Deb’s yearning for the stage began at a very young age. Her mother, Mary Ann, introduced her to music back in the 70’s. While at a Sunday afternoon jamboree, a popular local band pulled Deb from the audience, perched her on a stool on stage and sang to her.  This moment of fate sealed her destiny.  This was an unforgettable moment in her young life that compelled Deb to find her way back onto the stage.

Growing up, she always managed to be in the spotlight, from singing in the school chorus, to playing clarinet and alto saxophone in the school band, and finally to starring in the leading role for many of the school’s theatrical performances.  This nurtured Deb’s love for the stage and her love soon grew into a passion she would never put to rest. Although life took her in many different directions, she never lost her love for music or performing.

In 1998, Deb found herself at her local VFW, where they were hosting a karaoke show.  It took some coaxing, but she and her mother, Mary Ann, decided to get up and give it a whirl.  “Grandpa,” was their obvious song of choice as their resemblance to The Judds, the famous mother/daughter country duo, was remarkable.  After being dubbed “The Massachusetts Judds,” by the karaoke show host, they hooked up with an outfit called Starfire Entertainment in 2000, and became Judds impersonators. They had the  “most fun” they had ever had, performing in such places as Salisbury Beach, New England Civic Days’ events, and a New Years’ Eve performance for the Twin Cities’ First Night ceremonies, to name but a few!

Deb and Mary Ann’s tour continued for a few years, but as we all know, life happens while you are busy making other plans. Unfortunately, after a bitter divorce in 2002, assuming the role of single mom became top priority for Deb, and her focus was turned away from the spotlight toward her two little girls.

Following the 2006 holidays, a friend of hers said jokingly, “We should start a band.” Well, Deb’s passion was immediately resurrected and she began the search for band members.  Although at times, this search was laborious and frustrating, it was worth every disappointment, dead end and brick wall encountered when she finally found the right mix of musicians.  She says, “Not only are they incredible musicians, but a great bunch of guys, too!  It is all about having a good time; if we can transmit these good feelings to our audiences, then we have succeeded as a band.”

This story is only just beginning and the road ahead beckons; Deb and Drive South are putting the pedal to the metal and not looking back.  Their time to shine is NOW…!!!