Debra Kitzman draws inspiration for writing children’s lyrics from the intense feelings and memories she has of her children and grandchildren. She gives each one of her touching lyrics a warm uplifting melody that kids, parents and grandparents can appreciate. Her songwriting is designed to bring generations together to sing, dance and enjoy each other’s company. Debra describes her music as “Intergenerational music with a personal touch.” She puts positive energy and motherly love into her craft.

At an early age Debra discovered the value of music. Whether it was tap dancing at the age of 5, piano lessons starting at the age of 10, playing records or tape recording herself singing along with the music played on the Chicago radio stations as a teenager, she fully embraced these opportunities of self-expression. Then as a parent, Debra took pleasure in singing to her children all the classic songs that kids have enjoyed for years and sang some of her own nonsense songs too. When Debra has a lot on her mind you’ll hear her humming impromptu melodies. She says, “Music arouses and stimulates my soul, I love how it has helped me to transmit and release emotion throughout the years.”

Like most mothers, Debra never took the time to listen to her inner voice. Now she is aware of what her heart, soul and conscience were desperately trying to unveil. When the idea of writing and recording a family album struck her, it simply just felt right. It didn’t take long for the creativity to pump through her veins so she jumped right in and prepared herself for a new venture and chapter in her life. Debra bought several songwriting and music business books, enrolled into a songwriting course, took voice lessons, joined on-line community music forums, and searched files and bulletin boards at music stores for musicians. She was learning, she was preparing, and she was writing her songs, this made her feel vibrant. For months she gave it all she had in realizing her dream. Then one day she let her fingers do the walking and found the perfect fit. “Believe it or not, I found the composer and producer of my album in the Recording Studios section of the yellow pages. I was fortunate the day I made that phone call.”

She describes her songwriting as a personal journey; a reflection of her life. Debra knows she has given a wonderful legacy to her family, yet she knows her songs are relatable to other families. Debra believes we all have the same special thoughts of what family means - “Family is unconditional love, and enhancing and enriching each other’s lives so that we always know where home is.” Right now writing children’s songs make her feel at home, but she’s open minded to the possibility of writing and recording another genre. “You just never know where life’s highway will take you. Several years ago I never would have dreamt I’d release a music cd. What a thrill the journey has been.”

MUSIC FOR CELEBRATING FAMILY
AND LIFE’S LITTLEST JOYS

All it took a couple of years ago was a little inspiration in the form of a precious bundle of joy and Debra’s idea of creating a family music album was born. She was entering a new chapter in her life, grand-motherhood. Like so many other women in their 40’s, Debra had discovered a way to reinvent herself. Imagine Debra’s surprise when she realized she had come to a point in her life where she was comfortable enough in her own skin to pursue a dream.

It took Debra a relatively short period of time to write lyrics for twelve children’s songs in a variety of music styles that generations of people between the ages of 0 to 110 would appreciate. The cd features a bit of good old rock’n roll, blues, country, pop and ballad. Mixed into the songs are imagination, laughs, traditions, sentiments and love; the makings for a recipe of family fun and a chance to bridge the generation gap. The whole album is full of delightful, catchy tunes. It’s a musical adventure that will put a smile on your face, bring a tear to your eye and love pouring out of your heart.

Initially the idea of recording the album was meant solely as a gift to her family. But, as Debra progressed in the recording studio and heard each song take on a life of their own, she knew she had to share the album with others. Debra is pleased to announce that her songs are being played on a number of children’s radio and webcast programs. She is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to get her music out there for young children and their families to enjoy.

Kids will find the songs appealing, not only because they will be singing, dancing and having a good time, but because the songs will definitely make young ones feel special. Parents and grandparents will enjoy the album just as much because they will understand the concept. For instance, the song "Home Cookin’" celebrates the gathering of family around the dinner table. "Rock With Your Grandma" supplies the loving comfort of a cozy lap, while "I’m Gonna Love You Forever" simply speaks for itself. Of course, child care teachers will also appreciate the spirit that’s revved up in "Follow A Dream" and the eagerness of playtime in the ever so merrymaking title cut "Every Day Is A Parade". Mothers and grandmothers-to-be will find contentment in "You’re The Apple Of My Eye" and "Thank Heaven For Little You". These songs are an example of what the album has to offer because you’ll also find five other songs that will provide plenty of entertainment as well.

Debra proudly sings the lead vocals. The album was composed and produced by Dave Dalton, Sound Science Studio, in Wonder Lake, Illinois. His back-up vocals are on a number of songs. Dave was literally instrumental in the making of this album. Heather Cimarrusti sang back-up in several songs. Child vocals were performed by Kendall Dobnikar. In the spirit of family, Debra’s youngest children, Jodi and Phillip sang back-up in the title cut.

Contact information and a sampling of her songs are available at www.debrakitzman.com
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