God’s timing is always perfect. That is a truth Debra Ashley understands first hand. After the success of her debut CD, “”Keep The Faith” she knows the perfection of God’s plan. The Gospel music ingénue had been hearing the call to music and singing since she was a little girl, but didn’t begin working on her first album, Keep The Faith, until 2002. When I was a six or seven I remember looking in the mirror and thinking, “you’re going to be special, you’re going to sing,’” Debra says.   “But later I dismissed it as nothing more than girlish dreams.”

Years later, Debra had a prophetic vision that would confirm the calling to her music ministry.   She dreamed she was taking her usual morning walk when an angel came to walk beside her.   “He told me it was my turn,” Debra remembers.   “I thought he meant it was my turn to die and I got hysterical.”   Fortunately, she’d misinterpreted.   The angel in her dream calmed her, and confirmed her life dream.  Soon afterwards Debra belted “No Ways Tired,” at a celebration that left friends and family stunned.   “People were in tears and it was right then that I knew my true calling,” says Debra.   “I am here to spread God’s word through my music.”
Debra immediately sat down and wrote all ten tracks on her debut release, Keep The Faith. “I asked God for inspiration and I felt his presence. All the credit goes to God.
Fortunately for Debra, her three children –Kera, Jeremiah and Kayla — have been thrilled about mom’s new career, and her husband Roy, has been her greatest champion.

In 2002, Armed with her divinely inspired songs, Ashley worked with several producers to provide the polish for the project. The result was a beautiful, moving testament of faith, love and perseverance.   “It’s not easy,” says Debra of balancing her music endeavor with the demands of home and family.   “But when God calls you, you find time to do whatever he calls you for.” “Keep The Faith” was released in 2006 on the label Angel Calling Entertainment. In support of the release Debra performed at many prestigious Gospel Showcases and Festivals such as the Jacksonville Gospel Fest, the Texas GAG Annual Convention in San Antonio, TX in November and Bobby Jones Gospel Industry Retreat – The New Artist Showcase held in Fort Lauderdale, Gospel USA Magazine Independent Music Conference in Savannah, GA) and the Urban Impact Summit at Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, CN.

Debra has completed three Music video’s, most recently “He’s A Friend from the “New Birth” project,  ”I’ll Praise Your Name”, and Keep The Faith. Directed by Darryl Lassiter of DDL Entertainment and filmed on-location in Miami, and Jacksonville, Florida, they received airplay on BET, The Word Network and various gospel networks.

Debra is overjoyed with the experience and spiritual growth that comes from staying the course and living the dream. Her second release “New Birth” features seven songs written by Debra inspired by her journey after releasing “Keep The Faith”. Helping Debra reach even higher heights on her sophomore CD, Grammy Award winning producer Kevin Bond and Dove/Stellar Award winning gospel producer Fred Hammond are assisting Debra in producing cuts on the project.

The call of God has inspired Debra to expand her vision. Debra is CEO of Angel Calling Entertainment LLC. The production company is searching for new young talent to sign and nurture. “Debra recently celebrated the grand opening of of a full service recording facility, Angel Calling Recording Studio’s in Jacksonville Florida.

For Debra Ashley every morning is a celebration. She receives boundless energy, joy and inspiration by listening to the call of God and is making a difference in people’s lives along the way.