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Dr. Joan Cartwright

Singer, composer, poet, author, publisher, producer, clinician

About Me

Since September 2008, Diva JC has published 9 books, including Rhythms of the Heart, Songs For My Children, The Moon, Sun Showers, Rainbows and Whipped Cream Clouds and So, You Want To Be A Singer? at http://store.lulu.com/divajc

Diva JC taught Music at a charter school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For lessons and experiences with her students, follow her blog at www.fyicomminc.com/blog.htm

Joan Cartwright has toured five continents and 15 countries including the U.S.A., eight European countries, Brazil, Mexico, Ghana, Gambia, South Africa, China and Japan, with her swinging brand of jazz and blues.

She is a composer and her book, IN PURSUIT OF A MELODY contains 40 songs and lyrics to standard songs: “A Night in Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie, “Blue Bossa” by Kenny Dorham, “Tune Up” by Miles Davis and “Bessie's Blues” by John Coltrane.

Joan's book also contains two lectures that she's given to over 5,000 children and college students, in U.S., Switzerland, Sicily, China and Japan: WOMEN IN JAZZ and SO, YOU WANT TO BE A SINGER? Her workshops are dynamic and educational, highlighting the pitfalls and benefits of the music business. She contends that, “Knowing music theory is a step in the right direction for any singer who truly wants to excel in the world of music!”

Diva JC names any ensemble of musicians she works with “Jazz Hotline” because the music swings and it's always HOT! Her most famous Blues are “Nobody's Husband”, “OH, Baby!” and “Treat Me Right And You Don't Have To Marry Me”.

Joan is the founder of WOMEN IN JAZZ SOUTH FLORIDA, INC., a non-profit dedicated to promoting Women in Jazz, locally, nationally and globally, through contacts, articles, interviews, newsletters, events, courses, clinics, workshops, lectures, research, history, archives, websites, film, audio and video recording, concerts, performances and recognition. In 2010, the organization received $20,000+ in grants and performance fees. See photos at http://wijsf.com/photos.htm

Contact Me

My Jazz Story

I was first exposed to jazz at four years old, when I stayed with my dance teacher's husband, Budd Johnson, legendary saxophonist. My mom dropped me off and, before Bernice Johnson picked me up for dance class, I would go down in the studio with Budd, who was practicing his sax. I internalized scatting and the rest is herstory!

My House Concert Story

The exhibit of my Jazz art collection is on display at Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach, FL, through February 2021.

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