Award-winning singer-songwriter, producer, and author Margaret Becker has shared a reflective creative update, marking a season that bridges her influential legacy with a new generation of artists.
For more than four decades, Becker has been a defining voice in contemporary Christian and roots-influenced music. Emerging in the 1980s, she helped expand the artistic and lyrical boundaries of faith-based songwriting, earning multiple Dove Awards and a GRAMMY® nomination while becoming known for her poetic depth, artistic integrity, and commitment to nurturing creative excellence. In recent years, her work as a producer, mentor, and collaborator has become a vital extension of that legacy.
That ongoing influence is evident in her year-long collaboration with acclaimed guitarist and rising Americana artist Joy Clark.
The two first connected around this time last year when Clark was in Nashville performing with Allison Russell during the Americana Awards. Russell's celebrated career-marked by multiple GRAMMY® nominations, a Juno Award, and Americana Music Association honors-speaks to the level of musicianship she surrounds herself with, including Clark, who has served as a core member of her band.
While Clark's reputation as an exceptional guitarist is well established, Becker emphasizes that she is equally compelling as an artist in her own right. Over a long Italian dinner under the stars, the two discovered their admiration was mutual-a moment Becker describes as "kismet."
Over the past year, Becker and Clark have written music together, not written music together, shared long conversations, compared favorite artists, and laughed until it felt like doing sit-ups. Their shared influences span generations and genres, from Chaka Khan to Bob Bennett-a connection made even richer by Clark's experience playing guitar for Khan herself.
Clark's artistry has continued to gain industry recognition. Legendary songwriter Ani DiFranco has taken notice, and Clark has officially signed with Righteous Babe Records. Her debut single with the label, "Guest," is scheduled for release on October 5. The song was co-written with Becker, who also produced the track.
For Becker, the collaboration represents more than a single release-it reflects a through-line in her career: championing meaningful songwriting, artistic courage, and authentic voices.
"Joy is a guitar diva, a deep and funny soul, and a singular artist," Becker says. "She's warm, unique, and absolutely worth getting in your car to go see live."
As Becker continues to shape music both behind the scenes and alongside emerging voices, this new chapter stands as a testament to a legacy still actively being written.
