Derrick Youman, also known in the music business as Deryo, has been a vocalist, songwriter and producer since leaving college. Deryo’s expertise in giving the people what they want comes from what he claims is his god given talent and his desire to spread goodness. His debut as a professional recording artist was as a vocalist, producer and songwriter. It took place under the Arista Records label, as a featured lead vocalist with Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters. (The album was entitled “Straight From the Gate”.)
Also during the early stages of his recording career, he performed on Bennie Maupin’s album “Moon Scapes.” He has also performed as a background vocalist for Carl CarltonandEast Bay Rhythm withBill Summers, James Levi and others.
After that, Deryo stretched his wings and started his own publishing company, entitled DeryoMusic. Through his company, Deryohas had the pleasure of publishing some of the songs, he himself wrote, and the songs he wrote with other artists and producers such as Harvey Fuqua, Gregg Crockett, Two Tons of Fun and Rick James. Besides writing songs, Deryo plays keyboards and drums.
He currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and is getting ready to release his fifth album entitled “The Evolution of Thayne” under his label Will Records.