In the last couple of days, I have learned of the death of two organists, one well-known and the other, perhaps not so well known, but both loved by colleagues and others in their communities. I will write about the second person in a separate post.

Joyce Jones had a most distinguished career, and you can read her obituary here as written on the the American Guild of Organists Facebook page, which I have shown here:

The American Guild of Organists celebrates the life of Dr. JOYCE JONES, FAGO (1933–2022) who died in Waco, Tex., on February 28, 2022, at the age of 89. Dr. Jones was a lifetime member of the AGO and perhaps the greatest proponent of the Guild’s Pipe Organ Encounters program for youth, having directed and hosted more POEs than any other person. Dr. Jones was honored in Fort Worth, Tex., as the recipient of the 2010 AGO Endowment Fund Distinguished Artist Award Recital and Gala Benefit Reception.

“Dr. Jones enjoyed a long and productive career as a performer and academician,” declared AGO Executive Director James Thomashower. “She was a lifelong ambassador for the organ, and a truly dedicated, indefatigable proponent of teaching young people how to play the organ. Dr. Jones made an enormous, very positive difference in the lives of countless students including current and former members of the profession.”

During her astonishing career, which spanned seven decades, Dr. Jones performed in all 50 states and abroad. Her performance engagements included such venues as the Riverside Church, the Mormon Tabernacle, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Chartres Cathedral, and the Meyerson Symphony Center. She was the first woman to perform on the organ at the Crystal Cathedral, the first organist to play for the Grand Teton Music Festival, and the only female organist chosen to play with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra at the inauguration of the Ruffatti organ in Davies Symphony Hall. She was a featured performer at AGO regional and national conventions, including the Centennial National Convention in New York City in 1996. Dr. Jones will be forever remembered for her dazzling organ technique that rendered breathtaking performances of such virtuosic works as the Flight of the Bumble Bee.

Joyce Jones devoted her professional life to making friends for the organ, through community concerts, organ dedications, children’s concerts, and “Access to Music” programs. She has been widely acclaimed since making her debut with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as the only organist ever to win the prestigious G.B. Dealey award.

Dr. Jones was the Joyce Oliver Bowden Professor of Organ and Organist in Residence at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, from 1969 until her retirement in 2012. She earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Texas and a Master of Sacred Music degree in composition from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She was a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists. Dr. Jones was a composer of numerous published works, including the organ method King of Instruments, and recorded for Word, Rosenhaus, and Motette Records.

To read the obituary as written in Joyce’s hometown, Waco, Texas, click here for a most readable human interest story in the Waco Herald-Tribune! Joyce was not only known for her organ playing, but also her garden.

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There were many, many heartfelt tributes to this grand lady of the organ, similar to this one from Jon Glover:

There don’t seem to be adequate words to express my feelings regarding the news of the passing of one whom I’ve idolized, respected, and who has been one of the most influential figures in my life. My association with her to this day seems improbable and unlikely. Starting at the age of five, I truly dreamed of nothing but playing the organ! Unfortunately, my skills at the piano were not stellar and my dream was certainly not encouraged by my piano teachers. Our church organist did agree to teach me organ my junior year in high school. When seeking a college I had the opportunity to attend a concert given by Dr Jones. I sat spellbound and knew at that moment I had to study with her or at least be in proximity so I could hear her regularly!Realizing that I lacked the talent level that would be required to purse organ as a profession, I boldly, but with some trepidation approached her about possibly studying with her. To my amazement and joy she agreed! In the six years I studied with her, she never treated me as less than and always pushed me to play the same repertoire as the majors. But it was so much more than learning organ. It was learning about life. She literally took a young boy from a small town who lacked self confidence and lacked self esteem and made him believe dreams can come true. I was also so fortunate to be one of her house sitters. After college, we kept in touch and years later when I purchased a Rogers organ for my home, she graciously played a dedication concert on it – including her signature Pageant!Years later, she played for my wedding eve though unbeknownst to me, she had just had major surgery three weeks prior!I am so glad I went to her concert at Truett Seminary on her 89th birthday!Prayers to Jan and Robin and families. Thank you for sharing your mom with her students and the world!I’m forever grateful for her life! — with Joyce Jones.

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In 1979, the Far West Region of the AGO was held here in Hawai’i and Joyce Jones was one of our featured artists. Her concert was at Kawaiaha’o Church and when she wanted to make an announcement in that cavernous building, unfortunately we didn’t have a microphone for her. No problem, she told us, “I have three children at home and know how to get their attention!”

We had a party for the artists at the home of John and Betsy McCreary, the longtime Organist and Choirmaster of St. Andrew’s Cathedral. John had built a theatre organ in his house, and as usual, people took turns trying it out. I’ll never forget when Joyce sat down on the bench and started playing, “Kommst du nun” from the Schübler chorales of Bach, fiendishly difficult because it is in a trio texture, with a completely independent right hand, left hand, and pedal part. Here’s a video which shows the music as it is being played.

It’s hard enough to play in itself, but then Joyce started reciting “The 23rd Psalm” at the same time! I cannot tell you how difficult this is!

It’s bad enough that on rare occasions when I’ve been playing the postlude, and people tap me on the shoulder and start talking to me—your brain gets all discombobulated when trying to play a complicated piece AND talk at the same time!

I even found this answer on the internet:

Why can’t I speak while playing a musical instrument?

It’s where your brain is at.

While you play, and in order for you to play, you’re accessing various areas of your brain that are related to what you’re doing. Memories of chord positions, melody, cues, finger positions, timing, muscle coordination, etc… All of this is bubbling consciously and subconsciously.

Singing may also be a part of that activity but, unlike talking, you don’t need to create a cognitive, rational string of words. That’s already been done. You’re recreating. Just say the words and hit the notes while your hands are doing this.

When you try to talk, you’re creating not recreating. The process involves other areas of the brain. Some people are faster at switching their train of thought (multitasking) than others. Practice helps immensely.

Joyce Jones was certainly a multi-tasker!

In addition to her 1979 recital at Kawaiaha’o Church, Joyce also played a concert at Central Union Church in the 2000s.