More elusive than Bigfoot, more perplexing than the identity of Jack the Ripper, I give you..... Joyce!
The hunt for the woman behind this infamous record has been ongoing for years. A favorite among aficionados of bad album covers, the true identity of "Joyce" remains a mystery.
Knock it all you want, tracking down and identifying these mysterious figures from old record covers can be very interesting.Take for example, Beverly Massagee (pictured to the left), who ended up possibly being a central figure associated with the JFK assassination (read about about it in a previous post).
Here's a few theories and speculations on the enigmatic Joyce.
Here's a few theories and speculations on the enigmatic Joyce.
It is believed that her full name is Joyce Drake.
There is evidence to support that she was the pastor's wife at First Assembly of God in Sealy, Texas during the 1970's.
This gravestone could mark the final resting place of an offspring of the mysterious Mrs. Drake, but a 1924 date of birth would seem too early.
There is speculation that it could be simply a persona - that of British actress, Maureen Lipman, who used to put on a one-woman show called Joyce!, where she was made-up to look similar to the woman depicted on the album. However, this is just speculation at this point.By the way, Joyce! is based on the life of actress, comedian, and singer/songwriter Joyce Grenfell. The talented Grenfell appeared in the 1963 Hammer remake of James Whale's classic The Old Dark House.
You can listen to a song from her album here. There are only ten known copies in existence, so savor every word.
