Joy Gardner

Joy Gardner, an American gospel singer and soprano vocalist, was born Joyce Anne Dyson on December 8, 1951, in Nashville, Tennessee. She began her career as a member of the gospel group The Downings, serving with the ensemble from 1970 to 1977. Following her time with The Downings, she also performed as a member of the group McGuire. In the 1970s, she was married to Dony McGuire, and she later married Landy Gardner.

Throughout her career, Gardner has been a frequent featured performer in the Gaither Homecoming series of recordings and live performances. Her catalog of live recordings for the series includes songs such as “Joy Comes in the Morning,” “Holy Ground,” “He Is Holy,” “Center of My Joy,” “The Promise,” “The Love of God,” and “Victory in Jesus.” She also released a promotional single titled “No Wonder.” Gardner remains known within gospel music for her clear soprano voice and her longstanding association with the Homecoming events.