| At first sight, people automatically think reggae music, but the fusion of classic funk and soulful folk unite to create the soothing sounds of Bella Sun. Since March of 2000, the husband-wife duo has been filling coffee shops and bars with thought provoking lyrics and funky acoustic guitar licks.
Mike and Val Joyner were both born and raised in Jackson, TN, but the musical influences that led them to their own musical paths were different. Singer-songwriter, Valerie Joyner’s earliest memory of singing was riding down the road in her father’s old dump truck, and bellowing along to “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. After she talked her grandfather out of his old acoustic guitar, she learned a few chords and started writing her own songs. Her voice has been compared to Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, and Mavis Staples. Her lyrics powerfully embrace spirituality and inspire social consciousness.
Guitarist, Michael Joyner has been playing guitar since his early teens. His first guitar was also a hand-me down from his grandfather. And it only had only one string. His parents overheard him playing and knew they had to buy their son strings. He began teaching himself chords, and dedicated himself to understanding and hearing the mechanics behind music such as Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Fela Kuti.
Bella Sun lives in Memphis, Tennessee, where they have been changing the music scene for the past 3 years. They are regulars at the local venues, and have also been featured guest on local radio and news shows.
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