Debbie Dean

Debbie Dean had a long career, but only a small amount of success. She was born Reba Jeanette Smith February 1, 1928, in Corbin, KY, a quaint town of just under 10,000 people located on I-75 between Lexington, KY, and Knoxville, TN. She recorded as Penny Smith, Debra Dion, and as Debbie Stevens for ABC Paramount (1959) and Roulette Records. In 1960, Berry Gordy made her the first white artist signed to any of his fledgling labels. The blond-reddish-haired singer debuted as Debbie Dean with "Itty Bitty Pity Love" b/w "But I'm Afraid" (August 25, 1961), but it never had a chan...