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Deonna Marie
Emmy-Nominated Storyteller, Classically-Trained Opera Singer & On Tour with NPR's "The Moth"
Deonna Marie
Emmy-Nominated Storyteller, Classically-Trained Opera Singer & On Tour with NPR's "The Moth"
Biography
Prepare to embark on a powerful and inspiring journey with Deonna Marie as she shares her incredible story of triumph over adversity.
In her powerful one-woman show The Deonna Marie Experience: From the Crack House to the Opera House, Blooming through Brokenness, Deonna will take you on a life-affirming journey, from the depths of addiction to the heights of achievement. Deonna Marie studied under the tutelage of musical greats such as Duane Shields Davis—known as the godfather of jazz—and Florence Birdwell, who has taught Tony award-winning artists such as Kelli O’Hara and Kristin Chenoweth. As a classically trained singer with over a decade of experience, Deonna Marie has worked with internationally known vocalists, vocal teachers & coaches, stage directors, and choral conductors.
In 2023, she embarked on a nationwide tour with NPR’s The Moth, sharing one of the stories from her one-woman show.
Speaker Videos
From the Crack House to the Opera House
Speech Topics
A Voice That Must Be Heard: The Intersection of Identity & Inclusion
Deonna Marie was one of those individuals who always felt misunderstood, and “different,” often called the “black sheep” by her family and peers. Her upbringing by a hopelessly drug-addicted mother, time in the foster care system, development of her own addiction, and time in jail was the broken road that led her to discover her voice and the confidence that came with it.
Working full time since she was 12-years-old, the Grand Rapids, Michigan-born artist took a leap of faith and moved to Oklahoma City to pursue her dream of becoming a classically trained singer. Three degrees in vocal performance later, Deonna Marie has blossomed into one of the world’s most powerhouse performers. Her intention is to use her voice to help raise the consciousness of humanity; whether she’s singing, telling a story, or teaching, her goal is to inspire others to feel better about themselves, to surround themselves with love, and hopefully spread that love to others causing a ripple effect of change.
In August of 2023, she debuted her one woman show The Deonna Marie Experience: From the Crackhouse to the Opera House, Blooming Through Brokenness. The compilation of true stories from her life, original R&B/Soul music as well as Classical, and Gospel, acting, visual effects, and voiceovers created an immersive experience that caught the attention of NPR’s live, true-life storytelling series The Moth.
Deonna Marie is a voice that must be heard—this truly immersive experience allows the audience to feel every emotion as they bear witness to her remarkable tale of adversity and triumph. With heartwarming melodies and poignant recollections, Deonna will take you on a life-affirming journey, from the depths of addiction to the heights of achievement.
Deonna bravely shares every step of finding (and losing) her voice with the hopes of making the world a better place.
Blooming Through Brokenness
Prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey alongside Deonna Marie as she unveils her remarkable odyssey of triumph against all odds. Blooming Through Brokenness is a groundbreaking storytelling experience that immerses the audience in an unforgettable atmosphere, allowing attendees to viscerally experience every emotion as Deonna Marie recounts her incredible journey. Through soul-stirring melodies and poignant reflections, she will guide you through a voyage of resilience, from the depths of addiction to the pinnacle of success, leaving audiences with a renewed sense of empowerment and inspiration.
Deonna bravely shares every step of finding (and losing) her voice with the hopes of making the world a better place.
LGBTQ+ // Pride
Deonna Marie has been on a life-affirming journey since she started singing at 7-years-old. From the depths of addiction to the heights of achievement, her search for identity, inclusion, and stardom has had one consistent throughline—her life and business partner Elizabeth Spencer.
LOUD and proud, Deonna Marie is available to attend, speak, and/or perform at Pride and LGBTQ+ events.
Testimonials
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Global Head of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix, Former NFL Player, Corporate Inclusion Advisor & Educator
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