Born Desiree Regina Neal, Dezzie graced this world on Sunday, November 13, 1977. She was raised in musically fertile Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the city that birthed many musical geniuses such as Marian Anderson, Teddy Pendergrass, Jill Scott, The Roots, Patti Labelle and added among these names, Dezzie. She was the younger of two children. Dezzie grew up in a family of singers and entertainers, she was destined to be a star in her own rights. Harmonizing and revising traditional church hymns helped lay Dezzie’s musical foundation. Dezzie’s family recognized her gift and began to cultivate it. In hopes to protect her gift, Dezzie’s mother kept her under the covering of the church.
On one purposeful night, Dezzie’s career as an amateur singer would change to an artist. While attending a Christian cafe, Dezzie performed a song for the open mic portion of the café. Eric T Greene Sr., founder & CEO of End Tyme Productions, LLC, was in the crowd that night. Greene was blown away by Dezzie’s vocals and approached her after her performance and gave her the opportunity to record her 1st project Here I Am which captured the essence of today’s youth and the issues they struggle with. Dezzie allowed the Holy Spirit to use her and pour out his wisdom and comfort to anyone willing to listen. Dezzie is persistent with exposing the truth. She aims to shed light on the tricks and traps of the enemy. Her brutally honest message invokes self examination in an era where even modern medicine encourages people to write off flaws as some classified illness. Dezzie’s powerful lyrics reach for lives affected by familiar, but less talked about issues such as fornication, shame and idolatry. Dezzie’s 2nd project “Dying Daily.…A Journey Through Spiritual Growth” gets right down to it. As if she could get any more real, Dezzie takes the events of her life and pours them on wax for all to hear and be blessed. With hits like, “Good Morning Lord”, “Enough” and “Move”, this album was destined to ring bells.
Dezzie makes it a point to connect with the people listening to her minister. She shies away from the “holier than thou” image people tend to think of when they think of a minister. She constantly humbles herself while ministering, admitting that she is also a Christian that struggles. Acknowledging this walk isn’t always the easiest, but assuring her brethren that the struggle is well worth it. Whether you are listening for encouragement or waiting on God to deliver you from something, she identifies with all. She could very well show up to a gig looking for restoration, as well as, for a break through. Whatever her current season is bringing her, Dezzie shares what God is taking her through. Dezzie tries not to be confined by an “image”. Dezzie’s music and image exudes her mission, being free in Christ. She believes that one’s praise should not be confined to a box. Freedom of expression is necessary and important to worship God in Spirit and Truth. With eye brow raising outfits and equally shocking lyrics, Dezzie conveys that there is no one way to represent Christ.
Dezzie has been blessed throughout her journey. She has graced the same stages as numerous respected gospel prodigies such as Gabriel Hardeman, Jeff Murrell, Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing, T-Wyse, Tamika Patton, The Firbee Sisters, Da Truth, Mary Mary, and has worked alongside well respected radio personalities such as Ed Long WDAS and Don Juan Banks Power 99 FM. Dezzie has also lent her talents to projects ranging from hosting talent showcases and composing stage play soundtracks to large city-wide events such as the United States Conference on Aids (10/2004), Unity Day (2003-2007), Gospel Fest (2006-2007), Mega Fest (2006), Penn’s Landing summer concert series(2004) and the 2004 “Peace on the Streets” rally.. Through it all, Dezzie has remained humble and steadfast in the Lord. She plans to continue pressing towards God’s ultimate will for her life.
