All-Time Best Vance Joy Songs

James Gabriel Keogh, professionally known as Vance Joy, was born on December 1, 1987, in Melbourne, Australia. He is an Australian singer, songwriter, and former Australian Rules Football player. His rise to fame...Read More »

Vance Joy Discography
DiscographyVance JoyAustralian singer-songwriter
Also known as
James Keogh, James G. Keogh, James Gabriel Keogh
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Top Vance Joy Songs

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Vance Joy Bio & Journey

James Gabriel Keogh, professionally known as Vance Joy, was born on December 1, 1987, in Melbourne, Australia. He is an Australian singer, songwriter, and former Australian Rules Football player. His rise to fame began in 2013 when he signed a five-album deal with Atlantic Records. That same year, he released his debut EP, God Loves You When You're Dancing, which gained critical praise. The EP’s standout track, "Riptide," became a global hit and topped the 2013 Triple J Hottest 100 chart.

In 2014, Vance Joy released his debut studio album, Dream Your Life Away. The album included fan-favorite songs like "Mess Is Mine" and "Georgia." It was a commercial success and earned him the Best Male Artist award at the ARIA Music Awards in 2015. His success continued with his second album, Nation of Two, released in 2018. This album showcased his growth as a songwriter, featuring popular tracks like "Lay It on Me" and "Saturday Sun," which further solidified his reputation as a talented artist. Critics praised his heartfelt lyrics and soothing melodies.

Before becoming a musician, Vance Joy played professional Australian Rules Football, demonstrating his versatile talents. He later ventured into collaborations, including performing as a backing vocalist with the Zac Brown Band, showing his adaptability across musical genres.

Vance Joy FAQs

What is Vance Joy's real name?

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Vance Joy's real name is James Gabriel Keogh. He chose the stage name 'Vance Joy' from a character in Peter Carey's novel 'Bliss.' The Australian singer-songwriter has been using this moniker since he started his music career.

What is Vance Joy's biggest hit song?

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Vance Joy's biggest hit is definitely 'Riptide.' Released in 2013, this indie folk anthem became a massive global success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and earning multi-platinum certifications. The song's catchy ukulele melody and memorable lyrics made it a radio staple and streaming favorite.

Is Vance Joy married or does he have a girlfriend?

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Vance Joy tends to keep his personal life pretty private. While he's been linked to a few people over the years, he doesn't often discuss his relationships publicly. He prefers to let his music do the talking and keeps the focus on his artistic work rather than his dating life.

What genre of music does Vance Joy play?

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Vance Joy primarily plays indie folk and indie pop music. His sound features acoustic guitars, ukulele, and heartfelt vocals with a laid-back, beachy vibe. Think acoustic-driven melodies with catchy hooks that blend folk storytelling with pop sensibilities - perfect for road trips and summer playlists.

How old is Vance Joy and where is he from?

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Vance Joy was born on December 1, 1987, making him 37 years old. He's from Melbourne, Australia, and grew up in the suburb of Kew. Before pursuing music full-time, he actually studied law at Monash University and even played Australian Rules Football semi-professionally.

What are Vance Joy's most popular songs besides Riptide?

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Besides 'Riptide,' Vance Joy's biggest hits include 'Mess Is Mine,' 'Georgia,' 'Lay It on Me,' 'We're Going Home,' and 'Missing Piece.' Songs like 'Fire and the Flood' and 'Saturday Sun' are also fan favorites. His music consistently delivers that signature blend of acoustic warmth and indie charm.

How many albums has Vance Joy released?

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Vance Joy has released three studio albums so far: 'Dream Your Life Away' (2014), 'Nation of Two' (2018), and 'In Our Own Sweet Time' (2022). He also released several EPs early in his career, including 'God Loves You When You're Dancing' (2013) which featured 'Riptide.'

Did Vance Joy used to play football?

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Yes! Before becoming a musician, Vance Joy played Australian Rules Football (AFL) semi-professionally for the Coburg Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL). He was pretty serious about it too, but eventually chose to focus on his music career. It's pretty cool how he went from the football field to festival stages!

What instruments does Vance Joy play?

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Vance Joy is multi-talented when it comes to instruments. He's best known for playing guitar and ukulele - you can hear that signature ukulele sound all over 'Riptide.' He also plays piano and does all his own vocals. His acoustic guitar work really defines his laid-back, indie folk sound.