Derrick  joined his first band in the mid 90's, teaching him a wide variety of musical styles. This has made Derrick one of the most versatile keyboardists in south Louisiana to date.

       He has performed with several bands since the mid 90's such as "Mystic Blue", an original reggae band, "Soul Avenue", a classic R&B and Funk band, "Clearwater", a traditional cover band, "JDK", an original Pop & Rock band, and most recently recording artists  "Irie Vibrations", winner of two Big Easy Awards ( best band and best vocals).

      He has also opened and performed with artists like, Landlord Records recording artist, Lance Ellis, of legendary groups such as , War, Sunpie and the Sunspots, and The Meter's. Not to mention gold record artist ,Bobby Barth, guitarist of the rock group, Blackfoot.Wade Richard, former guitarist of Wayne Toups, Rockin' Sydney, and Damon Troy and songwriter. James Vanardo, Drummer currently with Dickey Betts of The Allman Brothers,Charmaine Neville, George Porter Jr., Johnny Angel and The Swinging Demons, Mem Shannon and more. The list goes on and on.

 Derrick has also opened for Louisiana Leroux, Third World , and Grammy nominated artist, Tab Benoit.

       Derrick has performed at legendary venues in New Orleans such as "Tipitina's", and  "Jimmy's", and has performed on Bourbon Street as well as music festivals in south Louisiana, such as, " The French Quarter Festival","The Slidell Heritage Festival",and "The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival".

       Not to mention, Derrick has done all of this from a wheelchair. Nevertheless, he doesn't let his disability (Muscular Dystrophy) get in his way. He was also the poster child for MDA for five years. The first four years for the New Orleans metro area and the last for the state of Louisiana .

He was just featured in an internationally published article in Quest Magazine.

 Derrick says,"I get all of my determination from my family. A family who never believed in the word "can't", it is not in their vocabulary."