Sept|October Features
Check out the talented and accomplished Features below. Make sure to Follow their pages and contact them for your booking needs. Follow us on instagram @thegospelandjazzlounge.com and stay tuned for our Podcast on Patreon airing out this Fall 2026! To get featured email thegospelandjazzlounge@gmail.com
October Features
Meet Mary Joyner
The Bio
Mary Joyner is a mother, singer, songwriter, producer, independent filmmaker, and entrepreneur whose life has been shaped by sports, music, and faith. Sports were her first love, and singing and songwriting have long been a place of personal expression. Today, she brings those passions into her work across music, film, and business, drawing on her own experiences to tell stories with honesty and heart.
As the daughter of the late Florence Griffith Joyner, celebrated worldwide as Flo-Jo, Mary carries a deeply personal connection to a remarkable legacy. Through Flo-Jo Forever, she honors her mother’s life, style, and impact while developing her own creative voice. She also started UnliMINTed Universal, bringing together her work in branding, design, and digital marketing.
Motherhood and faith remain at the center of Mary’s life, informing what she creates, the opportunities she pursues, and the legacy she hopes to leave.
The Interview
1. What inspires your work of art, and when did you start?
My love for music began in early childhood. Michael Jackson was one of my earliest inspirations, and some of my most meaningful musical memories are of my mother teaching me “Lean on Me” on the piano and my grandmother Florence singing to me. I learned to play piano by ear, and music became a natural way for me to express myself. Those early experiences still inspire my singing and songwriting, connecting me to family, love, and the memories I carry with me.
2. What was your favorite performance?
My favorite performance was singing the national anthem at an Indiana Pacers game. I was incredibly nervous and excited, but what made the night so special was being invited to sing during the season they brought back the jerseys my mother designed. Being there to share my own gift while seeing her creativity celebrated was a full circle moment I will always treasure. Hearing the crowd cheer for me meant the world to me.
3. Who are your greatest influences?
God is my greatest influence. My faith in Him and my decision to give my life to Jesus Christ shape who I am and how I approach my life and creative work. My mother remains a deeply personal inspiration, and Dominique Dawes is also someone I have long looked up to. Alongside my early musical inspiration, Michael Jackson, these influences have helped shape my sense of purpose and the artist I continue to become.
4. What is your “why”? What is the passion behind your art?
My son, Trystan, is my why. He is the reason I am still here today and the reason I keep going. Through my music, I want people to hear my voice and everything that comes from my heart. After being silent for so long, singing and songwriting give me a way to express what I have lived through: the pain, the healing, and my experiences of life and love. My hope is that someone listening feels heard and finds the courage to express their own truth. Through my music, my own story will finally be heard.
5. What positive affirmation or scripture would you share to encourage a fan or listener?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
My spiritual mom, Gwendolyn, shared this scripture with me when I needed it most. During a time of deep hurt, she reminded me of the power of faith and keeping God first. I had to personally learn how to trust Him, let Him guide me, and understand that His love was still present even in my pain.
This scripture gave me hope and reassurance that God is always in control. It reminds me to continue trusting Him and remain faithful through both loss and blessings. My encouragement to anyone listening is to give yourself grace as you heal, keep God first, and trust that even when you cannot see what comes next, you are still held in His love.
Warm regards,
Mary Joyner
Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjworldglobal/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MJworldglobal
Official Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/
Management & Bookings
Kenny | Talent & Business Manager
Email: mjworldbiz@gmail.com