Debbie Dean

Rhythm 'n' blues singer - songwriter

Born on 1 February 1928 In Corbin, Kentucky

Died on 17 February 2001 in Ojai, California

Also known as Penny Smith (solo or as [a=Penny & The Eko's]), Debbie Stevens and Debbie Deane.

In 1961 Debbie Dean was the first white singer to sign with [l=Motown]. She released three singles with the company during 1961 and 1962, before disappearing from public view for a couple of years. In 1966 she met [a=Deke Richards] who had recently signed with Motown and joined him as a writing partner, thus returning to the company she had left four years earlier. One single was also released on the [l=V.I.P.] subsidiary in 1968, before leaving again in 1969.