Dennis DeYoung (1947-)

Dennis DeYoung is an Illinois musician, singer, actor, songwriter, and record producer.  He is best-known as lead-vocalist and keyboardist of the rock band Styx.  From 1972 through 1984, DeYoung wrote and performed seven of the band’s eight Top 10 singles.

Dennis DeYoung was born in Chicago, IL to Maurice and Loraine DeYoung in 1947.  Dennis grew up in the Roseland area and started his career as an accordionist at the age of 15 when he formed a trio called Tradewinds. After several personnel changes the band would eventually change its name to Styx in 1972 when they signed their first recording contract.

Styx hit the Top 10 with DeYoung’s penned and performed “Babe,” “Mr. Roboto,” “Show Me the Way,” “The Best of Times,” “Don’t Let it End,” “Lady,” and “Come Sail Away.”

DeYoung, a self-taught pianist quickly became one of the most notable keyboardists in rock.  In 1984, DeYoung began a solo career with his first album Desert Moon which generated a Top 10 hit “Desert Moon.”  His single “This is the Time” was featured in the soundtrack of the film Karate Kid II in 1986.  In 1993, DeYoung appeared in the stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar playing Pontius Pilate.

In 1997, DeYoung created the stage musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame employing an orchestra.  DeYoung made his major motion picture debut in 2005’s The Perfect Man, in which he played the lead singer in a Styx tribute band.  On July 12, 2005, DeYoung was honored by his native city Chicago with the “Great Performance of Illinois Award.”  On May 22, 2020 Dennis released his seventh solo album 26 East Vol I named for the address in which he lived growing up.  26 East Vol II was released on June 11, 2021.

Dennis DeYoung was inducted into the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on June 5, 2022, both as a member of Styx and as a songwriter.