Dennis was formally taught piano at age 6 by attending Settlement Music School in Phila. PA. He continued piano lessons until the age of 9. Then, after seeing and hearing his first live marching band desired to switch to drums, from there it was no looking back. He started taking drum lessons at elementary school in 4th grade and continued until high school, where he performed with the marching and stage bands.
Dennis formed his first band, “ONXY” at the age of 16. ONYX performed at various high school and college dances.
Dennisenrolled into Lincoln University, where he continued to perform with various musicians on campus, which included individuals who performed with Gill Scott Herron and Aretha Franklin.
After leaving Lincoln, Dennis joined Funk band, “Pretty Slick”. The band was together for 15 years and enjoyed moderate success recording 4 singles and touring the country, opening for such national acts as: Shalamar, Skyy, Mass Production, Captain Rock and Breakwater.
In the nineties, Dennis taught himself how to play percussion (congas, bongos and timbales) while preforming with Gospel and Jazz acts on drum kit. In 1997 Dennis joined gospel recording group, “The Gabriel Hardeman Delegation” and recorded the 2010 Grammy nominated gospel album, “To the Chief Musician.” He also helped to form the Jazz group, “DFOR” which recorded and released 3 Contemporary Jazz CD’s.
Dennis continues to perform with his own bands and well others for private parties and public events.