiet space of rest between the notes...emotions felt and yet to feel... love lost...love found...love known and yet to know. People who took the time to know me, people who didn't have the time...for me or themselves. Songs that cause you to forget to breathe...songs that give you strength...expose your weakness, and allow transparency and vulnerability. Great writers and singers like Mickey Newbury & Dottie West, who showed genuine friendship to me...George Younce who was as real as he seemed, and a host of others who have given of themselves to sow into lesser gifting's, dreaming one day of a great harvest. A father and mother who would not compromise for lesser gods. A sister who taught me how to live while dying, how to die with grace, and how my hope in something beyond all this is well placed. Her children...their children...and the wonder of them. The flowers of my youth that are still fragrant even when the bouquet has begun to age. A sunny day...a rainy day...the wind...the salt of the earth...literally and figuratively...the simple life...which at times escapes me, the Dove of peace, which sometimes flies away...and the hope of Heaven...which is at home in the heart of me. The road my heart follows....and the silver moon.
Sounds Like
Me...with an occasional glimpse of those who have helped shape me...some still here...some gone on
JUST THINKING ABOUT YOU. HAVEN'T TALKED TO YOU IN A WHILE. HOPE ALL IS WELL. I SEE I MISSED YOUR BIRTHDAY TOO.. I AM SORRY.. BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHEN IT WAS ! SO.. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY ! HOPE IT WAS A WONDERFUL ONE FOR YOU.
The same sweet beautiful Tony I will always remember forever. I miss you my friend after all these years. We will be in Nashville again soon, I will keep you posted..We have to get together. God Bless you and yours, give my love to the family... XOXO Angie
Toni, How have you been? How is Nashville Bill? Ha ha...Haven't thought of that in a while. I am still getting requests to sing "Listen Lord" everytime I sing. My husband has started singing with Dad and me now so we are a trio. Just wanted to say hi, since it has been forever.
Hi Toni, Thank You for adding me to your myspace. I am counting the day's down waiting to see you once again.But until then I hold you in my prayers and may God Bless You !
You sounded awesome last night...I got to cry another time to our "Silver Moon" and thank God Don and I still have ours. Thank so much for your beautiful music last night at our house concert. We all were blown away with your music and sweet spirit. Love, Karen
Toni, Just stopping by to say hey..and publicly say how wonderful and talented you are....did everyone hear that??? Toni Jolene Clay is wonderful and talented...and so is Vic!!! John Mathis
Hi TJ - missed you in Austin this year. I see you will be back in my neck of the beach in November. Can't wait to hear your beautiful voice live again. Have a blessed day.
Just dropping by to say hello and to say how I wish I could join you for the music and fun in Nashville this weekend.
I found a big old silver moon to put behind your beautful silvery voice on my site. I have Old Ida back up on the jukebox. I never get tired of hearing you sing it.
Hey Toni, dropped by to enjoy The Road My Heart Follows. How ya been? We are hosting our first house concert next Sunday! :-)) Hope you are having a good holiday weekend.
denise
I have thought of you often since we met at the TCT taping last year. Hope all is well with you and that you are experiencing God's richest bleasings.
Our grandson is still missing. We appreciate the continued prayers of you and your church. As you travel, please keep your eyes open for him - and, as always, your heart open for Christ.
With hope,
Judy Downes
Grandmama of Michael(missing since 5/18/03), Matthew and Lauren
Dear Toni Jolene, the past week or so has been a particularly trying time of tribulation, related to the essay in my current edition of thebridgeworks; seems that some people assign themselves as exempt from "Thou shalt not bear false witness." The quandry has cost me some sleep, as being accused of hate motivation is a totally new experience to me. However, the baisc calming effect over and over during all of this conflict has been the strains of "Silver Moon" and Connie Knapp's "You Are Music" in my heart. Thank you for what you do and who you are. Please bring back the Silver Moon, indeed! Bill
