Debton or “Dep” as he is affectionately called grew up in Brooklyn, New York and has been playing drums for over 28 years. As the old wives tale would say; whatever a pregnant woman does on the outside may affect the baby she is carrying on the inside. This tale held true as his mom recalls banging on the steering wheel whenever she drove, henceforth giving birth to a drummer. With music in his blood and background, he first picked up a pair of drumsticks at the ripe age of 5 years old.

Growing up in the church, he quickly made an impact in the music department singing solos and playing drums while praising God. Some of his family members also sing as well as play instruments and have gone on to become famous singers and musicians around the world. Most famous is his god father, the late, Elder Timothy Wright who has sold millions of gospel CDs worldwide and whom Dep has travelled with. His god brothers are also renowned musicians playing for artists under the R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop, Gospel and Neo Soul genres. Dep is also friends and associates with other artists and musicians in the music industry.

Crashing cymbals and rhythmic beats can be heard as you approach the doors of any church or venue where Dep is playing. The question on everyone’s mind is always, “who’s on drums?” Known for his “set animations” and loud “woos” Dep keeps his audiences captivated and mesmerized. Dep and his band, “Music Class” have gained popularity in the Atlanta metro area and were selected to perform for the daughter of former heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield.

Musical Credits and Highlights:

· Drummer on the album entitled “Victory” by the Washington Temple Mass Choir

· One of the Drummers on the David Bratton and Spirit of Praise album

· One of the drummers on the album entitled “I Hear Music” by Pastor Timothy Wright (on which he played the title track along with others)

· Served as lead drummer for Washington Temple C.O.G.I.C., Brooklyn NY, under the leadership of Pastor Robert L. Madison

· Served as lead drummer for Second Baptist Church, Baldwin NY, under the leadership of Pastor Preston H. Drinks

· Served as lead drummer for Light of the World Church International, under the leadership of the late Archbishop Jimmy Lee Smith

· Currently serves and travels domestically and internationally, as the drummer for Divine Faith Ministries International (South), Jonesboro, GA, under the leadership of Pastor Donald E. Battle, and under the direction of Dewayne Woods, the current Director of Worship and Arts. Dep can be seen live on www.streamingfaith.com every Sunday and Wednesday.

· During various church conferences he has played for artists such as: Gospel singers Candi Staton, Detrick Haddon, Beau Williams, Pastor Timothy Wright, Bishop Eric R. Figueroa, the late Bishop G.E. Patterson, CeCe Winans, Tramaine Hawkins, Dewayne Woods, Ted Winn and Rod Parsley. On the local level he has played for various clubs and lounges and R&B singer Tweet.

Websites:

· www.youtube.com (keyword- depondrums)

· www.facebook.com (Debton Williams)