Discography
Songs of Joya Skye
Early Morning Blues and Greens (1969)
Note: Artist is Joya Diane Skye, then know as Diane Hildebrand.
Released 1969– Copyright © 1969 Electra Records – All Songs Written or Co-written by Diane Hildebrand
Produced by David Anderle and Russ Miller
Recorded at TTG Studios, Hollywood, CA
Engineered and Mastered at Electra Records, Los Angeles, CA
Early Morning Blues and Greens showcases a deeper, more introspective side of Joya Diane Skye’s musical talent, distinct from her work with popular artists like The Monkees. Released in 1969 under Elektra Records and produced by David Anderle, the album blends folk and country rock with poetic lyrics and rich melodies. Skye’s compositions, coupled with contributions from top session musicians and a thoughtful production style, highlight her nuanced songwriting. Music historian Richie Unterberger praised the album for its authentic, mature sound, though he noted its lack of mainstream success likely stemmed from its unique balance—neither too pop nor fully underground.
Skye Songs (1977)
Released 1977 – Copyright © 1977 Joya Skye, 2015 Desert Windsong Publishing
Re-Released 2015 by Desert Windsong Music
Written and Arranged by Joya Diane Skye
Produced and Engineered by Paul Emery
Recorded and Mixed at Bennett House Studio, Grass Valley, CA
Skye Songs represents Joya Diane Skye’s venture into an independent musical journey under her moniker, Joya Diane Skye. Released in 1977, this album showcases her diverse songwriting prowess, blending folk-inspired melodies with heartfelt lyrics.
Sadhana in the Streets (2003)
Released 2003 – Copyright © 2003 Joya Skye, 2015 Desert Windsong Publishing
Re-Released 2015 by Desert Windsong Music
All Songs by Joya Diane Skye
Produced and Arranged by Holger Jetter
Recorded and Mixed at Sunshine Music, Auroville, India
“Sadhana in the Streets” is a unique musical blend that showcases Joya Diane Skye’s adventurous spirit and global influence. Recorded during her time in India, this album integrates traditional Western songwriting with rich, Eastern-inspired melodies. The project reflects her personal journey of self-discovery and a deep connection to cultural diversity. With introspective lyrics and distinctive arrangements, Sadhana in the Streets captures the essence of Joya’s exploration of music as a universal language. The album stands as a testament to Joya’s continual evolution as an artist, resonating with listeners seeking music that bridges cultural boundaries.
Long Time Comin' (2017)
Released 2018 – Copyright © 1995 Joya Skye, 2017 Desert Windsong Publishing
All Songs by Joya Skye
Produced and Arranged by Joya Skye
Engineering and additional instruments by Don Richmond
Released in 2017, Long Time Comin’ showcases Joya Diane Skye’s unique blend of folk, country rock, and introspective lyricism. This album, a culmination of decades of songwriting and life experiences, resonates with themes of resilience and renewal. Each track tells a story, reflecting Joya’s deep musical roots and nomadic journey through various phases of her career. The release was met with appreciation from long-time fans and newcomers alike, marking a significant chapter in her discography.
Live at the Circle of Light (2019)
Released 2003 – Copyright © 2003 Joya Skye / 2021, 2015 Desert Windsong Publishing
All Songs by Joya Skye
Joya Skye was formally known as Electra Records recording artist and songwriter Diane Hildebrand.
Experience the soulful performances and heartfelt interpretations in Live at the Circle of Light, where Joya Diane Skye brings her most cherished songs to life. This album captures the essence of her musical journey, showcasing both her timeless originals and unique renditions of hits she penned for other artists. With authentic energy and a deep connection to her audience, these recordings are a testament to her enduring artistry and the captivating power of live music.
Songs Written for Other Artists
He Walks Like A Man (1964)
Recorded by Jodi Miller on her “Queen of the House” and “The Best of Jody Miller” LPs.
“He Walks Like a Man,” penned by Diane Hildebrand and featured on The Best of Jody Miller album, showcases Hildebrand’s early knack for crafting compelling, relatable narratives. This song, a modest hit upon its 1964 release, combines catchy, mid-tempo rhythms with a confident, lyrical portrayal that resonated with the era’s listeners. Hildebrand’s songwriting weaves elements of pop and country, embodying the sound that made Miller a standout artist of her time. The tune’s engaging melody and empowering undertones emphasize the stylistic finesse of Hildebrand’s early career and her ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with mainstream appeal.
Early Morning Blues and Greens (1967)
Released on the 1967 Monkees album “Headquarters”.
“Early Morning Blues and Greens,” written by Diane Hildebrand (and co-written with Jack Keller), is a reflective, melancholic track featured on The Monkees’ Headquarters album (1967). The song stands out for its introspective lyrics and folk-inspired style, which contrasts with the more commercial pop sound typically associated with The Monkees. With its laid-back rhythm and poetic imagery, it captures a sense of longing and emotional complexity, showcasing a more serious and mature side of Hildebrand’s songwriting. While it wasn’t a chart-topping hit, the track has become a standout among the Monkees’ more experimental works, highlighting their ability to blend pop with deeper, more thoughtful material.
Goin' Down (1967)
Released on the 1967 Monkees album “More of the Monkees” after first being released as the flip-side to “Daydream Believer”. “Goin Down” was also featured in the TV series “The Monkees” 1967, “The Flying Nun” 1967, “Breaking Bad” 2012, and the film “Straw Dogs” 2011.
