When I was a child I regularly watched a very popular show on Sunday nights. One night when I was 9 years old, I witnessed Dionne Warwick performing. I remember as clear as if it were today that I wanted to be a singer. Here is the rest of the story.
I went on to study voice at Indiana University School of Music. There I was involved in concerts and operettas, appearing as Giula in Gilbert & Sullivans’ The Gondoliers and also as a member of the Belles of Indiana.
I began my professional career in Dayton, Ohio as lead vocalist and back-up singer with the The Don Reynolds Orchestra. I traveled throughout the east cost with various show bands, including the 60’s band The Classics IV” where I began playing piano.
In 1981, I settled down in the Sandhills of North Carolina and formed my company; Music by Debra. I was hired as a featured vocalist and fill-in pianist with the Rob Massengale Big Band.
During my career I’ve performed for Israel’s Prime Minister Menachem Begin, Vice President Al Gore, Indiana Governor Otis Bowen, Doc Severinsen and Gordon McRae, at the premier showing of Aaron Spelling’s “Savannah” and NFL executives at the Atlanta 2000 Super Bowl. Ms. Lieb recorded “Play the Game” for the promotion of the 1980 Olympics and traveled the east coast as a member of the Classics IV and other show groups. In 2005, I was honored to be asked to be a featured vocalist at the Elkhart Jazz Festival.
In 1991, I relocated Music by Debra to the Marietta, GA area. Here I perform at weddings, corporate events, and other special events. 1996, DJ services were added to my live music offerings brides and clients a savings by having both live music and dancing for their event. As bandleader, JAZZ-i-TUDE was born in 2006, and is available as a 3 – 6 piece jazz group. In 2008 I started providing a music program tailored for retirement home residents. This has been truly an unexpected addition to my life. I continue to teach piano and voice to aspiring musicians and vocalists.