Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Deb began singing in public at age 8. Although she studied other musical instruments, such as piano, violin and accordion, singing was her first love. " I eventually studied guitar so I could accompany myself as a singer". Deb's first professional jobs were playing in retirement homes around Toronto. While in high school, her family moved to Kitchener, the home of North America's largest Oktoberfest. The move encouraged her to learn more German, Swiss and Austrian music which of course, included yodeling!

Throughout school, Deb was involved in music and many of her friends were into the folk music scene of the late 60s. Woodstock, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Simon & Garfunkel were very popular. She honed her guitar playing and singing skills in a youth group at a downtown Toronto church. They often presented folk worship services. She later found herself playing in coffee houses and pubs while attending the University of Guelph.

Although her university aptitude tests recommended that she should be a funeral director, Deb was bitten by the performance bug and after receiving her BA, joined a rock band. While this wasn't the "day job" her dad had envisioned, Deb continued performing. " It was like getting paid for having fun!" But the next 10 years were actually spent "paying" her dues performing with a band, and in a duo and solo act in restaurants and lounges throughout Ontario. She also married and had 2 children, Lindsay and Adam.

Deb's musical heritage comes from 3 generations of performers and musicians. Her great grandfather in Finland, was a shoemaker and a popular travelling violinist. Her dad's mom was a fine pianist and singer in Toronto and her own mother and aunt entertained for many years as a successful club act called the Hansen Sisters. As two violinists, Florence and Andrea Hansen, the sisters worked around Toronto in television, radio and for the CBC shows for Canada's     UN Peace Keeping Troops in the 1960's. Andrea recently retired from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Deb's mom, Florence, became a regular guest performer on CHCH TV's Ein Prosit Show.

A whole new musical experience began when Deb teamed up with her violinist mom, combining 2 generations of musical experience and styles. Called The Hansens, they played music for private parties, weddings and special events. Deb and Florence also learned more German music for OKTOBERFEST and created the Alpine International Show. Adding Deb's daughter, Lindsay, in 1989, they became a 3 generation Alpine cabaret style variety show performing at festivals, state fairs and corporate events throughout North America. They also worked on television and cruise ships in the Caribbean and Alaska. A very unique, entertaining program, their show combined cowbells, yodeling, fiddling, and gypsy music.

Drawing from a wealth of musical experience, Deb is busy continuing her successful solo career, specializing in Family Entertainment shows for seniors, schools, corporate and community events. She also plays a wide selection of music for parties, weddings, restaurants and offers programs of inspirational speaking and music ministry. On occasion, she still teams up to perform with her mother Florence and daughter Lindsay.

© Copyright Deb Misener Jones 2004