Atlantic Seabreeze, recently received an amazing book written by Debbie Morrissey Stafford (Joan Morrisseys's daughter) entitled, The Life and Times of Joan Morrissey-YES MY DEAR... from Michael T. Wall, The Singing Newfoundlander. The book was published in March 2003, and Atlantic Seabreeze wants to share the book review with its website viewers. The following information is taken from the book to give the reader a taste of what the book reveals of Joan's life. For those who don't know Joan Morrissey, she is known as Newfoundland's First Lady of Song from Newfoundland, who not only sang but she was a performer who communicated with her audience and lit up the audience wherever she performed.

During her short career, she recorded 5 albums, four of which were recorded in a very short time and had a Juno nomination for her album, HOMEBREW (Album of the Year) in 1973 and she was one of the first Newfoundlanders to receive a Juno nomination. On Feb 12, 1999, the Morrissey family received The 1999 Stompin' Tom Award at the ECMA's for their mother, Joan. Her first album was entitled, All-Time Country Favourites was released in 1967.

Through her short musical career, Joan performed as an actress in several live stage shows, such as Annie Get Your Gun, had a radio show. made several TV appearances and performed at many Charity Benefits. Although Joan had 5 albums, of which one was gold, an endless performance schedule, it looked all very rosy, but as the story goes, Joan felt she didn't get the respect she deserved. She had to struggle to get bookings in nightclubs, as the clubs perferred to book talent from the mainland. In the early days when her career began, performing as many as 5 nights in a row, was paid very little for her work, had to book her own engagements, and managed her own career. She always felt she was taken advantage of and let her feelings known to all. Joan always promoted Newfoundland, and worked tiresomely promoting the younger music artists of her province, knowing the fact how hard it was to get their music heard. She always pushed forward, despite her many struggles while she was at the peak of her career and many believe, Joan was definitely ahead of her time.

She had raised 6 children during her performing career, and at a young age in her early forties, encountered major health problems, including bouts of depression which lead to majory heart surgery in Dec 1976 with many complications occurring after, in fact right into Dec 1977, with depression deepened. On January 10, 1978, Joan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the young age of 44. The book of 142 pages is filled with Memories of Joan by family members and friends, Joan's struggle with her career, her health problems, many tributes and recognitions, as well as many, many pictures of Joan, her family, musicians and friends.

In Tribute to Joan, an album was composed of 15 of her biggest songs, entitled, Memories. Her grandaughter, Tina Thistle, who didn't have the opportunity to meet her in person, developed a website in tribute to Joan: www.joanmorrissey.com and contains her grandmothers memories such as a bio, newspaper articles, listing of all her albums and a photo gallery.

Overall, Atlantic Seabreeze is proud to have this Book Review on its website, giving viewers the opportunity to learn about a Newfoundland Legendary Music Artist, who has left a remarkable impact on the music industry.

(by john gavin-music promoter)

Joan Morrissey and Michael T. Wall at The Molly N Me, Toronto, 1976

Joan performing at the Liberal Convention in Nfld. in 1965. Note:Former Premier of Nfld. and Labrador, Joey Smallwood on guitar.

A Photo Shoot in 1973

Joan in a Promo Shoot, in the beginning of her career

To purchase this book contact Debbie Morrissey Stafford, 92 Michener Ave, Mount Pearl, Nfld, A1N 3T8 or check her web-site:www.yesmydear.ca