| "From
the first time I heard her voice, I knew Debra Killings
was a superstar. She's one of the most talented and
consistent singers I have heard of recent. She sings
with passion and flare....." |
|
Tirrell
D. Whittley
General Manager
LiquidSoulRadio.com |
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You may not know it but if you're into popular
music, you're definitely into Debra Killings. She has performed
on albums recorded by Madonna, George Clinton, Toni Braxton,
Deborah Cox, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Mista, Highland
Place Mobsters, Another Bad Creation, Goodie Mob and OutKast.
The list of artists Debra has worked with clearly shows
her vocal style and musical genre, working on R&B, Rap/Hip
Hop, Dance and Pop. Most recently her vocal and production
talent are featured on Richard Lugo's Boom, TLC's Fanmail,
and Aretha Franklin's A Rose is Still a Rose.
Debra sings background vocals on 13 of the 14 tracks on
TLC's multi-platinum album Fanmail and is often credited
with helping develop the sound of TLC. If asked, Debra turns
modest and gracious on the subject by stating that she feels
honored to work with the group and flattered by any statements
regarding her influence m their style. However, while one
can certainly appreciate her humble attitude (a rare characteristic
in the music industry), the fact that Debra has worked on
every TLC album definitely indicates a strong musical connection.
In addition to lending her vocals to the Fanmail project,
she plays bass on 3 tracks on the record: the # 1 single
"Unpretty", "Don't Pull Out on Me Yet",
and "Come On Down".
Debra is not just a studio instrumentalist and vocalist.
She loves performing live as much as she does the behind
the scenes work in the studio. Debra performed in one of
Atlanta's top local bands, which is how she became friends
with Dallas Austin. He admired her voice and instrumental
talents, and thus they began a working relationship and
friendship based on a shared passion for creating music.
If you frequent the Atlanta live music scene, you may have
recently caught her playing bass with Lucy Pearl soul singer
Joi.
Debra
and Dallas' professional relationship has endured the test
of time as well as the ever-changing music scene. She has
worked with Dallas since the genesis of his company, D.A.R.P.,
Inc. In 1994, Dallas signed Debra to his production company,
D.A.R.P., Inc. and to a co- publishing deal between Debra's
company Hard Hands Music (ASCAP) and his company Beane Tribe
Publishing (ASCAP). Debra's early songwriter credits include
"Are You Ready" recorded by Pebbles, "The
Choice Is Yours" recorded by Paula Abdul, "Never
Can Say Goodbye" and "Forever Always" recorded
by Monica. She also co-wrote the track "Take Our Time"
with Arnold Hennings that appears on the #1 selling album
of all time (by a female group), TLC's CrazySexyCool.
In 1995, Debra produced and wrote two tracks,
"Your Smile" and "Secrets", on the Eternal
album Power of A Woman released by EMI UK. "Secrets"
was an international bit, remaining in the Top 10 of the
U.K. pop charts for several weeks and resulting in the achievement
of a platinum single for the group. In 1996, Debra appeared
on the Fled soundtrack as the artist, "Lou" with
the song "Spain" that she co-wrote and co-produced
with Dallas. Debra co-wrote "Cross the Room" with
Dallas that appears on the multi-platinum The Boy Is Mine
by Monica and co-produced the Diane Warren song "Come
On Down" with Dallas on TLC's Fanmail. As you can see,
while Debra continues to sing with other artists, she is
also gaining notoriety as a producer/writer.
Debra recently produced "If I" and "Lil Senorita"
on Boom, the debut for Freeworld Entertainment recording
artist Richard Lugo. Additionally she wrote and produced
"The Count" for Freeworld's debut soloist Sammie
on his album From the Bottom to the Top. In the future,
you can anticipate hearing more from Debra as a songwriter/producer.
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