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DEBRAH KAY It
was a confident twelve-year-old Debrah Kay who took the stage as Dorothy in a
sixth grade production of the Wizard of Oz.
She had been singing since age nine, but this was the first major test
for the Mesquite, Texas native. Not
only did she act, sing and dance, Debrah found she was at home on stage and that
she could endear herself to an audience with her talents.
She has been on stage and walking down that "yellow brick road"
ever since. Debrah's
journey to "Oz" continued through high school where she performed at
every chance. Like many artists,
many of her opportunities came through church.
She entertained at many programs and landed parts in a variety of
musicals with her church youth group. Following
high school, she began songwriting and performing in local clubs.
By 1990, she had formed her own band started working the club circuit in
the Dallas / Fort Worth area. Like
Dorothy, Debrah met a number of people who have helped her along the way. In 1993, the "yellow brick road" brought Debrah to
Nashville, where she met and befriended guitarist and songwriter, Mike Baker.
The two began writing together and entertaining ideas of a recording
career for Debrah. As
with most careers, the "road" had twists and turns and in late 1993,
Debrah found herself in Virginia, where she formed a new band called
"Grizzly Rose." In
addition to performing with her band, she started getting requests to record
demos in various studios. Working
in the studio affirmed what Debrah knew all along -- that she could be a
successful recording artist. Her
determination set her back on the "road" to Nashville where she began
recording her first album. Regular
trips from Virginia to Nashville hampered her efforts to keep a band together,
however she was approached by the lead singer for "Desert Dust," an
established and popular country band, who was interested in adding a female to
it’s all male act. With the
addition of Debrah to the band, "Desert Dust" enjoyed much success and
she was credited with developing their huge fan base.
Using a wireless microphone, Debrah would go into the audience, demand
their attention and get it. Her
high-energy performances generated excitement, captivating audiences with an
almost hypnotic effect. No one was immune as evidenced by the many people who
lined up after the shows for autographs and pictures.
In
September, 1996, the "yellow brick road" finally took Debrah to
"Oz" for the last time. She
moved to Nashville and soon completed her first album, “Pinch Me, I Must Be
Dreamin”, a twelve-song collection of material co-written with and produced by
Mike Baker. In
January, 1997, Debrah realized a life-long dream as she performed on the stage
of the Grand Ole Opry. She
began working with vocal coach who helped Debrah define her style and range. By June, Debrah had re-formed the "Grizzly Rose"
band utilizing some of Nashville's top musicians.
Performing in and around Nashville, Debrah has acquired numerous fans, prompting the formation of the
Debrah Kay Fan Club. Through the
International Fan Club Organization (IFCO), she has participated in Fan Fair
’98 & ’99. Recording-wise
Debrah completed her second album in September, 1999.
The ten-song project is titled “Wild At Heart” and features songs
written by some of Nashville's top songwriters. The recording also marks Debrah’s debut as a producer
working alongside co-producers Dick McVey and Mike Baker. In
addition to performing with her band and working with vocal coach, Judy Rodman,
Debrah Kay continues to write songs and looks forward to returning to the studio
to begin work on another album. Meeting
this incredible lady is like running into a burst of energy.
Her success, no doubt, comes from a positive attitude, electrifying
talent, and tremendous determination. Charm,
honesty and professionalism are three of her greatest assets.
It is apparent that those who meet her are instant fans.
Debrah Kay’s incredible talent, charming personality on and off stage,
her natural beauty and a sheer touch of elegance combine to guarantee her to be
a popular attraction where ever she goes and a leading force in today’s
country music. The "yellow brick road" has been a long one, but Debrah is now in the "Emerald City." She has fulfilled her obligations and "paid her dues." Now it is time to meet the "Wizards" at the major record labels.
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