Joseph N Tapper - Finally (2002)

The son of Jamaican parents Roy and Dorothy Tapper, Joseph N. Tapper was born in Albany, New York. During the next six years of his life, Joseph and his family lived in Jamaica and the U.S. The patriarch, Roy Tapper, found his calling as a preacher and spread the Gospel between the two countries. In addition to living in New York and Jamaica, the family lived in Florida, Arizona, and finally settled in southern California.

Joseph spent his school years in San Bernardino, California. It was during his fourth grade year that he became interested in playing the Cornet. Many years later at 16 years old, Joseph became interested in gaining the ability to play by ear. In order to acquire the skill of playing by ear, he bought all the necessary books and became inquisitive of the technique, but to his dismay, nothing helped. Finally, Mother Felton, a mother in his church, told Joseph to ask God for the gift of playing by ear. She went on to say that by simply asking God, he would be rewarded with that gift. With his belief in her and his belief in God, he did just as Mother Felton had instructed. Indeed, he found that God had in fact provided Joseph with the ability to play by ear.

Joseph moved to Phoenix, Arizona to continue his college education. While working his way through school Joseph was robbed and kidnapped, a story, which can be found in greater detail in his book, "You've Been Set Up for a Set Back." After this harrowing experience, he then joined the Air Force, which led him to Denver, Colorado.

It was in Denver where he met a great saxophone player by the name of Elmus High. Joseph and Elmus were fellow band mates and recorded music together for a few years. It was the presence and friendship of Elmus that influenced Joseph to play the saxophone. He purchased a saxophone from a Pawnshop and realized that he could play this instrument by ear as well. Joseph played both instruments for many years until finally he gave up the Cornet and focused his artistic abilities on the saxophone.

During his young adult life, Joseph was engaged six times, but a walk to the altar was not to be realized. Giving up his search in looking for a wife, he surrendered his life to the Lord. He accepted his calling into the ministry, while doing so he met his future wife and soul mate Julia. Joseph guided Julia in giving her soul to Christ and married her a short time after on 7/07/77.

Being an evangelist, Joseph travels all across the United States. During his travels Joseph has been able to bring the Word of God with the power of music to thousands. The year 2001 has brought many accomplishments for Joseph Tapper. He started Tapper Records, Inc. and J. Tap Music Publishing. The aforementioned book, "You've Been Set Up for a Set Back: And it was an Inside Job" and the release of his CD "Finally," an instrumental Gospel-Jazz project, are the fruits of Joseph's hard work and determination. Joseph also received his Certified Professional Communicator (CPC) accreditation from the Professional Speakers Network. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, he does motivational speaking in schools. Despite his being an ordained elder, author, speaker, and recording artist, he humbly prefers to be addressed simply as "Joseph," no titles.

Joseph currently resides in Florida with his wife Julia of over 20 years, and their four sons. He attends A.M. Cohen Temple COGIC where his pastor is Bishop Jacob Cohen. His sons aspire to follow in their father's artistic footsteps, as contemporary gospel trailblazers, through the new and fledgling trend of "gospel rap." Joseph's passion is to preach and share his God given talent of playing the saxophone. In the past, Joseph believed it was best to be modest about his talents by denying compliments bestowed upon him. Bishop Wellington Boone alerted him to the contrary by telling him, "Don't ever discount a gift that God has given you." He now has no reservations about being one of the best gospel saxophone artists around. God gave his gift to him, and to "toot his own horn"; a gift given by God is second to none.