Daniela Joel's piano ability was said to be one in a thousand, her singing talent one in a million.
She was that rare prodigy, her Snellville piano teacher Debra Hughes said. Daniela was compared favorably to Jackie Evancho, the child star who wowed audiences with her mature soprano voice on the TV show "America's Got Talent."
"She could understand a concept within her body and mouth," said Mrs. Hughes, who first gave voice lessons to a 9-year-old Daniela. "She had the breath control and vocal abilities that teenagers struggle with. She was an insightful, discerning student who was able to grasp concepts and engage her breath with the sound. She was incredible."
At 11, Daniela began experiencing dizziness and slurred speech. School officials thought she was under the influence. In 2008, days away from her 12th birthday, she was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor in the middle of her brain stem.
On Sept. 21, Daniela Joel of Lilburn died from complications of the disease at her home. She was 14. A memorial service was held Saturday at First Baptist Church of Lilburn.
Daniela was remarkably adept at everything she tried, including tennis and school. She came from a tennis-minded family, which also involved a sibling, Andrew Hyam Joel Jr.
At 2, she displayed a natural swing. At 10, she played on a U.S. national team. In 2007, Daniela and Evangeline Crist shared in multiple junior girls doubles titles.
"She was just a natural player, and her brother is following in her footsteps," said Bernadine Joel, the girl's mother. "She wanted her ashes to be [scattered] at Wimbledon."
Daniela was a freshman enrolled in advanced classes at Parkview High. The night she died, she had completed her homework.
Mrs. Hughes, speaking at Daniela's memorial, called the girl "this meteor of light that blazed across the sky pure and hot, and we were thrilled by it."
Five years ago, the girl's father, Andrew Hyam Joel Sr., collapsed and died while playing tennis. He was 46. Mr. Joel had bought his daughter a Beethoven CD that included their favorite song, "Greensleeves," a traditional English folk song.
Daniela, just 9, sang it at her father's funeral.
About the Author
The Latest
Featured
