So, you want to know who I am, huh? Let me begin by saying I haven’t “toured with, sang background for, or shared the stage with...anyone famous.” Other than raising three amazing children, I haven’t done anything that will impress those who are looking to be impressed. Ok?
I was born in York, Pennsylvania to Doris and James McNeil. My parents split up when I was about six. I grew up with my mother, who was a serious lover of popular R&B/Soul music. Her record collection included Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight & the Pips, the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, the Ohio Players, the Temptations, even gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. I used to sing along with all the records. It came naturally to me. One day, my mother came home with an album by Rufus. She asked me, “Have you heard of this Chaka Khan? Is she foreign?” Hahaha! I had never heard of her, but when I listened to that album, I decided I wanted to sing like she did. Some years later, I sang a Rufus & Chaka song called “Best of Your Heart” at my high school talent show and received a standing ovation. It was my first time performing on a stage. I was a very shy girl and everyone was amazed that I got up there and sounded so good (in spite of me saying, “I sound like a frog.”) Ah, memories...
I moved to L.A. after I graduated from high school...sure that I would “get discovered and be on Soul Train.” Hahaha, so much for that! I worked around town and did a lot of work in Japan with top-40 bands. Then, I got pregnant with my first son and decided to focus on writing my own songs. I had been writing lyrics for about 10 years by then and loved the creative process.
A few years after I had my son, Bryan, I got married (hence, the last name Stone), had two more children (Derric and Shaina), and divorced. I loved being a mom. I was a Little League mom, Girl Scout cookie mom, PTA mom...even PTA President one year. Through the years, I continued writing and recording, and occasionally performing music. In the past 15 years, I have recorded four cd’s -- two with the Dee Stone Band, one as the Stone/Wright duo (with Charles Wright), and one solo with music tracks produced by my son Bryan, aka Don S.
My babies are grown now and I am free to focus on that other thing that brings me joy -- the song. I am still reaching and growing musically and I am working more consistently than I ever have.
Well, that's my journey so far. Check the schedule and come see me sometime ;-)