Debi Derryberry may be best known as the voice behind iconic animated characters like Jimmy Neutron and Draculaura, but her latest project reminds us of another side of her artistry: her lifelong love for music. With her fifth children’s album, Go to Sleep (out September 26, 2025), Derryberry invites families into a gentle soundscape designed to help kids—and parents—wind down, relax, and drift off to dreamland.
Though Derryberry has a 30-year career with over 400 IMDb credits, this album is deeply personal. A granddaughter of an Orthodox Jewish cantor, she picked up her first guitar at age nine and has been writing songs ever since. Her foundation in folk and country music is woven through every track here, grounding the album’s sweet lullabies in authenticity. That balance between childlike wonder and musical maturity is what makes Go to Sleep stand out among family-oriented releases.
The album opens with its title track, “Go to Sleep,” a soothing cue to relax both body and mind. With its simple structure and calming cadence, it sets the tone for what follows: a mix of whimsical storytelling and mindful restfulness. “Slumberland” imagines the dream world as an inviting, magical place, while “World of Wonder” gently encourages curiosity by highlighting the quiet lives of animals like snails and cats. These aren’t just songs to calm children—they’re also designed to stir imagination in a peaceful way.
A highlight of the album is “In the Arms of My Rocking Chair,” co-written with Stephen Michael Schwartz of Parachute Express. Its rocking rhythm mimics the soothing sway of a chair, while its lyrics transport listeners into a child’s drifting imagination—“I’m a ship at sea, waves are tossing me.” It’s a standout track that feels timeless, bridging Derryberry’s songwriting craft with her gift for storytelling.
Other songs, like “What Does a Good Night Feel Like,” speak directly to the sensory comforts of bedtime—moonlight, pillows, plush toys, and the sound of rain. “Sail Away” imagines a peaceful nighttime voyage, complete with fish, dolphins, and whales, while “Hush Little Baby,” the traditional folk song, closes the album in a stripped-down acoustic version that ties back to Derryberry’s folk roots.
The companion videos on her Debi Derryberry Kids! YouTube channel enhance the experience further. Featuring a character called “Little Debi,” the visuals bring warmth and a touch of humor, reminding us of her deep connection to animation. This dual approach—songs paired with gentle videos—makes the album not just an auditory experience but a holistic bedtime ritual for children.
What’s most striking is how natural this project feels for Derryberry. She has always balanced creativity with compassion, and here she leans into that fully. For today’s families navigating overstimulation and hectic schedules, Go to Sleep offers a rare pocket of calm. It’s music as a parenting tool, a reminder that songs can nurture, soothe, and connect across generations.
Already recognized with NAPPA, Family Choice, and Parents’ Picks awards before its release, Go to Sleep feels destined to become a bedtime staple. Debi Derryberry has once again proven that her artistry extends far beyond the microphone—she’s crafted an album that is better described as a gift to parents and children alike.
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