Teri DeSario Net Worth: The Journey of a Versatile Singer-Songwriter

Teri DeSario is a name that may not be universally recognized, but her voice has touched millions. As the artist behind the 1980 duet “Yes, I’m Ready” with KC of KC and the Sunshine Band, she achieved a level of pop success that many artists only dream of. However, her story is far more complex than that of a one-hit wonder. From her early days performing medieval music to a Grammy-nominated gospel career and a life as a music educator, DeSario’s journey is one of artistic exploration and resilience.

According to multiple published estimates, Teri DeSario’s net worth is not publicly documented. As a private individual who has spent decades primarily in music education and ministry, she does not have a publicly reported net worth. Any figures found online are speculative and should not be considered reliable. Her true wealth lies in her extensive musical catalog and the lives she has touched as a teacher and performer.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Full Name	Teri Lynn DeSario
Date of Birth	November 27, 1951
Age (as of 2026)	74 years old
Place of Birth	Miami, Florida, USA
Nationality	American
Genres	Folk, Jazz, Disco, Pop, Contemporary Christian Music
Occupation	Singer-Songwriter, Music Educator, Vocal Coach
Years Active	1970–present
Instruments	Vocals, Harp, Recorder
Known For	“Yes, I’m Ready” (duet with KC) and “Ain’t Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You”
Spouse	Bill Purse (husband, musician/producer)
Net Worth	Not publicly documented

Who Is Teri DeSario?

Teri DeSario is an American singer-songwriter and music educator who has worked across multiple genres over her five-decade career. Born in Miami, Florida, she began her musical journey early, studying classical voice at Barry University at the age of 13 and launching her professional career at 18.

DeSario is best known for her 1980 hit duet “Yes, I’m Ready” with Harry Wayne Casey (KC) of KC and the Sunshine Band, which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks. She also had success with her 1978 debut single “Ain’t Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You,” written by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. In 1986, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Gospel Performance for her album Voices in the Wind.

Beyond her recording career, DeSario has been a dedicated music educator, teaching voice and performing with various groups in the United States and Germany.

Early Life and Family Background

A Musical Upbringing

Teri Lynn DeSario was born on November 27, 1951, in Miami, Florida. She grew up in a musically rich environment, with her father being an audiophile who played Frank Sinatra records and her mother bonding with her over the rhythms of Ravel’s Bolero.

Music was a constant companion from the very beginning. As she later wrote in her biography, she grew up “to the sounds of music,” from the symphonies of cicadas to the ocean waves, and from her early exposure to jazz and classical music.

Early Education and Training

At the age of 13, DeSario began studying classical voice at Barry University in Miami. This early training provided her with a strong technical foundation that would serve her well across multiple genres. By the age of 18, she had started her professional career as a singer-songwriter, performing in coffee houses, hotels, and bars throughout Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

She also studied jazz voice at the University of Miami, further expanding her musical knowledge. However, restless to sing and perform, she withdrew from the university to dedicate herself fully to writing and performing.

Career Beginnings

The Early Music Consort

At age 20, DeSario joined the Early Music Consort, a group specializing in medieval and Renaissance music. She served as a vocalist and played both recorder and harp with the group from 1970 to 1977. The group was headed by scholar and Pro Musica member Arnold Grayson.

This six-year period was formative, exposing her to early music traditions and expanding her understanding of vocal technique and musical expression. The experience also showcased her versatility as a multi-instrumentalist.

The Folk and Jazz Years

After her time with the Early Music Consort, DeSario began her popular career as a singer-songwriter in the folk genre, later expanding her love of folk music with a passion for jazz. She performed with her jazz fusion band in Coconut Grove, Miami, where she would soon experience a life-changing encounter.

Rise to Fame

The Barry Gibb Connection

One night in 1977, while performing with her band in Coconut Grove, a long-haired man walked into the club and claimed to be the producer of the Bee Gees. To everyone’s surprise, he actually was. Albhy Galuten, a producer for the Bee Gees, heard DeSario sing and took her demo tape to Barry Gibb.

Barry Gibb was so inspired by DeSario’s vocals that he wrote a song specifically for her. “Ain’t Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You” was released in 1978 and became her first hit single. The song reached number 43 on the U.S. pop charts and was later remixed as a disco track that became popular in clubs around the world.

Her debut album, Pleasure Train, was released in 1978 and featured the Gibb-penned hit. Despite the modest chart success of the single, the album established her as a promising new artist.

The Duet with KC and “Yes, I’m Ready”

Despite the success of her debut, DeSario hadn’t fully enjoyed the recording experience and wanted a new direction. It was then that she reconnected with an old schoolmate from her teenage years: Harry Wayne Casey, better known as KC of KC and the Sunshine Band.

The duo collaborated on her second album, Moonlight Madness (1979), with Casey serving as producer and guest artist. They recorded a cover of Barbara Mason’s 1965 hit “Yes, I’m Ready.” When they heard the final mix, they knew they had something special.

Released in 1980, “Yes, I’m Ready” became a massive hit. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100, topped the Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks, and was certified gold. The song earned DeSario appearances on American Bandstand with The Captain and Tennille and KC; The Midnight Special with Tom Jones; and Solid Gold hosted by the Pointer Sisters.

