Absorbing the many sounds of his surroundings, Derrick began singing at the age of 13 and started to form his own musical interests. His first instrument, a hand me down classical guitar from an uncle, no doubt ignited the flame that so brightly burns today. At the age of 15, Derrick purchased his first electric guitar, a Memphis style Strat, from a local pawnshop. It was during high school where he was first introduced to legendary guitarist, Stevie Ray Vaughan, one of his more notable influences. During college a change of scenery took him to South Carolina where he aspired to play the local club scene. At 21, Derrick began stirring up quite a commotion, which led to his becoming a regular facet in the local music scene. In 2000 Derrick returned to his native Texas where he began to regularly write and jam with local musicians whose interests were more in tune with his own. It wasn’t long after that a chance meeting brought together the members of 3am Live and Blu Pearl. Today he continues to create soulfully rich ballads and powerful guitar-driven music that is reminiscent of the legends of the past and inspirational to the musicians of the future.