About Artist
Debbi Verbz From A – Z Biography: Lyricist, Artist, Author, Community Youth & Icon
Born in St.Andrews, Jamaica in the winter of 1977, Debbi Alecia Simmonds-Barber, also known as Debbi Verbz started performing at age seven. At age seven, her family relocated to the USA, where she currently resides. From singing in her parents’ small church, Debbi was a natural. As young as 14 years old Debbi formed her first gospel singing group called “Little Witness (LW)”; composing their song lyrics and choreographing their routines. LW youth members included Tasha Simmonds, Patrice Russ, Latoya Brown, Diane German, Vincea Silvera, and Karey Collins. Debbi used them as the opening act, before doing unique, soul-stirring performances.
She and sisters Therese and Tasha would later form a trio group named Sistrin. Eldest sister, Sandi, supported them in other areas. This journey led her to experience her first steps in recording professionally in MTAM C/P Studio and performing live on local venues. “We were young entreprenuers who stepped out on a great venture, which equipted us all with what’s essential for today. Many valuable tears and lessons derived from those years of recording. My sisters are my heart beats and truest friends.” Debbi quotes. It was her father first, R. Simmonds, formelry known as Bobby Aitken, a former reggae musican, who introduced her to studio recording in her teens, as her mother “the apple of my eye” who encouraged us to use our talent.
In 2002, Debbi earned her college degree in Education, in which she now teaches and outreaches to many young people. Debbi continues to share her musical gift with students at the high school which she teaches reading and at local outreach events.
In 2005, Debbi made her studio recording home at Hide Away Recording Studios with professional engineer, Jimmy Starr. “He does more than just record me; he’s a coach and a friend.” quotes Debbi. Her first independently released single, "Here Comes Your Bride", written and recorded for her wedding day, has vowed it’s way to the top of numerous digital underground charts. Through this, fans christened her a bona fide inspirational writer, vocalist and icon. Debbi firmly believes that “If you cater to Gods people with sincerity, He will expand the work as He sees fit. He will send people in high places without you attempting to seek them. This is knowing your purpose; the pursuit of happiness.”You can now find the song listed on some of the most notable Wedding databases and websites.
Through out her musical endeavors, she’s collaborated with high quality industry beat makers R.Fulton of D.Hittz Records and M. Brim of MasterPeace Productions who produced tracks that challenged her diversified talent. She credits former exemplary producers who has produced hot tracks, such as, Oliver Marcelle of O-Servere D. Dixon of Chamillion Records, M.Daley of MTAM C/P as well as her father R. Simmonds, composer of the popular “Jesus Name So Sweet” used by Donnie McClurkin.
Since then Debbi has graced the stage with notable inspirational icons such as Byron Cage, Ayeisha Woods, Salvador, Group 1 Crew and more. She’s also shared the stage with admirable independent gospel artists St.Matthew, Big Al, Ordinary, K.Love and more.
In 2007, Debbi digitally released a Reggae, Pop Worship Album entitled "Let Him Lead" which has created a buzz on Caribbean scenes. "This album was just something that I did in appreciation to the stolen work of my father. Debbi, compiled some of her father's earliest musical work and freestyled to them in the studio. "This is for people that truely understands what ROOTS/CHANTING is." With a hint of Pop & Rock worship, she called it Good to Go.
In 2009, Debbi released the cross over Album entitled “Affirmations of the Soul” which would address the concerns of new age young people being destroyed through materialistic things; needing to be redeemed through positive energy. She emphasises the new term “Soul Star” as one who shines inward through circumstances, rather than circumstances causing one to shine. She also explains that salvation can not be bartered or sold for worldly gain. This album was primarily produced to affirms one’s mind thorugh knowing how to Love God and man, through the eyes of God.
This album shows a range of talent, as Debbi created 10 tracks out of the 14. The lyrical style and genre is unlimited, making it cross over material. In the space of two weeks, this was all accomplished as she worked alone with studio recording engineer Jimmy Starr. “If it wasn’t for having that extra set of ears in the studio, this wouldn’t have been possible. Jimmy exceeds a Studio Engineer, He is a friend.”
What Debbi called underground, captured the audiences of official radio stations, beginning in Baltimore, Maryland with a young people driven show called Gospel Streets with charismatic radio personality Min.R.A.Mccullough. This song also maintained front page on the CDBaby digital outlet for 4 consecutive weeks, due to the massive traffic it attracted. It’s there Gospelvilles’ CEO, Charles West. The rest is yet to come.
