Derrick Monk was born in Dallas, Texas to a big, beautiful musical family. He has 11 siblings, and in 1986, three of them started a group called "FDR,"(Frederick Derrick & Roderick.) "FDR" was signed to Fantasy Records in Berkley, CA that same year (now known as Concord Music Group.) They performed frequently in Oakland, and also toured in Canada. Although it was a family group, somehow, the spotlight always seemed to gravitate towards Derrick.
In 1993, his career in music began to grow and flourish in Oakland, California while doing BG vocals, singing in school talent shows & church choirs. It was then that he discovered his true purpose and calling, which would later be nurtured by some of the biggest names in Entertainment.
Derrick's many accomplishments in the Entertainment Industry include the following
- Songwriting credits
- Production credits (See Discogs.com)
- StagePlay/ film credits
- Winner & frequent performer in the Showtime At The Apollo talent search contest
Derrick Monk is a quadruple threat. He sings, he is a multi-instrumentalist (piano, organ, drums & guitar,) he is a songwriter, and also an actor!

Derrick's music is highly inspirational, and consistently reminds you that God is in complete & full control of your life, and that He definitely knows what He is doing! He will do it, too, but we have to stay focused on the Creator of all things!

Derrick's previous music releases have received airplay all over the country. In particular, his song "You're The Reason,"which he co-produced with Teddy Riley, has gained the ears and attention of many radio programmers, both FM & online, and fans alike.

By far, his most outstanding musical collaboration was that with the Legendary James Brown, The Godfather of Soul. It was during 1992 that Derrick's powerful and unique vocals and musical arrangements caught the attention of the Late, Great James Brown. 

This was a real turning point, and Derrick's life changed forever. The Godfather of Soul offered Derrick the position of A&R Director/ Producer/Songwriter for The New James Brown Enterprises in Augusta, Georgia.

His association with James Brown changed the face & the pace of Monk's career, and led to a longstanding relationship, which lasted until the death of James Brown, his mentor, his friend, and as Monk liked to affectionately call him, "Pops." "Pops" also had a nickname for Monk . . . he called him "New Funk Monk" a nickname that still stands to this day.

Derrick also sang on CNN Television Nationwide during the homecoming service of his mentor in 2006.

Derrick Monk currently travels throughout the country, performing and bringing audiences to their feet, while experiencing the JOY of the Lord through his music. He believes that if you keep trusting God, He will bring the vision to pass, for His plans & His timing are perfect according to Jeremiah 29:11!

On October 15th, 2023, Derrick Monk released his new album, titled "Over Flow." With 8 tracks in total; a blazing title track, ballads,
multiple genres, and new funk vocal sounds that will have you praising, worshipping & seeking the Lord and speaking His powerful word through song.

The first release to radio from the new album is called "I'l l Obey."The 2023 version expands on the original (previously released, charted #19 on Billboard) piano version in the most powerful and explosive way, and we can't wait for you to hear it! We pray the album blesses you!