Doc’s early musical work started with local artists in and around Washington D.C. but soon transitioned to national artists. His early recording studio stints were under the watchful eye of Oscar winner Isacc Hayes and early songwriting with Grammy wining producer Narada Michael Walden.
At the request and encouragement of his fellow musician and friend Carl ‘CJ’ Jones and Anthony ‘Redds’ Williams, Doc joined the popular D.C. Go-Go group Redds & The Boys as their keyboard player. He composed the Washington D.C. Go-Go classic ‘Movin & Groovin’ with members of the group. ‘Movin and Groovin’ would turn out to Doc’s first composition to enter the Billboard charts.
His next recording, songwriting, and producing endeavors were along side his mentors, Al Johnson (The Unifics, Norman Connors), Terry Stubbs (Sly Slick & The Wicked, The OJays), and Tom Tom 84 (Earth Wind & Fire, Phil Collins). Doc went on to compose, record and produce chart-topping songs for The O’Jays, The Whispers, The Dells and more including his first #1 Billboard R&B chart hit ‘Have You Had Your Love today for the OJays.
As a base guitarist, Doc Pearson recorded with top tier local and national musicians such as drummers Freddie White (Earth Wind & Fire), Rick Wellman (Miles Davis, Chuck Brown), William “JuJu” House (Grace Jones, EU), Jay Williams (Dave Coz, Jonathon Butler) keyboardist, Kevin Bond (Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams) guitarist Mike Scott (Prince, Justin Timberlake), Tom Crosby (Peaches & Herb), and many more.
After his 1990 spiritual conversion, Doc and his wife Lamar formed IAM Music Company LLC to release his brand of inspirational music. IAM Music Company’s CD releases and music videos have inspired thousands of downloads, music streams, and video views, all while topping Billboard’s Gospel Album charts. Derrick Doc Pearson and IAM Music Company have received numerous awards and accolades including: Three Top 10 Billboard Gospel Album Chart positions, a Stellar Award Nomination, seven Rhythm of Gospel Award Nominations, the 2016 Akaaemia Best Contemporary Christian/ Gospel Song Award, six Independent Radio Alliance Award nominations, an EnSound Music Award, and more.
Of all Derrick ‘Doc’ Pearson’s many musical accomplishments, he insists that he is most proud of his 39-year marriage to his wife Lamar and his two daughters Shakina and Shari. When asked about his future, he states: “I still have more work to do, as God is not through with me yet”. He holds true to God’s promise in scripture that, “He who began a good work in me, shall complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). With more left for him to share, listeners, praisers, worshipers and fans can look forward to more great music from Derrick ‘Doc’ Pearson and IAM Music Company in the near future.