Debbie
was born in Ohio, ( 195something ), and her family knew from an
early age that she was born to perform! She started singing at
3, and would entertain her church family with ”The Little
Drummer Boy” among others. She was the third generation
in her church choir. In school she was a member of multiple choirs.
Music was always at her core but practicality and financial constraints
moved her toward a career in nursing. (A girl needed to be able
to support herself!) “I feel God moved me into nursing to
be able to care for many friends and family members over the years.
He knew the needs of all of us long before we were born”
Debbie
married her husband Bob, and had 2 gorgeous sons, Nick 22 and
Alex 19. Through many years of school, sports, and activities,
her music took a back seat. Then in 1994 she heard an open audition
call for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Chorus. The chorus is
a volunteer organization with an excellent reputation in the Central
Ohio area. Debbie passed the audition with “The Lord’s
Prayer” and has enjoyed the many, varied choral works ever
since. She performed with the chorus and orchestra in Carnegie
Hall in April 2001, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of
the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
Over
the last 10 years Debbie’s ministry in music has begun to
blossom. She has been a frequent quest soloist at Central Ohio
Churches, special events, private parties, and meetings. In September
of 2002 the Lord led Debbie and Bob to Genoa Baptist Church in
Westerville, Ohio. Paul Caldwell, minister of music, and Pastor
Frank Carl, took an immediate liking to Debbie’s music style.
Paul has long been a fan of blues /jazz/ gospel and this was Debbie’s
love. Paul began to encourage Debbie and feature her voice during
the services. In March 2003 Debbie performed a solo “My
Tribute” accompanied by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra,
during the Gospel Meets Symphony benefit concert. The event was
performed for a sold out Ohio Theater. In the summer of 2003 the
opportunity to record her first CD was placed by God before her,
and Debbie obediently followed God’s plan.
Says
Debbie, “I have planned none of this. The most wonderful
feeling is knowing God is in total control. My job is to stay
out of his way and follow his lead. I have always been a take
charge kind of person, and maybe it took God this many years to
show me I needed to let Him control things”
She
is on her way! Debbie continues to minister to audiences today
and would love to come to your church and share what she feels
the Lord has commissioned her to do.