“Goin’ Down,” recorded by The Monkees in 1967, is a dynamic and jazz-infused track that showcases the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres. Written by Diane Hildebrand and Michael Murphey with additional writing credits going to Monkees members Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, Davy Jones, and Michael Nesmith, the song features rapid-fire, almost rap-like vocals performed by Dolenz. Its narrative lyrics tell the story of a man caught in a downward spiral after a failed romance, blending humor with an underlying sense of desperation. The energetic brass arrangements and lively tempo set it apart from The Monkees’ more pop-oriented hits, cementing it as a fan favorite and highlighting their range beyond mainstream pop. Despite not being a major hit in its own right, “Goin’ Down” gained lasting popularity and remains a fan favorite, in part due to its inclusion as the B-side to “Daydream Believer” and its unique sound within the band’s catalog.
"Your Auntie Grizelda" (1967)
Release on the 1967 Monkees album “More of the Monkees”.
“Your Auntie Grizelda” is a playful and upbeat track from The Monkees’ 1967 album More of the Monkees, written by Diane Hildebrand and Jack Keller. The song stands out with its quirky lyrics and lively instrumentation, making it a fun, slightly eccentric addition to the band’s repertoire. The song features a catchy melody and energetic rhythm, with the Monkees’ signature harmonies adding to its charm. Though not one of their biggest hits, “Your Auntie Grizelda” captures the playful spirit of the band and remains a favorite among fans of their more whimsical tracks. Its light-hearted tone and memorable chorus make it an enduring part of their 1960s catalog.
Easy Come, Easy Go (1970)
Recorded by Bobby Sherman and featured on his 1970 LP “Bobby Sherman”. The song reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it a Top 10 hit.
“Easy Come, Easy Go” is a catchy pop track with an upbeat tempo and an infectious melody that perfectly complements Bobby Sherman’s smooth vocals. Written by Diane Hildebrand and her frequent collaborator Jack Keller, the song blends elements of country and pop, with its light-hearted lyrics about the fleeting nature of relationships. The song’s upbeat tone and memorable hook helped it become one of Sherman’s biggest hits, further cementing Hildebrand’s talent for crafting tunes that resonated with a wide audience. Despite its playful nature, it carries a subtle sense of nostalgia, which is a hallmark of Hildebrand’s songwriting style.
Theme Songs for TV Shows
The Flying Nun (1967)
The Flying Nun theme, released in 1967, is an instrumental piece co-composed by Diane Hildebrand that encapsulates the show’s whimsical essence and playful spirit.
The theme for The Flying Nun, co-composed by Diane Hildebrand, is an instrumental piece that perfectly captures the show’s whimsical and light-hearted spirit. With its playful and memorable melody, the theme sets the tone for the quirky adventures of Sister Bertrille. Hildebrand’s contribution to the music showcases her talent for creating captivating tunes that resonate with audiences and add charm to 1960s television.
The Partridge Family (1970)
The Partridge Family featured the original theme song “When We’re Singing,” co-written by Diane Hildebrand and Wes Farrell, which set the upbeat, family-friendly tone for the beloved musical sitcom and launched it as a pop culture hit.
“When We’re Singing” captures the essence of The Partridge Family‘s feel-good vibe with its catchy, harmonious chorus and bright, pop-driven sound. Co-written by Hildebrand, the song perfectly embodies the show’s message of unity and joy through music, making it an iconic opener that resonated with audiences and contributed to the series’ lasting popularity.
Collaborations and Musical Influence
Joya Diane Skye (formerly Diane Hildebrand) left her mark on the music scene not only through chart-topping hits and beloved songs recorded by major artists but also through collaborations with emerging and influential groups of the era. Although exact song titles can sometimes be elusive, her creative spirit contributed to the sound and success of several country rock and surf rock bands.
The Lewis and Clarke Expedition
The Lewis and Clarke Expedition, a country rock band active in the late 1960s and early 1970s, was led by Randy and Ron Lewis, The band blended elements of folk, rock, and country into their unique sound. During this period, Hildebrand penned several songs that helped shape the group’s musical direction. Her influence is particularly evident in the storytelling aspect of the band’s songs, which often featured introspective lyrics and rich, melodic arrangements. Though specific tracks attributed solely to her are difficult to pinpoint, Hildebrand’s country rock style and lyrical depth can be felt in the band’s music from this era. The band’s work, while not as commercially successful as some of their contemporaries, remains an important part of the country rock movement, with Hildebrand’s contributions adding a touch of elegance and narrative to their sound.
The Hondells
The Hondells, a surf rock band popular in the 1960s, were known for their upbeat, catchy tracks that epitomized the California surf culture, The Hondells recorded several of Hildebrand’s songs, though the exact titles remain somewhat under the radar. Her influence can be felt in the melodies and harmonies that complemented the band’s lively instrumentation. Hildebrand’s knack for crafting engaging lyrics and memorable tunes made her a valuable contributor to the band’s catalog, even if her contributions weren’t always widely recognized in mainstream documentation. Her work with The Hondells reflected her versatility as a songwriter, able to adapt her style to fit the vibrant, sun-soaked sound of the surf rock scene. While specific tracks may be difficult to pinpoint, her songwriting continues to be an integral part of The Hondells’ legacy in the genre.
Stone Country
Stone Country, a rock band known for their fusion of country and rock influences, also recorded several songs penned by Diane Hildebrand. Though the exact titles of her contributions to their albums aren’t extensively documented, her influence on the band’s sound during the late 1960s and early 1970s is apparent. Known for their soulful, country-tinged rock, Stone Country’s music resonated with a wide range of listeners. Hildebrand’s songwriting, with its poignant lyrics and melodic structures, fit seamlessly within the band’s genre-blending approach. While the specifics of her contributions remain elusive in mainstream references, her work with Stone Country reflected her growing reputation as a talented songwriter who could merge different musical styles into memorable tracks. Like her other collaborations, Hildebrand’s work with Stone Country played an understated but key role in defining the evolving sound of the era.