Like so many journeymen in the music world, Deb Lyons has forged a career whose path has branched along many roads.
She may be best known for her starring role in the DVD and HBO broadcast of "Smokey Joe's Cafe" on Broadway. That Tony nominated show featured the music of 1960's hit songwriters Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller (Hound Dog, Kansas City, Stand By Me). Deb was also in the original London company of "Smokey Joe's" which was nominated for an Olivier Award.
Pictured above: Deb with Lisa Brescia, John Phillips and Scott McKenzie
In the mid 1990's Deb was invited to join "The Mamas & The Papas" (yes, those Mamas & Papas!) singing with the original Papas, John Phillips and Denny Doherty and performing the songs made famous by the late Mama Cass. They toured the world in concert together for more than 5 years until John Phillips retired.
On the theatrical stage, Deb has portrayed numerous roles, among them: an ill-fated prostitute with a heart of gold (Lucy) in the national tour of "Jekyll & Hyde", and a bi-polar delusional and suicidal mother (Diana) who undergoes electro-shock therapy in "Next to Normal".
Jonathan Rayson and Deb Lyons in "Next to Normal" at Arkansas Rep.
She's also been the matriarch of Romeo's family (Lady Montague) in the Jeff Buckley musical "The Last Goodbye", the villainous and bigoted television station owner (Velma) in "Hairspray" and the love of Johnny Cash's life (country legend, June Carter Cash) in "Ring of Fire".
Deb as Velma Von Tussle in "Hairspray".
Over the years, Deb has sung in concert with the Ottawa Symphony and shared the stage with the talents of Rick Springfield, Ben E. King, Mary Wilson and legendary songwriters, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil. She's also sung backup for Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack, Roseanne Cash, Ben Vereen, Frankie Avalon, Martha Reeves, Lesley Gore and Donna Summer.
As a studio singer Deb has recorded for numerous artists including the acclaimed Japanese composer, Yuki Kajiura and the traditional Irish band, the Chieftains. She has sung on jingles, children's records (Hooked on Phonics) and as a voice-over artist she's appeared in the "Chuggington" animation series and is the voice of a Fisher Price toy! Recently she narrated her first audiobook for Audible.com.
In 2009 Deb starred in "Swing!" a musical celebrating the dance music from the Big Band Era. That joyful experience led to the release of her first CD "Dream a Little", a collection of jazz standards coupled with some classic songs from Deb's concert work. Check it out here on CDBaby.com.