Debra Cowan was once asked what kind of songs she writes. Her reply? “Bad ones; but there are so many good songs out there written by others and they should be sung.”

Her captivating warm alto carries each folk song she chooses with such emotion that you’ll forget that they were written by others. She performs a cappella and with guitar in the great tradition of folk singers like Joan Baez and Judy Collins, with a clear vocal that calls forth the ghosts of long past but can also offer a more modern urban landscape. In her 2012 release, a live recording entitled “Among Friends," she demonstrates her ability to interact with her audience and have them enthusiastically sing along on choruses and refrains.

Debra is deeply rooted in the folk tradition, and can interpret the old songs as well as anyone. She's also very much a modern singer, and she brings the power of the tradition to her interpretations of contemporary songs.
- Si Kahn, Songwriter, Activist, Organizer