She is widely recognized as one of the most original and innovative musicians in modern jazz.

In 1969, Joanne began touring Japan, Europe, Canada, South America and cities all over the United States working with musical legends such as Art Blakey, Joe Henderson, Stan Getz, Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw. During her tenure with these greats, Joanne left such a trail of dazzled reporters, and inspired audiences that before she knew it she had catapulted her name to the headlines as she began performing and recording as a leader.

Joanne, leading her newly formed trio, instantly began building recognition with appearances in concerts, festivals and clubs all over Europe, Canada and the U.S. Downbeat Magazine's Critic's Poll placed Joanne in the top five pianist category. The National Endowment For the Arts awarded her two grants in 1979 and 1982 and then selected her to serve on an NEA Grant Panel. Her solo concert at Carnegie Hall in 1985 was made possible by another NEA grant. During this period, Joanne's quartet (which included Joe Henderson) was invited by the U.S. State Department to tour Europe and the Middle East.

By 1982, Joanne had taken full charge of her career and became her own manager. She was very successful as a ground-breaker in a music form dominated by male performers. These same male performers continually look at and listen to Joanne's talent with an amazing astonishment.

Commissions for performing her works with big bands include Duke University, the New England Conservatory, Rutgers University, Dickenson College, the Tri-City Jazz Festival in Cleveland and SUNY- Plattsburg. In addition to her heavy performance schedule at colleges and universities, she is in constant demand as a lecturer and clinician throughout the U.S. A self-taught musician, Joanne accepted invitations to join the faculty of New York's New School in 1989, and joined the Berklee College of Music in Boston faculty as professor in 1994. She is currently host of her own New York television show entitled "Joanne Brackeen Presents Jazz."