Hailing from the soulful heart of Memphis, Tennessee, Deborah Swiney is a singer songwriter
and jazz vocalist whose voice seamlessly blends the sophistication of the Great American
Songbook with the sultry, rhythmic textures of Brazil. Often described as a "chanteuse" with a
honey-dipped tone, Swiney has carved out a unique space in the contemporary jazz scene,
drawing on a rich musical pedigree that includes years touring as a backing vocalist for the
legendary Al Green.
Deborah first captured international attention with her 2017 debut album, I Remember Rio. The
project, an evocative homage to Bossa Nova, showcased her ability to interpret Brazilian classics
like "Dindi" and "The Girl from Ipanema" while introducing original compositions like the sultry
“Bossa Nova Casanova” with an unforgettable violin intro that will draw you right in. Critics
have praised the album for its "Memphis-soul seasoning," a quality that sets her work apart from
traditional jazz standards.
Building on that momentum, Deborah released a stellar rendition of the timeless Johnny Mercer
and Hoagy Carmichael classic "Skylark" in April 2025, further solidifying her reputation as a
master of melody and mood. Following this success, Deborah recently released her newest
single, a poignant and soulful reimagining of Marvin Fisher’s "When Sunny Gets Blue,"
showcasing her maturing emotional depth and vocal range.
Looking ahead, Deborah is currently back in the studio working on a highly anticipated full-
length album. This upcoming project is being produced by the legendary Donald Brown—the
world-renowned jazz pianist, composer, and producer known for his work with Art Blakey’s Jazz
Messengers.
Set for release in late 2026, the new album promises to be a landmark recording in her career,
blending high-level musicianship with the elegant, expressive storytelling that has become
Swiney’s hallmark.
In collaboration with Ireland’s leading jazz vocalist and guitarist, Nigel Mooney, Deborah will be
featured on his new album which was recorded in Ireland where she has drawn quite a nice
fanbase. The album is also scheduled to release this year. Deborah also collaborated with Nigel
on his previous album, Mooney’s Blues, which included “Me and The Mouse”, written by
Deborah.
Beyond the recording studio, her influence on the cultural landscape is profound; as the
founder of the successful free annual concert series, Sunset Jazz at Court Square,
Deborah has created a vital platform that brings Memphis' top jazz artists to the
community, ensuring the genre’s legacy remains vibrant and accessible.
