The focus was on percussion and his instructor was symphony veteran Larry Lawless. Mr. Lawless taught him all the basic rudiments a drummer would need to be successful. He was then introduced to the drum kit his 8th grade year with the middle school jazz band and never turned back. The jazz band instructor was a bass player named Roger Ramsey and there was no instructor for the drum kit. Mr. Ramsey showed Joey the ropes as far as basic beats and patterns and sent him home with music featuring different drummers to listen and learn from. Everything that he learned from that point forward was self-taught. During the first year that he started playing drums, his jazz band competed in a state-wide competition for jazz bands hosted in Texas in which he was honored with an award for "Most Outstanding Rhythm Section Member". He continued to play drums while growing as a player and performer through high school and was awarded the 'Louis Armstrong Award' as a Sophmore.

The first experience he had outside of a school atmosphere was with Granbury, TX based Gospel group, The Royalaires. The Royalaires broadened Joey's experiences and knowledge of the industry in his first studio experience recording an album as well as his first tour when The Royalaires toured throughout Texas.

Eventually, Joey started a project with high school friends in a group titled 'No Ones Hero' which was a punk band that eventually evolved into a pop punk band. 2 albums were recorded with No Ones Hero.

After graduating high school in 2003, Joey decided to enlist into the United States Navy where he served 4 years as an Aviation Ordnanceman in Lemoore, CA. After serving his 4 years, he was honorably discharged and moved to Austin, TX to reconnect with his childhood hero, his brother, Donald.

While living in apartment in Austin, Joey tried to redevelop his talent behind the kit. The apartment threatened eviction and so he was forced to let go of his dreams and kit temporarily. Eventually, he moved to North Carolina where majority of his family had relocated to. Joey began picking up the sticks again and after a few months of getting back into the rhythm of things behind the kit, he auditioned for local powerhouse The Jupiter Tide. After the first audition, he decided to display his loyalty and dedication by camping in the small 10'x12' studio for the next two days learning all of The Jupiter Tide's material. The Jupiter Tide was more than happy to invite him in to join the band shortly after. Joey proved to be a great fit with The Jupiter Tide and released an album with them in November of 2012. He still plays with them today.

Joey began getting significant attention in the local circuit and was asked by his good friends in the rock group Brave The Pain to go on a two week tour in Chicago, IL. Upon his return, Poor Man's Fame was quickly in contact to bring him on board to record their debut album in Atlanta, GA. Shortly after his experience in the studio with Poor Man's Fame, Joey joined Poor Man's Fame and now plays with them as well.

As the journey continues, the bio will be updated. Thank you all for your continued love and support.