Today we’d like to introduce you to Joey Daddario.
Hi Joey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Crowns of Creation Ministries was started in 2010 by singer-songwriters Joey Daddario and Jeanie Scheff.
Formed as a 501 (C)3 non-profit the goal was to create an Outreach Ministry that would fill the gaps, especially in neighboring communities, that other services were not aware of and therefore unable to address.
Joey and Jeanie met in the early 2000s on Amelia Island’s open mic circuit, eventually sharing original music, ultimately recording and releasing songs regularly.
Jeanie invited Joey to play with the praise band at Memorial United Methodist Church (MUMC) in 2008. The duo stepped up to leading worship together in the next couple of years. Today they continue to lead worship on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the contemporary music service.
Also around 2008 they were prompted to set up a tent becoming the 1st and longest group to play music at the “new” farmers market location on 7th Street downtown Fernandina.
At the beginning of the farmers market’s 7-year gig they made a pact to play primarily Christian music. Shortly they became aware that their music was the vehicle of their helping ministry – helping others in need.
This led to setting up a prayer box in their tent on Farmers Market Saturdays. “There were some days where we didn’t even get the guitar out of the case and people were lined up to ask for prayer”, says Joey. “This further solidified to us that our music was Gods Vehicle to our ministry.”
Joey summarizes, “We fill in the potholes that people drive by every day shaking their head saying ‘when are they going to fix the road?’ “
Jeanie brings a lifetime of experience in service, a gifted keen sense of Holy Spirit connectedness, and a deep-rooted Southern Soul influence to the duos brand.
Likewise, Joey brings a tender-hearted almost tearful connection to their songwriting having overcome the laments of many childhood adversities.
Together their songs drive deep into the heart of listeners whether they are singing praise or crying out for answers. Their vocal harmony blend is very catchy and pleasing – uncannily matched,
“Over the years we have collected countless, even miraculous, stories of how we have been summoned by God. “It is truly God’s unlimited capacity of love that makes our ministry effective,” says Jeanie.
Joey adds, “our job is to simply suit up and show up.” – A phrase that serves as the title of one of their songs underscoring their belief in this ideal.
JEANIE’S RESPONSE: At a coffee shop years ago we were in the parking lot with the back hatch open and Joey was playing an original song that we wound up modifying together. God provided multiple opportunities after that and we evolved into a ministry, providing outreach to our community and serving at our church with Music being the vehicle to connect.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The duo had a chuckle when asked this question. They have travelled thousands of miles throughout the southern parts of the US to bring their sound to churches. This came to an end some years ago when family priorities began to take center stage pushing their music ministry to the back burner. But that was just about the time their local church Memorial United Methodist Church, asked them to lead worship. God is faithful.
Of course, the music industry itself is the essence of ‘struggle’. The years of meetings with industry professionals for help in building a larger audience had to come to an end. The toll it has on a person’s mental mindset is overwhelming.
JEANIE’S RESPONSE: There have been more opportunities to navigate than struggle. Often times we have doors open and involvement in unique and amazing events that we couldn’t have predicted. Individually, we have taken different paths, but together we have formed a ministry through our church and community and beyond
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
A few years back our original song titled “Living Alive on the island of Amelia” became a local favorite garnering the attention of the Newsleader newspaper and the Amelia Island Film Festival who used it as a theme song in their welcome film promoting the wonders of the island.
We later caught the attention of a professional film crew who filmed a first-class music video of Jeanie’s original song “I grew up on gospel” , says Joey. It was filmed on the same movie set as True Grit; O brother where art though; and 301 to Yuma.
At one point promoters approached us and requested that we be the opening act for the visiting Drifters. Jeanie rose to the task by writing a well-received mini musical in which the couple sang and acted.
“Countless times we have been specifically hired to perform at the tree lighting event in Fernandina Beach. A very fun gig”, says Jeanie. “As well we have played the annual Shrimp Fest many times and have been requested often for events on the island.
The song diversity of their music is one of the duos most unique aspects. Joey wrote a tribute song to Vietnam Vets titled “Someone’s Son Took My Place” – a thank you song for the veterans who took the place of so many of us who received college deferments. These soldiers made an amazing sacrifice.
JEANIE’S RESPONSE: We specialize in joyfully, sharing music in our home church, community, and I’ve been invited to share music and a variety of places around United States with artful Melody’s and beautiful harmonies. There is a comedic element to many of the events we’ve led apart from churches. Always the focus of our mission is to connect with people one on one and find people in their moments of need and to be able to provide assistance to them spiritually, emotionally and financially.
How do you think about happiness?
“When even one person pulls us aside and tells us how much our songs have meant to them. A healing musical balm. That’s the best” says Joey. “Everyone needs encouragement. Purpose.” Jeanie simply replies, “When our prayers are answered.”
JEANIE’S RESPONSE: Happiness is always found sharing music and laughter together with audiences and finding those special moments to serve those in need.
Pricing:
- Pricing pricing pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Crownsofcreation.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joeyANDjeanie/#
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeyDaddario
