From Dionne to Debórah / From Lou to Leonard
The ultimate in High-End Tribute Shows
As a Content Producer-Singer, Debórah stayed true to her affinity for Dionne Warwick, BurtBacharach-Hal-David, Isaac Hayes, Tommy Bell - Gamble & Huff , Carol Bayer-Sager styles of music and compositions. Finding the right male counterpart to perform the music recorded by Lou Rawls was challenging. Many great baritones, but not everyone was the 'right' baritone - but fortunately, she found Leonard, and the show was "ON!"
Deja Vu Dionne & Lou Tribute
Iconic Sounds To Hear Again and Again
From dazzling wardrobes to the riveting performances of the greatest hits by Dionne Warwick including "I Say A Little Prayer, Do You Know The Way to San José, Alfie, I'll Never Love This Way Again" and Lou Rawls "Groovy People, See You When I Get There, Tobacco Road," and many more. [Performed by Debórah Benton & Leonard Julien with the Deja Vu DWT Band] - Their hits keep coming with music that will touch your very soul.
Dionne Warwick Tribute by Debórah Benton
Bio
An Ohio native, Debórah began singing in the church choir at an early age. She was introduced to Dionne Warwick’s music when she was just 8 years old, and though she went on to sing with gospel choirs, and various R&B groups, her affinity for Dionne’s voice and Bacharach-David arrangements were a growing part of her secret repertoire. With a multi-octave vocal range Debórah performed covers of R & B and Jazz greats such as Rachelle Farrell, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Al Jarreau, Gregory Porter and others. She toured internationally as a Motown & R&B Tribute Artist , and was an original member of the Magic of Motown cast; both Motown Tribute Acts, before creating her own two tribute shows; 1) Déjà Vu Dionne Warwick and 2) Déjà vu Dionne Warwick & Lou Rawls Tribute. Both iterations proved to be great hits with audiences.
Debórah holds a B.A., Communications, M.S., Entertainment Business, and is Executive Producer-Host Valley Gold with Debórah TV show (2005 – present)
Lou Rawls Tribute by Leonard Julien, III
Bio
A Louisiana native, Leonard is a singer and saxophonist who was raised by two very musical parents. Leonard’s mother sang, and his father was a musician. Leonard, III is often referred to as a vocal chameleon. With his 5-octave range, he has performed vocals from 1st tenor to bass. His screen and stage credits are extensive – performing with some of the most iconic names in entertainment. Leonard sang and toured for years with the legendary Peabo Bryson and with Ray, Goodman, and Brown. He has been the featured opening act for Stevie Wonder, Howard Hewitt, Jeffrey Osborne, BB King, MC Hammer, Najee, and many others. His debut CD, “The Reflections of Soul,” triumphed at number one on European charts for eight straight weeks and on CD Baby.
Deja Vu Dionne Warwick &Lou Rawls
Tribute Repertoire
Songs By Dionne Warwick -
Performed by Debórah Benton
I Say A Little Prayer
Walk On By
Message to Michael
Do You Know The Way To San José
A House Is Not A Home
Alfie
Promises, Promises,
The Look Of Love
You'll Never Get To Heaven
Deja Vu
Trains, And Boats, And Planes
Heartbreaker
(They Long To Be) Close To You
Theme From Valley Of The Dolls
Additional Songs in Debórah's Repertoire:
This Girl's In Love
Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
Make It Easy On Yourself
I'll Never Fall In Love Again
April Fools
People Who Need People
The Windows Of The World
Reach Out For Me
I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself
What The world Needs Now
Songs by Lou Rawls,
Performed by Leonard Julien, III
Groovy People
Lady Love
Tobacco Road
You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine
Natural Man
I'll See You When I Get There
Love Is A Hurting Thing
Your Good Thing's About To Come To An End
Show Business
Duets with Debórah & Leonard:
Weakness (Recorded by Stevie Wonder & Dionne Warwick)
Love Power (Recorded by Dionne Warwick & Jeffrey Osborne)
Then Came You (Recorded by The Spinners Fea. Dionne Warwick)
That's What Friends Are For (Dionne Warwick & Friends)
Read REviews-Check out the show
Deja Vu Dionne & Lou Tribute
by Debórah & Leonard
Concert Reviews
“As Ms. Warwick’s publicist of 40 years and friend, I can say, “There is only ONE Dionne Warwick.” Upon hearing Debórah, it was clear that she has loved and studied Dionne Warwick all her life, because she is the most reminiscent of Dionne than anyone else I’ve heard. I’m in total support of Debórah’s Déjà vu Dionne Warwick project. Debórah’s energy is enough to put anyone in the clouds.” — Angelo Ellerbee, Double Xxposure Media Relations Publicist-Author-Speaker
“...the most important thing, of course, was the music, and it was a stroke of genius to team Warwick and Rawls in a tribute show. It seems like something that should have happened years ago, as both artists have an incredible body of work and very distinctive voices. … They also had the voices. Benton captured the wistful Warwick and her mood-setting ways. And Julien is among the few crooners anywhere who can naturally hit the bass notes like Rawls, exuding warmth. ” - Guy D’Astolfo, Author and Entertainment Editor for The Business Journal
“Both Dionne Warwick and Lou Rawls would have been proud to see and hear how magnificently and professionally Debórah and Leonard paid tribute to their wonderful music”
— Otha 'Shaft' Cooper, Chief Sales Associate of 99.7 WKTX The Drum
“For an enjoyable evening of entertainment, check out the “Dionne Warwick - Lou Rawls Tribute show performed by Debórah Benton and Leonard Julien. The show will carry you back to a much simpler time, to reminisce such marvelous hits such as Alfie, Walk On By, I say a Little Prayer and countless others. The duets with Debórah and Leonard added a nice touch and helped to create a wonderful atmosphere. All in All, If you get the opportunity to see it, please do. It will be an evening to remember.” - Martha Robinson, Writer-Director of "The Magic of Motown" Tribute, CEO, Dreams 4U Productions
“You'll never find a better tribute than Déjà vu Dionne Warwick and Lou Rawls. The spectacular renditions of classics will have you moving and grooving. Debórah Benton & Leonard Julien, III along with the Déjà vu Tribute Band, performed masterfully the classics of the incomparable Dionne Warwick and Lou Rawls. As they engage the audience with soulful sounds, a spectacular wardrobe interspersed with extra features such as urban ballroom dancing. Don't pass up any opportunity to immerse yourself in an experience that will engage and enthrall, leaving you enamored!” — Rev. Lewis W. Macklin, II, Buckeye Review News Faith and Inspiration Writer
“As a performer and entertainer for over 40 years, and having performed all over the USA, I have seen musicians from many walks of life, and of every genre. Debórah Benton is, in my opinion, the most amazing singer I've heard in decades! Her Dionne Warwick tunes are so spot on that you'd swear that Dionne herself was on the stage! Debórah's professionalism is unquestionable. Her stage presence is impeccable. Her connection to the audience amazes me, every time I see her sing, and certainly every time she performs with my group. She is a joy to have entertain the people who come out to see us play, because she brings a genuine love of music and her personality shines through every note.” – John Reese, John Reese Trio.
Déjà Vu Dionne Warwick Tribute
by Debórah - Solo Act Concert Reviews
“… I knew she had the voice… I’m from Motown, been performing all over the world with the Spinners and The Temptations for 50 years, and that Dionne Warwick sound is unique. There’ll never be another Dionne. But Debórah is the next best thing – hands down.” - G. C. Cameron, Award-winning recording artist; Former Lead Singer of The Spinners, and The Temptations
“Debórah is the only viable option to book for a Dionne Warwick Tribute.” – Dunn Pearson, Maestro, aka Black Beethoven.
“Debórah can bring the crowd to their feet. She played at Charbenay's Wine on the River, a tribute to Dionne Warwick. It was an outstanding, fantastic performance.” - Char Butcher, Owner Charbenay’s Wine on the River.
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A STROKE OF GENIUS
Something that should have happened years ago - - - - By ---Guy D’Astolfo Author and Entertainment Editor of The Business Journal
YOUNGSTOWN – Déjà Vu, the Dionne Warwick-Lou Rawls tribute show May 1 at the DeYor Performing Arts Center, had an elegance and intimacy that extended into the audience, thanks to the easygoing demeanor of singers Deborah Benton and Leonard Julien.
The seasoned performers had a comfort level that was respectful to the material but with room for their individuality. Benton and Julien shared stories in between-song banter to create a rapport with the audience.
But the most important thing, of course, was the music, and it was a stroke of genius to team Warwick and Rawls in a tribute show. It seems like something that should have happened years ago, as both artists have an incredible body of work and very distinctive voices.
For many songs, just a few opening notes brought a wave of pleasure to the assembled – and maybe some good memories.
All of the hits were there, from “The Look of Love” and “I Say a Little Prayer” to “Lady Love” and “You’ll Never Find.”
I’m not sure if Warwick and Rawls ever performed together, but Benton and Julien teamed up for a few numbers to close the show and complemented each other nicely.
The right phrasing and pacing are required to do justice to songs by Warwick and Rawls, and the two singers were fully on board.
They also had the voices. Benton captured the wistful Warwick and her mood-setting ways.
And Julien is among the few crooners anywhere who can naturally hit the bass notes like Rawls, exuding warmth.
The stage at Ford Family Recital Hall was sparse for the show, keeping the focus on Benton and Julien, who wore stunning evening wear. The sparkle really came out in the second half, as both artists returned to the stage in glitzy attire.
Holding the show together was the tight and agile Walt Barnes Jr. Band.
The ensemble showed off its jazz chops in an interlude at the start of the second act.
On occasion, band members stepped joined in the fun. The sax player stepped off the dais to engage with Benton on “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” and other songs.