Waltz for Debbie: A Juneteenth Tribute to Debbie Duncan

“Duncan is one of a kind, a world-class singer” – Star Tribune

In 1984, a young singer arrived in Minneapolis from Memphis (by way of L.A.) to take a six-week job at Rupert’s nightclub in Golden Valley. It lasted seven years. Along the way, Ms. Debbie Duncan would change the musical landscape of her adopted city for the next four decades. 

Duncan possessed the repertoire and improvisational chops of a jazz singer. However, she was equally at home singing R&B and pop, belting out current radio hits along with Great American Songbook fare. Soon, she assembled a jazz quartet featuring Don Stille on piano, Gary Raynor on bass and Phil Hey on drums. They began a weekly residency at a new St. Paul restaurant called The Dakota. 

Duncan was known for years as the “busiest singer in the Twin Cities.” Over her career, Debbie won innumerable Minnesota Music Awards. She was named Jazz Vocalist of the Year so many times that they “retired” her from the award. Then, she became the first recipient of the MMA’s “Perpetually Outstanding Performer” award. She was also the first artist to record a live album at The Dakota, in 1993.

Duncan touched everyone who heard her. Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder called her our state’s “First Lady of Song.” Lowell Pickett called her “magical”. Steve Heckler (Twin Cities Jazz Festival) said, “Her energy was boundless… she owned every song.” 

The Wolverines Jazz Quartet, featuring Rick Carlson, Jendeen Forberg, and Steve Pikal, leads this tribute to the legendary Ms. Duncan. Also, featured vocalists Judi Vinar and Dennis Spears will share songs and stories.

Recommended for fans of Nat King Cole, Johnny Hartman, Roberta Flack and Dinah Washington.

LEARN MORE:
https://www.facebook.com/dennis.spears1
https://www.judivinar.com/

📸: Andrea Canter