Born in St.Andrews, Jamaica in the winter of 1977, Debbi Alecia Simmonds-Barber, also known as Debbi Verbz started performing at age seven. At age seven, her family relocated to the USA, where she currently resides. From singing in her parents’ small church, Debbi was a natural. As young as 14 years old Debbi formed her first gospel singing group called “Little Witness (LW)”; composing their song lyrics and choreographing their routines. LW youth members included Tasha Simmonds, Patrice Russ, Latoya Brown, Diane German, Vincea Silvera, and Karey Collins. Debbi used them as the opening act, before doing unique, soul-stirring performances.
She and sisters Therese and Tasha would later form a trio group named Sistrin. Eldest sister, Sandi, supported them in other areas. This journey led her to experience her first steps in recording professionally in MTAM C/P Studio and performing live on local venues. “We were young entreprenuers who stepped out on a great venture, which equipted us all with what’s essential for today. Many valuable tears and lessons derived from those years of recording. My sisters are my heart beats and truest friends.” Debbi quotes. It was her father first, R. Simmonds, formelry known as Bobby Aitken, a former reggae musican, who introduced her to studio recording in her teens, as her mother “the apple of my eye” who encouraged us to use our talent.
In 2002, Debbi earned her college degree in Education, in which she now teaches and outreaches to many young people. Debbi continues to share her musical gift with students at the high school which she teaches reading and at local outreach events.
In 2005, Debbi made her studio recording home at Hide Away Recording Studios with professional engineer, Jimmy Starr. “He does more than just record me; he’s a coach and a friend.” quotes Debbi. Her first independently released single, "Here Comes Your Bride", written and recorded for her wedding day, has vowed it’s way to the top of numerous digital underground charts. Through this, fans christened her a bona fide inspirational writer, vocalist and icon. Debbi firmly believes that “If you cater to Gods people with sincerity, He will expand the work as He sees fit. He will send people in high places without you attempting to seek them. This is knowing your purpose; the pursuit of happiness.”You can now find the song listed on some of the most notable Wedding databases and websites.
Through out her musical endeavors, she’s collaborated with high quality industry beat makers R.Fulton of D.Hittz Records and M. Brim of MasterPeace Productions who produced tracks that challenged her diversified talent. She credits former exemplary producers who has produced hot tracks, such as, Oliver Marcelle of O-Servere D. Dixon of Chamillion Records, M.Daley of MTAM C/P as well as her father R. Simmonds, composer of the popular “Jesus Name So Sweet” used by Donnie McClurkin.
Since then Debbi has graced the stage with notable inspirational icons such as Byron Cage, Ayeisha Woods, Salvador, Group 1 Crew and more. She’s also shared the stage with admirable independent gospel artists St.Matthew, Big Al, Ordinary, K.Love and more.
In 2007, Debbi digitally released a Reggae, Pop Worship Album entitled "Let Him Lead" which has created a buzz on Caribbean scenes. "This album was just something that I did in appreciation to the stolen work of my father. Debbi, compiled some of her father's earliest musical work and freestyled to them in the studio. "This is for people that truely understands what ROOTS/CHANTING is." With a hint of Pop & Rock worship, she called it Good to Go.
In 2009, Debbi released the cross over Album entitled “Affirmations of the Soul” which would address the concerns of new age young people being destroyed through materialistic things; needing to be redeemed through positive energy. She emphasises the new term “Soul Star” as one who shines inward through circumstances, rather than circumstances causing one to shine. She also explains that salvation can not be bartered or sold for worldly gain. This album was primarily produced to affirms one’s mind thorugh knowing how to Love God and man, through the eyes of God.
This album shows a range of talent, as Debbi created 10 tracks out of the 14. The lyrical style and genre is unlimited, making it cross over material. In the space of two weeks, this was all accomplished as she worked alone with studio recording engineer Jimmy Starr. “If it wasn’t for having that extra set of ears in the studio, this wouldn’t have been possible. Jimmy exceeds a Studio Engineer, He is a friend.”
What Debbi called underground, captured the audiences of official radio stations, beginning in Baltimore, Maryland with a young people driven show called Gospel Streets with charismatic radio personality Min.R.A.Mccullough. This song also maintained front page on the CDBaby digital outlet for 4 consecutive weeks, due to the massive traffic it attracted. It’s there Gospelvilles’ CEO, Charles West. The rest is yet to come.
