Joint Heir Music Group

Debra L. Perry began her early musical career at age 6 under the influence of her mother, the late Alma James Perry.  Over the next few years, she mastered ten instruments including drums, bass guitar, organ, piano, and saxophone.

 

Debra is a music educator of 26 years with Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Rapids, MI and also serves as lead teacher mentor for the district. She obtained a Bachelor’s (BA) in Music Education from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, a Masters (MA) in Music Education from Western Michigan University, and a Masters (MA) in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University, Allendale MI.  Debra has presented at the annual Michigan Music Conference (MMC) in Grand Rapids, whereas thousands of music educators from the state of Michigan attend every year.  In the near future Debra will pursue a Doctorate in music education from Michigan State University.

​

Debra has been the recipient of numerous awards including the distinguished Ethel Coe Giant's Award, the Women's History Month Composer  Award, and the recipient of the Malinda P. Sapp legacy award presented by the Grand Rapids Symphony. Debra currently serves as as Honorary Chair (lifetime appointment) for the Grand Rapids Symphony With Soul Committee.  Debra was recently given the Harlem Renaissance Culture Architect Award by the Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses (GRABB).

 

Other boards Debra serves on are the Calvin College Alumni Board, and National Music Selection Committee for the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA).

​

Debra's musical outreach also includes being the musical director at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Saginaw MI, MI under Pastor Marvin T. Smith, work with Circle Theatre, performer in the Grand Rapids Arts Festival, accompanist for the city-wide Martin Luther King events, and also the City Fest festival founded by Richard Devos.

Debra Perry is a noted songwriter and arranger.  She has composed works for national artists, The Gospel Music Workshop of America, Zacardi Cortez, and John P. Kee.  Debra also has orchestrated full- scale works for the Grand Rapids Symphony, and Westshore Symphony, Muskegon, MI.

 

Debra founded her own chorale Majestic Praise and they have three recordings to their credit, “Forever He Reigns”, which features the hit single “No Not One”, which also appeared on John P. Kee’s compilation project.  The second album “Anticipation” yielded the tune “Highest Praise” and a powerful testimonial “Be Still And Know”.  The group was also featured at Chicago’s famous House of Blues and Pastor Dan Willis' show "I'm Just Sayin’", which airs on one of Christian television’s premier networks, TCT.  The group released their 3rd project “Conqueror” which featured the bold and edgy hit single “Look At Me Now”, a mainstay on the airways and also available on Itunes, Amazon, and all other digital outlets.

 

Debra L. Perry is CEO of Joint Heir Music Group, her own record label, and Joint Heir Music Studios. Debra has become a noted producer and engineer.  Debra specializes in Protools HD recording, mixing, and editing.  She has worked with Marvin Sapp, the late Wayman Tisdale, and Lucius Hoskins.

 

One of Debra’s notable recording credit is the piano track on the inspirational song “You Stayed”, written by the Grammy nominated artist James Fortune.  The song is part of multi-Grammy award winner Shirley Caesar’s highly acclaimed album release “God Is Good”.  Debra was also recently nominated for a Grammy for her engineering work on Marvin Sapp's latest release "Close".  Debra's latest recording credit is engineering vocals for Marvin Sapp on Snoop Dog's smash gospel release "Bible of Love".

 

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.