Rev. Joe A. Washington: Talking the talk and walking the walk

By Brinda F. Willis, Ph.D.

JA Contributing Writer

Rev. Joe Arthur Washington, better known as Rev. Joe A. on the radio and especially in the neighborhood, is making a positive impact wherever he goes. 

On Sunday mornings, Rev. Washington can be found in the pulpit at Old Strangers Home M.B. Church, located at 27 Garner Street in Jackson, spreading his special brand of the gospel to a loyal congregation where he has served as pastor for 40 years. On Wednesday evenings, he participates in the church’s Bible study. He will celebrate his Pastoral Anniversary on August 2, 2026. 

Rev. Washington also shares The Word with “Ruff Rider” on his radio show, broadcast by WMPR 90.1. The “Old Ship of Zion” Show airs on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. During the broadcast, he frequently lays down an old favorite gospel hymn that can soothe a troubled soul. 

He began his singing career at an early age and formed his blues band at Bill’s Fun House. Then, with his first group the “Gold Nuggets”, he played the drums. In his first gospel group, he was the lead singer with “The Mighty Gospel Shepards” in Flint, Michigan. Afterward, he went on to sing lead with “Robert Blair & The Fantastic Violinaires” in Detroit. Finally, he landed in Jackson, Mississippi, forming “Joe A. Washington & The Gabriel Tones”, and recorded his big hit, “I Tried Everything,” on the Right Time Record label, which remains a crowd favorite today.

Rev. Washington says, “I know how to relate to the average man on the street because that’s where I’m most comfortable…I have lived long enough to understand how to use my street smarts and God’s Holy Word, which can address every life issue, to tame a confused and angry spirit that has become disillusioned with life.”

Indeed, Rev. Washington knows well how to deal with the average person. He works as a deputy with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, serving as its chaplain and spiritual community liaison. As an accomplished equestrian, he also is captain of the Hinds County Mounted Patrol. 

Back in the day, Rev. Washington worked with Charles Tisdale, owner and publisher of the Jackson Advocate newspaper, helping to provide protection after the newspaper’s office on Farish Street was firebombed and Tisdale’s home on Eastview Street was threatened with another firebomb. Rev. Washington said, “I was paid by Mr. Tisdale, but most times, I volunteered to provide protection for his family and the newspaper office.”

Rev. Washington was born on July 8, 1952, in Flora, Mississippi. He is the son of the late Mr. James and Mrs. Dorothy Washington. He has been married for 39 years to Mrs. Lucy Blair Washington and has three sons, Rolando, Tarkee, and the late Fredrick Washington.