From the 3rd floor
of the Webb City Public Library
Webb City Area Genealogical Society
Established in 1970 by Webb City’s well-known ambassador, Ney Dean Cunningham, the Joy Belles loved to perform serious as well as fun-style music for a variety of clubs, organizations or nursing homes.
They often entertained patients at the Elmhurst Nursing Home on Carl Junction Road (now known as Stadium Drive). Their shows opened with their theme song, “We are the Joy Belles,” always followed by “God Bless America,” funny ditties, gospel songs, and patriotic selections for their finale. Their 50 to 60 performances per year were throughout Jasper County and beyond.
Nancy Carlson, of Webb City, was an early member of the Joy Belles and remained with the group until its end in 1990, when the Webb City ladies joined up with a Joplin group.
Nancy says their only reason to sing and play music for others was to spread cheer and happiness.
For 20 years, the musical ladies, provided their own dress costumes and musical instruments, and made themselves available wherever they were asked to perform. They also were happy to play for the public in downtown parades.
Nancy told us at the Webb City Area Genealogical Society that all of the other Joy Belle members have now passed, leaving her as the remaining Joy Belle. She left the accompanying photos and information about the Joy Belles with us on the third floor of the Webb City Library so their part of Webb City culture will be remembered. One tidbit she told us was that on practice nights, Nadine Drachenburg always brought great pecan pie to share with the group.
We are happy to store and recall Webb City’s Joy Belles.
