Deanna Cottrell

Born in Hobbs, N.M. to Dow and Sharon Cottrell, Deanna was born with a natural love for singing and music. “The first song I remember singing was, ‘Oh Happy Day’. My roots are saturated with bluesy Gospel music. I remember listening to the radio on Sunday mornings and trying to memorize every line of every song.”Deanna started playing piano at age six, and was playing recitals and for church by age twelve. She wrote her first song at age twelve, and sang for churches nationwide.Deanna has played and sang with several bands, including Simple Truth, a band that featured lead singer, Oklahoma Opry bandleader and drummer, Eddie Howard. Deanna has performed with the Oklahoma Songwriters Association as a writer/performer, as well as performing solo in an acoustic setting.Deanna has written many songs, including mostly Bluegrass, Country and Gospel genres.Deanna’s influences include a variety of artists and genres from Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, and Hank Williams Jr. to Aretha Franklin and Etta James.Deanna’s mission is to inspire people with her music/singing. “It is so important that people feel something when I sing. When I perform, I want it to be about more than just a good voice and a great band. If I am singing a funny song, I want people to laugh until they cry. If I sing a sad or touching song, I expect them to fight the tears. If I sing a good ol’ honky tonk song, I want to see people dance like there’s no tomorrow. If I fail to make people feel the music, I have failed them as an artist. I’m no Shania Twain, and I’ve never considered myself to be a sex symbol or too flamboyant, but, I believe that what I have to offer people is very real.”Deanna currently lives in Oklahoma City, OK. She continues to write and makes frequent trips to Nashville to pursue a publishing deal. When she's in Nashville she plays writers nights at places such as the Commodore.