Joel McCray

About Joel McCray

Joel McCray is a producer, performing artist, music educator, and composer who grew up in Riesel, TX, just outside of Waco. He started playing the piano when he was 18-months old. He studied classical and gospel piano with his mother, Ruby H. McCray, from 1976 - 1988. He moved to Arlington, TX in 1988 on a track scholarship from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he graduated with a BBA in Finance in 1992 and NCAA, All-America status in track.

Joel McCray, producer for a 2011 Dove Award Nominee, has 14 projects: New Beginnings (2000), Worship 2001 - "He Reigns", Song For You (2003), "Merry Christmas to You" (2003), "Christmas Joy" (2008), “The Invitation” (2011), a collaborative project with smooth-jazz saxophonist, Joseph Vincelli, “Sing the Word! ¡Cante La Palabra!” (2011), a collaborative project with Bridget McCray, "Meritage" (2013), "Envision," (2017) second & third collaborative projects with Joseph Vincelli, "Hymns Unplugged" (2013), "Cohesion" (2015), “Love Poetry” (2017), “I’m All Yours” (2018), "Merry Christmas to You, vol 2 (2020).

Joel has produced over 50 projects and has performed on over 70 projects. He has also performed with some really awesome artists and musicians. They include, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Joseph Vincelli, Kirk Whalum, Darren Rahn, Myron Butler, Fred Hammond, George Huff, Peter White, Nick Colionne, Nelson Rangell & many more.

Since 1988, Joel has had the opportunity to serve in music ministry at a number of great churches including, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Arlington, TX; Crossroads Christian Church, Grand Prairie, TX; & Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas, TX. Joel has also served as a teaching artist, & assistance director or programming at The Artist Outreach of Dallas, a non-profit organization that uses innovative tools to change the educational, emotional and financial futures of the individuals, schools and advocacy centers it serves through the creative arts programs it provides. Joel has served with The Artist Outreach for over eight years.


Joel currently serves as the music director at Word of Truth Family Church (Arlington, TX), the music director, teaching artist, and director of virtual programming for The Artist Outreach, the founder and director of J & B Music Ministries, director, writer and arranger Zamar (the band), music director for Deon Q, and keyboardist for Joseph Vincelli.

Joel lives in Arlington with his wife of 21 years, Bridget, and their children, Nicholas and Jada.