Debra L. Perry began her early musical career at age 6. With her mother, the late Alma James Perry as her guide, she sat at the piano playing for morning worship services at her church.  For the next few years, she simply honed a God-given talent. She mastered ten instruments including drums, bass guitar, organ, piano and saxophone to name a few. Debra comes from a musically gifted family in which her first composition, Joy, was recorded by her family group, the James Family Singers.

Throughout the Grand Rapids community, Debra became the premier church musician among all denominations. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Calvin College, Debra was in demand to play for and direct several gospel choirs. She assumed her first Minister of Music position in at New Hope Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Very shortly after that, her phone began to ring frequently with offers to become the church musician for several area congregations.

Debra has composed more than 50 songs, of which a few are scored for chorus and piano. Several of Debra’s works were produced by her mentor Sanchez G. Harley. Such compositions included two which were recorded by the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) Women of Worship – The Prayer (co-written wither brother Gerald D. Perry) and I’ll Give You Rest, Just Think of His Goodness, recorded by the Full Gospel Baptist Daughters of Promise, and Emmanuel, recorded by the Eastern Star Baptist Church – Indianapolis, Indiana. Additionally, Debra receives numerous requests for music workshops, private engagements, music scoring, and recording sessions. During the summer of 1999 Debra presented two compositions to the National Mass Choir at GMWA in New Orleans, Louisiana. The only other artist to receive such an accolade was gospel artist Minister John P. Kee seventeen years ago.

Currently, Debra is teaching music in the Grand Rapids Public Schools District, the Youth Minister of Music for Bethel Pentecostal Abundant Life Center in Grand Rapids under the pastoralship of Bishop William C. Abney. Debra also serves as the musical director of the Muskegon Westshore Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, a member of the Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians and assists several gospel choirs across West Michigan. Debra teaches school-age children and adults lessons in piano, drums, woodwinds, brass, bass guitar and voice.

Debra has received honors by the Grand Rapids Job Corps for her outstanding service to youth. She was also honored by the Women’s History Council of Greater Grand Rapids as an outstanding woman composer.

In March of 2002, Debra had the distinct honor of presenting a work inclusive of a full scale score for orchestra and chorus. The Lord Is in His Holy Temple was performed in a concert which celebrated the sacred works of legendary great Duke Ellington. She conducted the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and the Grand Rapids Community Chorus.

Debra has always maintained the vision of having her own choral ensemble. Three years ago she presented he new ensemble – Debra Perry and Majestic Praise. The ensemble performs music composed by Debra and her brother, Gerald D. Perry in a mixture of praise and worship, traditional and contemporary gospel.

In August 2002 Debra released her first debut album under her own record label, Joint Heir Music Group. Joint Heir Music Group has national product distribution with PIE Music Distribution, Orlando, Florida. Debra is also the CEO of Lashea’s Praise Music Publishing, which is registered under Broadcast Music Incorporation (BMI). The album was written and produced by Debra and her brother Gerald for Joint Heir Productions. In addition, Debra Perry and Majestic Praise appeared on John P. Kee’s compilation album which was released the fall of 2004 on Verity Records.

Debra’s most recent accomplishment is obtaining a master’s degree in Music Education from Western Michigan University. In the summer of 2004, she will enter the doctorate program in music as Michigan State University.

Debra L. Perry is an extremely humble person who believes that in her daily walk with God, her blessings do not come because of her ability but because of her availability and willingness to serve Him.