Rabbi Joe Black is an award-winning singer/songwriter of both Jewish and Secular music who writes with a universal voice. He is known for his guitar virtuosity, soaring voice and lyrics that are at the same time, funny, inspirational and thought provoking. He has performed for communities around the world. His recordings and books have received accolades from sources as diverse as American Songwriter Magazine, The New York Times, Haddasah Magazine, Parent’s Choice, The American Library Journal and Kids First: The Coalition for Quality Children’s Video.  

He is a three-time winner of American Songwriter Magazine’s Lyric contest. He has also published two best-selling Children’s book for the PJ Library, a songbook, a book of poetry, and recorded five critically acclaimed albums of Jewish music. His compositions have been recorded by numerous artists and he and his music are featured in a variety of Contemporary Jewish Music compilation CD’s.  His poetry and prose have been published widely. As a musician, Joe is known for his guitar virtuosity, soaring voice and lyrics that are at the same time, funny, inspirational, and thought provoking. His music is an extension of his Rabbinate. After an 18 year hiatus from recording, Joe recently released two new albums of original music: Praying With Our Feet – a collection of Jewish music, and Wire and Wood – new secular songs.. 

Joe retired from the pulpit in July, 2025 after a 38-year distinguished career - serving congregations in Minneapolis, MN, Albuquerque, NM, and Denver, CO. He is now devoting his time to writing, performing and teaching around the country. He serves as Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Emanuel in Denver.