Deanne Merchant

About Deanne Merchant

Singer/Songwriter/Performer/Radio Host & Animal Activist Deanne Merchant here for your ‘listening’ pleasure! Deanne is ‘Soulful with a growl’. Bold & brazen, her unique style and vocal versatility, makes her hard to categorize, but easy to recognize!! Shelter Dog is a perfect example!

After several years on the scene, in 2015, Deanne was forced out of performing live due to illness caused by Dental Malpractice.
Read my story here: at www DOT WelcometoDDS DOT com.
However, she continues to explore her musical endeavors through writing & collaborating and encouraging the next generation in her family to continue the legacy. Her granddaughter Natalie. She also tries to encourage anyone she meets with a musical interest, to 'follow their dreams’.

Her time in radio as the host of The Juke Joint on the award winning online station KCOR, boasted a huge following and one of the largest chat rooms on the network. Her weekly shows included a mix of national acts and indie artists that was enjoyed around the world.

Deanne is also an avid supporter of rescue animals. Her former band (Friday Night Bluez) first release (Shelter Dog) was written about the plight of many homeless & abused animals in America and she felt it only right to donate its proceeds!
Since it’s release, Shelter Dog has helped raise over $1000 towards the costs in rehabilitating & rehoming rescues. Something Deanne is extremely proud of.

While she may have gotten a bit of a late start, being in the music has afforded her some very cherished gifts she’s been extremely grateful for.
Some of which are:
Radio interviews & airtime here and abroad.
Local TV.
Soundtrack on two of the prestigious (expired link).’s (Women In Blues) promotional videos. Two entries in a very unique Robert Johnson Tribute site for her rendition of Dust My Broom that can be found here: at www DOT DustMyBroom DOT nl, I'm in the 2009 list.
A 1st round win at the CT Blues Competition for a spot at the National Blues Competition in Memphis.
Recording a remake of famous Bluesman Mr. Willie Dixon’s ’Spoonful’ (made famous by Howling Wolf) for his granddaughter called Piece of The Pie.
My most memorable & cherished achievement, A spot in the 2014 Rock The Fork lineup featuring one of my all time favorite bands John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band.

Being given the opportunity to gain the respect & admiration of numerous quality musicians during my short stent while realizing a lifelong dream? PRICELESS!

Deanne credits the following musicians for their contributions in creating those magical moments that made Friday Night Bluez and her time behind the mic, so memorable….

Dave Lydon - Slide/Lead Guitar and writing partner
Paul Henry - Keys
Tom Farley - Harmonica
Ken Cafaro - Bass
David May - Drums
Chakulla - Percussion
Dale Dejoy - Hey Nineteen (Steely Dan Tribute band)

Other projects band mates:

Jack Pharo - Guitar
Rick 'Rooster' Arrighi - Harmonica
Josh Schurmann - Guitar
Mark Vinberry - Bass
Roy Shabarreau - Bass
Dino - Drums
Al Dziedzic - Sax