Debra Killings Talks TLC, Madonna, & The Real Grind of Being a Session Musician episode artwork

EPISODE · May 8, 2025 · 1H 14M

Debra Killings Talks TLC, Madonna, & The Real Grind of Being a Session Musician

from We Sound Crazy Podcast · host We Sound Crazy

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz This week, the incredible Debra Killings—vocalist, bassist, and unsung hero of countless hits—joins the We Sound Crazy podcast for a deep and inspiring conversation. Known for her unmistakable background vocals on hits from TLC, OutKast, Monica, and even Madonna, Debra pulls back the curtain on a legendary career that has shaped the sound of modern music. She shares what it really takes to survive and thrive as a session musician, from long hours and tight deadlines to the discipline and hustle behind the scenes. Debra reflects on her journey as a singer, bassist, and solo artist, her years with LaFace Records, and the importance of staying grounded while navigating the highs and lows of the industry.  Whether you know her voice or her name—or both—you’ll want to hear every minute of this episode.  So, press PLAY!  We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: James Hart, Kenny Cochran, John Dierre Editing: Lamont Baldwin Sound Mixer: Sbarina Cedeno Producer: Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt   PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole  Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to Debra Killings! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #DebraKillings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz This week, the incredible Debra Killings—vocalist, bassist, and unsung hero of countless hits—joins the We Sound Crazy podcast for a deep and inspiring conversation. Known for her unmistakable background vocals on hits from TLC, OutKast, Monica, and even Madonna, Debra pulls back the curtain on a legendary career that has shaped the sound of modern music. She shares what it really takes to survive and thrive as a session musician, from long hours and tight deadlines to the discipline and hustle behind the scenes. Debra reflects on her journey as a singer, bassist, and solo artist, her years with LaFace Records, and the importance of staying grounded while navigating the highs and lows of the industry.  Whether you know her voice or her name—or both—you’ll want to hear every minute of this episode.  So, press PLAY!  We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: James Hart, Kenny Cochran, John Dierre Editing: Lamont Baldwin Sound Mixer: Sbarina Cedeno Producer: Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt   PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole  Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to Debra Killings! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #DebraKillings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Debra Killings Talks TLC, Madonna, & The Real Grind of Being a Session Musician

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This episode is 1 hour and 14 minutes long.

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This episode was published on May 8, 2025.

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Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz This...

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