Deborah Downey was born in Indiana and raised in Los Angeles. She was interested in singing at a very young age and within a year of returning to Indiana at age 14, she was singing on the stage with some of the biggest recording stars of the 1960’s. When the Dick Clark “Caravan of Stars” would appear locally, Deborah would be part of the opening act that worked with the various Stars on tour. This was very exciting work for a young girl, and within a period of three summers, she shared the stage with Tom Jones, Neil Diamond and Paul Revere & the Raiders, to name just a few.

At 18, Deborah returned to L.A. to make her way in the music business. She did studio work for commercials and radio programming, and toured with her band. In 1968 she appeared in the original STAR TREK episode titled ‘The Way To Eden’, in which she sang to series’ regular Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy). That episode has become one of the more memorable Star Trek episodes (affectionately referred to as “The Hippie Episode”) with a cult following of it’s own. Deborah is featured with Mr. Spock as they play musical instruments in the famous ‘Space Hippie Jam Session’.

She continued her singing career for the next ten years doing commercials and singing with her band. The hard pace of singing on a daily basis took it’s toll and Deborah was diagnosed with TMJ syndrome, an overuse injury that makes jaw movement very painful. Rather than face the constant pain when singing, Deborah decided to turn to another talent for her livelihood. With one career over she prepared for another. Deborah had always been gifted with the ability to paint portraits. She set up an art business in Indianapolis to sell her portraits. The business was an immediate success and it has flourished over the years. Her Portrait business is known as DeFazio artworks and the list of clients has grown into a large list with nationwide clientele, including actors and sports stars.

In the 20+ years since Deborah’s jaw injury ended her singing career, it has slowly healed. She is now able to sing again, and often sings at Star Trek conventions, and has even recorded a CD. When asked if she ever misses her former music career she states, “I have no regrets. One door closed and another opened. I love to paint and my passion is to make people happy with my artwork”. I now feel that I again have the best of both worlds, singing and art.” (Excerpts from Indianapolis Woman Magazine, and Indianapolis Star Newspaper)