By: Lennard James  

In the heart of downtown Memphis, TN, the Orpheum Theatre stands as a cultural beacon, hosting a myriad of events that captivate audiences and enrich the community. At the helm of this cultural hub is Joy Truly Brown, the Director of Booking and Event Operations. With two decades of dedicated service to the Orpheum, Joy has become a driving force behind the scenes, managing every facet of event planning and operations.  

Joy’s responsibilities extend far beyond contract negotiations and budgeting. She has mastered the intricate dance of talent buying, settlements, and post-event evaluations, ensuring that each performance at the Orpheum Theatre leaves an indelible mark. Her passion for community involvement, however, sets her apart, as she actively engages with guests, adding a personal touch to their experiences.  

Working closely with agents and promoters, Joy brings some of the best entertainment acts to the Orpheum Theatre Group. Her keen eye for talent has contributed to the success and reputation of the theater as a premier destination for live performances in Memphis.  

Beyond the spotlight, Joy is deeply committed to community service. Her goal is to redefine non-traditional career paths, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions. She has collaborated with organizations such as the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, Leadership Memphis Community Outreach, and mentored with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Butterfly Effect Girls Mentoring Program.   

Joy’s extensive involvement in various boards reflects her dedication to shaping the city’s future. She has served on the boards of Pinky Promise International Corporation, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Metro Memphis Attractions Associations. Currently, she sits on the Boards of the Memphis Rock and Soul Museum, Hospitality Sales Marketing Association International, Positively Memphis, and Memphis Tourism Welcome to Memphis Association.  

Recognized as a Super Woman in Business by the Memphis Business Journal, Joy continues to break barriers. She chairs the DEIA committee for the Orpheum Theatre Group and leads the Economic Empowerment Committee for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Memphis Chapter.  

A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Gamma Alpha Omega Chapter, Joy serves as the Chair of the Strengthening Our Sisterhood and Sisterly Relations Committee. Her commitment to sisterhood extends beyond sorority, as she actively participates in various sister circles, fostering meaningful connections.  

Joy’s personal life is as rich and vibrant as her professional endeavors. Married to Jeffrey Michael Brown for 26 years, the couple has a daughter, Zoie Michelle Brown. In her moments of respite from the bustling theater world and community initiatives, Joy indulges in her love for travel, shopping, watching old movies, and cherishing precious moments with her family and sister circles.   

Joy Truly Brown is not just orchestrating events on stage; she is orchestrating positive change and empowerment within the Memphis community. Her passion for the arts, commitment to community service, and dedication to inspiring future generations make her a true luminary in the vibrant cultural landscape of Memphis.  

In the grand finale of Joy Truly Brown’s narrative, the applause extends far beyond the theater walls. Her dedication to the arts, community empowerment, and mentorship is a symphony of success that resonates throughout Memphis. Beyond the glitz and glamour, Joy’s impact is measured in the lives she has touched, the careers she has inspired, and the cultural legacy she continues to build.  

As the curtains draw to a close in this chapter, Joy’s journey remains an ongoing overture. Her commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and economic empowerment echoes through her roles as Chair of the DEIA committee at the Orpheum Theatre Group and as the leader of the Economic Empowerment Committee for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Memphis Chapter. Her tireless efforts are an inspiring melody, encouraging others to follow their passions and break barriers in their chosen fields.  

In the midst of the city she calls home, Joy Truly Brown stands as a beacon of change, orchestrating a future where the arts and community engagement harmonize seamlessly. As she continues to lead the way, the impact of her work will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come, leaving an enduring legacy of empowerment and cultural enrichment in the heart of Memphis.