The Real Deal.
Old School Soul.
New School Energy.
Rockford’s live R&B, funk & dance experience.
Publicly listed dates can change. Please confirm with the band or venue before attending.
Get in the groove.
Old-school favorites, new-school energy, and a dance floor that feels like one big celebration.
the feeling.
Experience
the band.
Watch the band perform at the Rockford Area Music Industry awards.
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Music with feeling.
Good music moves you.
Great music brings us together.
The Real Deal brings old-school and contemporary R&B, funk, soul and live dance-floor energy to the stage. From private celebrations to public shows, it’s about the groove—and the people sharing it.
2019
Rockford Area Music Industry records named Cookie and The Real Deal Funk/R&B winners in 2018 and 2019.
Meet the Real Deal.
Get to know the people behind the music.
Brian HarveyLead & background vocals＋
A singer-songwriter raised in a musical family, Brian began performing young and has sung with the Men’s Naval Choir. His soulful voice brings decades of experience to the band.
Linda BrooksLead & background vocals＋
A vocalist, songwriter and choreographer, Linda brings expressive vocals and a flair for visual style to the stage. Her early inspirations include Anita Baker, Natalie Cole and Chaka Khan.
Dre DixonLead & background vocals＋
Dre’s musical journey began singing in her grandmother’s church. She joined The Real Deal in 2022 and brings her R&B voice to stages around Rockford.
Norman BryantKeys & background vocals＋
Norman began playing piano at 14 and performed with Sagittarius Movement before returning to gospel music. He has played keys with The Real Deal since 2020.
Terry BowdryBass & background vocals＋
Terry’s musical path includes many years with The Spiritual 6 and Big Daddy Woo Woo. A songwriter and bassist, he also played with Cookie and The Real Deal.
Eddy MelendezLead guitar＋
Also introduced as Ed Melendez in his biography, the guitarist has played in bands since age 12 and has performed with The Real Deal since 2022.
Devon BridgesDrums＋
Devon began drumming as a child and developed his skills in concert and marching bands. His experience includes gospel performances and The Jerry Criss Band.
Cathy WilsonManager＋
Cathy brings her passion for music and community to managing The Real Deal, drawing on experience in education, manufacturing, customer service and communications.
Bring the Real Deal.
The music sets the tone. Whether it’s a wedding, a festival or a night with your favorite people, let’s make it one to remember.
Tell us about your event.
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