Debra Cowan
Debra Cowan is a singer based in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.[1][2]
Debra Cowan | |
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Debra Cowan in 2009. | |
Background information | |
Genres | Traditional folk music |
Labels | Falling Mountain Music |
Website | http://www.debracowan.com |
Biography
Debra Cowan had worked as middle school maths teacher, until, in 1997, she decided to quit and pursue her desire to sing. For 6 month she had lived in Edinburgh, Scotland where she learned the art of unaccompanied singing.[3]
After her return to the USA, in 1998, she began traveling and performing all over New England, in folk clubs or festivals like the Old Songs Festival and Broadstairs Folk Week.[4]
Specializing primarily in traditional songs, often maritime-themed, she tours regularly in the United Kingdom and the United States.[5] Rich Warren of the Midnight Special gave her CD, Fond Desire Farewell, an honorable mention in his list "Rich Warren's Past Favorites" for 2008.[6]
Present career
She has released five full-length recordings, which were praised in the USA as well as in the UK. Debra has collaborated with Dave Mattacks, Brooks Williams, Kathy Mattea and Reba McEntire. Her third recording, “Fond Desire Farewell”, was produced by former Fairport Convention drummer Dave Mattacks.[7]
She has performed on American live radio shows such as WFMT’s Folkstage, hosted by Rich Warren, WESU's "Acoustic Blender," and Tom May’s River City Folk.[8]
Debra is a member of American Federation of Musicians Local 1000.[9]
Private life
She is currently living in Central Massachusetts with her husband, Kevin and their two cats, Hazel and Haku.[10]
References
- "Go back in time; Debra Cowan preserves some pieces of musical history," by Charlene Arsenault. Worcester Magazine, Sep 29-Oct 5, 2005. Vol. 31, Iss. 2; pg. 17. (Alt-Press Watch (APW), retrieved August 13, 2009 http://www.proquest.com, Document ID: 953250551.)
- Shrewsbury singer has a "Fond Desire" by Chris Bergeron. Shrewsbury Chronicle, Sun. Feb. 15, 2009. (Retrieved from Shrewsbury Chronicle website.)
- http://www.twickfolk.co.uk/events/debra-cowan/
- http://debracowan.com/biography/
- "Debra Cowan in Concert Aboard Historic Ship Balclutha," Fed News Service, Including US State News. April 1, 2007. (General Interest Module retrieved August 13, 2009 http://www.proquest.com, Document ID: 1248179041.)
- "Rich Warren's Past Favorites" on website for The Midnight Special radio show.
- http://www.twickfolk.co.uk/events/debra-cowan/
- http://debracowan.com/biography/
- http://debracowan.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Bio._9.17.pdf
- http://debracowan.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Bio._9.17.pdf
External links
- Debra Cowan official website
- YouTube video of Debra Cowan performing Walloping Window Blind at the Chicago Maritime Festival.