DeLeon

Deleon Richards: Here In Me

We have all been asking for new music from DeLeon, and it has been well worth the wait! Such songs as "None Like You", "Let Go", Let God", "Give It Up", and "Testify" (all co-written by DeLeon) along with seven more wonderful songs, make this a definite for your collection.In stores 9.16.08!



Deleon Richards: Straight From The Heart

Straight From the Heart is a bright and sunny collection of contemporary flavas that mingle some of what we've come to expect of the young veteran with a newly minted and hefty dose of something new.



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Deleon Richards: My Life

My Life, Deleon's sixth recording to date, displays the passions and concerns of a woman who is young enough to remember the perils of childhood, yet mature enough to apply wisdom and experience to those same areas as necessary.

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Biography



It seems like only yesterday when an adorable, kindergarten-aged DeLeon Richards was wowing crowds as “The Young Gospel Sensation,” singing before thousands and appearing on major network TV. Over two decades later, in addition to being a seasoned recording artist with seven CDs and a DVD to her credit, DeLeon is a young wife and mother with a passion for ministry and a heart filled with praise.

Raised in church, DeLeon grew up in a family of pastors and ministers including her Gospel-singing mom, Debbie Richards. “The bible does not lie,” Deleon laughs. “Proverbs 22:6 says to ‘Train up a child in the way he should go and when he gets old he will not depart from it.' Well, it's true! I knew as a child that God had marked me… when He chooses you, there is nothing you can do but be obedient and surrender your will to Him.”

That spiritual upbringing helped launch the Chicago native into music ministry at the tender age of five when she first stepped onto a major stage at the Chicago Gospel Festival, performing before 20,000. She went on to tour the world, opening for the legendary Mighty Clouds of Joy in Japan and traveling throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia and the West Indies including regular performances for the USO. She also performed for numerous religious and political leaders including the late President Ronald Reagan. By age nine, DeLeon became the youngest person ever to be nominated for a GRAMMY® Award with the previous record holder being King of Pop Michael Jackson. She would go on to garner a GMWA “Excellence Award” and a Stellar Award nomination as well. And during the early ‘80s, she became the youngest artist ever signed to a major Gospel label.

In 1986, DeLeon began an exciting season of film and television appearances with TBN, CBN, NBC, CBS, ABC, WGN and a variety of cable networks before she landed a regular role on ABC's television drama “Brewster Place,” which starred Oprah Winfrey. She also has been featured in almost every national magazine including People, Sports Illustrated, InStyle, Ebony, Billboard and USA Today, to name a few.

With over 20 years of experience in her repertoire, DeLeon has shared the stage with award-winning artists including: Patti LaBelle, Shirley Caesar, Lou Rawls, The Winans, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Sandi Patty, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Al Green, Joni Eareckson Tada and many others. Most recently, she served as worship artist for prominent pastor Paula White at Bishop T.D. Jakes' Gospel Megafest with a crowd in excess of 100,000.

DeLeon, who writes much of her own music and is president of her own company, DeMari Publishing and Entertainment, has had the opportunity to work with prolific writers and A-List producers who have been great influences in her career. That list includes the likes of Stanley Brown, Warren Campbell, Jeffrey “J-Dub” Walker of Dub's World Production, Jerry Peters, Brian McKnight, Tim Minor, Fred Hammond, Percy Bady, Tonex and Tisdale with Tisdale Productions.

The latest additions to this amazing artist's discography are Here in Me, her new, inspirational 11-track CD, and DeLeon Live, a moving DVD that features live performances of her most popular songs, such as “Move On Up The Mountain” and “I Shall Wear A Crown.”

The wife of Detroit Tigers outfielder Gary Sheffield and mom to three rambunctious boys, DeLeon lives a very full life, balancing family and career.

“Raising 3 boys is no joke!” says DeLeon. “I pray every day that they don't fall victim to the woes of the world. hoping they turn out to be respectful, God-fearing men.”

“Then, there are the challenges of marriage, especially to a high-profile figure,” she continues. “I've been married almost 10 years and keeping things on track is a job all in itself. Keeping God number one is the glue that keeps it all together, and then we have a saying. ‘we tolerate each other until we start liking each other again'.”

DeLeon is quick to tell you that she is a truly blessed woman. And she feels passionate about being a blessing to others, which is why she makes time to support organizations that help underprivileged children in underserved communities. One of those organizations, the Gary Sheffield Foundation, was established by her husband to provide financial support and encouragement to organizations promoting education and good health in urban areas. The foundation is dedicated to rebuilding the spirit of America's youth, a subject dear to DeLeon's heart. She is committed to using her extraordinary voice to give God praise and to benefit those whose voices often go unheard.