For Deanna Li, music didn’t start as a career move—it started as survival, expression, and faith. Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, her earliest memories are rooted in church, where gospel wasn’t just music, it was language. That foundation shaped her voice long before she ever imagined stepping into the spotlight on her own.
For years, Deanna sang background for other artists, lending her voice to support someone else’s story. While those moments built skill and discipline, they also came with a quiet internal struggle. She knew she was different—her sound, her writing, her perspective didn’t fit neatly into one box. Confidence didn’t arrive overnight. It was earned slowly, through faith and persistence.
What makes Deanna Li stand out is her refusal to abandon any part of who she is. She holds tightly to her gospel roots while embracing the R&B and urban influences that flow naturally through her songwriting. Her music doesn’t pretend—she writes exactly how she feels, trusting that honesty will do what perfection never could: connect.
That truth became public with the release of her debut single “Joy” in 2021. The song wasn’t just an introduction; it was a statement. Since then, Deanna has continued to carve her own lane, reshaping what modern gospel R&B can sound like when it’s guided by faith, emotion, and lived experience.
Her journey is still unfolding—but the direction is clear. Deanna Li isn’t chasing trends. She’s changing the sound, one honest song at a time.
Stream “Gift Is U” by Deanna Li on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/1L5bDqMd1DuiIC6JsvsLUI?si=_Eak3MreSpKRKzCYHCgaPA
Follow Deanna Li on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/deanna_li161/?hl=en
