We promised we'd keep you updated on our quest for a Jewish Grammy, so here it is! After our success with our Jammy awards, we decided to get the ball rolling even further by bringing on Jewish music industry connoisseur Jim Ball to head up our Grammy-getting strategy. Without further adieu, meet our man:

So Jim, why do you think that Jewish music deserves its own Grammy?

Why not? There is so much wonderful, diverse and interesting Jewish music available today. There are some tremendous musicians, young and old, who deserve attention and credit for their work. There are several categories for Christian music already. Jewish music is pretty hot right now. In fact, being Jewish is very NOW. No one can deny the popularity of Jon Stewart, Matisyahu, Blue Fringe and so many others.

Tell us a little bit about your interest in Jewish music.

I majored in music for most of college, although I ended up with a degree in English. I've always listened to music–just about everything. Several years ago, I began signing with a Jewish choir, and it turned out that a friend from college had started an organization called the Zamir Choral Foundation.

Every summer, they sponsor the North American Jewish Choral Festival, and 500-plus of us Jewish choral groupies gather for five days and sing. It's truly amazing. I've met many musicians through the Festival and it's become a real passion for me. Zamir also sponsors teen choirs in many cities across North America, called HaZamir: The International Jewish high School Choir. Check out www.zamifdn.org for more info.

If you got to decide on who got the first-ever Jewish Grammy, who would you choose?

Wow–that's a tough one. There are so many deserving musicians. And since I'm trying to head up this effort, I think I need to be neutral. I could give a list of artists that deserve wider recognition–but I think it might be too long to print here!! 

What are your interests besides Jewish music?

I'm a Jewish junkie! I've volunteered for so many things. Right now, I'm a member of the National Board of the Reform movement. I'm also on the Board of the Zamir Choral Foundation, InterfaithFamily.com, the Massachusetts Synagogue Council and several national Commissions. In my spare time, I have my own public relations and marketing company where I specialize in doing work for Jewish organizations and non-profits. I'm also into social action.

Oh yeah, and I'm trying to start a Boston Jewish Music Festival–maybe we can have some Grammy nominees appear!! 

Joelle used to be the biggest Rick Recht groupie ever. She even owns a T-shirt from his Tov tour in 2000.