Follow-up singles, including the title track “Moonlight Madness” and a remake of “Dancin’ in the Streets,” charted but did not make the Billboard Top 40. By the end of 1980, her hit “Yes, I’m Ready” had granted her one-hit wonder status in the eyes of some critics, as the disco era was making its exit.

Major Works and Career Highlights

Albums

Pleasure Train (1978) – Debut album featuring the Barry Gibb-penned single “Ain’t Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You.”
Moonlight Madness (1979) – Second album featuring the gold-certified duet “Yes, I’m Ready” with KC.
Caught (1980) – Third album reflecting her situation with Casablanca Records.
Relationships (unreleased) – Fourth album shelved when the record company changed directions.
A Call to Us All (1984) – First contemporary Christian album, co-written with Bill Purse.
Voices in the Wind (1985) – Second contemporary Christian album, earning a Grammy nomination.
Overnight Success (Japan-only release)
Laughing Medusa Theme Series, Vol. 1 (1993) – Executive producer role.

Hit Singles

Year	Song	Chart Performance
1978	“Ain’t Nothing Going to Keep Me From You”	#43 Billboard Hot 100
1980	“Yes, I’m Ready” (with KC)	#2 Billboard Hot 100, #1 Adult Contemporary, #20 R&B, Gold

Transition to Contemporary Christian Music

After the disco era faded, DeSario underwent a period of soul-searching. She had seen many of her dreams realized and had the privilege of working with outstanding musicians, but the fast lane of the music industry had taken its toll. She slowed down enough to reconnect with the faith of her childhood.

In the mid-1980s, she signed with Word Records/Dayspring and released two contemporary Christian albums. A Call to Us All (1984) and Voices in the Wind (1985) were co-written with and produced by her husband, Bill Purse. The latter earned her a Grammy nomination in 1986 for Best Female Gospel Performance.

DeSario’s Christian music became increasingly introspective and began to challenge conservative Christianity. By 1986, she requested to be released from her contract with Word Records, seeking greater artistic freedom.

Career Timeline

Year	Event
1951	Born on November 27 in Miami, Florida
1964	Began studying classical voice at Barry University
1969	Started professional career as a singer-songwriter
1970–1977	Vocalist and harpist with the Early Music Consort
1977	Discovered by Bee Gees producer Albhy Galuten
1978	Released debut single “Ain’t Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You” and album Pleasure Train
1979	Released second album Moonlight Madness
1980	Released gold-certified duet “Yes, I’m Ready” with KC
1980	Released third album Caught
1984	Released contemporary Christian album A Call to Us All
1985	Released Voices in the Wind
1986	Nominated for Grammy Award for Best Female Gospel Performance
1986	Requested release from Word Records contract
1993	Executive producer for Laughing Medusa Theme Series, Vol. 1
1996	Earned MFA in Vocal Performance from California Institute of the Arts
1997–2013	Lived in Hamburg, Germany, teaching and performing
2013	Returned to South Florida to resume teaching

Awards and Recognition

Gold Certification: “Yes, I’m Ready” (1980)
Grammy Nomination: Best Female Gospel Performance for Voices in the Wind (1986)
Billboard Adult Contemporary #1: “Yes, I’m Ready” (2 weeks)
Billboard Hot 100 #2: “Yes, I’m Ready” (1980)

Business Ventures

Music Education and Teaching

After her recording career slowed down, DeSario dedicated herself to music education. From 1997 to 2013, she lived in Hamburg, Germany, where she taught voice and performed with various groups. Upon returning to South Florida in 2013, she resumed teaching and mentoring aspiring singers.

She earned an MFA in vocal performance from the California Institute of the Arts in 1996, further qualifying her as a music educator.

Executive Production

In 1993, DeSario took her talents to production, serving as executive producer for the Laughing Medusa Theme Series, Vol. 1 release. Her husband Bill Purse handled synthesizer, piano, arranging, and engineering roles.

Personal Life

Marriage to Bill Purse

Teri DeSario married horn player, arranger, and composer Bill Purse. Together, they founded a pop-folk-jazz collaborative called Abacus. Her husband played a significant role in her career, co-writing and producing her contemporary Christian albums and collaborating on various projects.

Residence

DeSario lived in Hamburg, Germany, for 16 years (1997–2013) before returning to South Florida.

Current Activities

DeSario continues to teach voice and music, sharing her decades of experience with a new generation of singers. She also remains active in performance and creative projects.

Teri DeSario Net Worth

Teri DeSario’s net worth is not publicly documented. As a private individual who has primarily worked in music education and ministry rather than as a mainstream commercial artist, she does not have a publicly reported net worth.

Sources of Income

While her exact net worth is unknown, DeSario has had multiple sources of income over her career:

Record Sales and Royalties: Her hit “Yes, I’m Ready” was certified gold and continues to generate royalties through streaming and airplay.
Album Sales: Her albums, particularly Pleasure Train and Moonlight Madness, contributed to her income.
Live Performances: She performed at clubs, concert halls, and television appearances.
Music Education: As a vocal coach and music educator, she has earned income from teaching.
Executive Production: Her work as executive producer on various projects provided additional income.
Guest Appearances: She appeared on albums by other artists.

Interesting Facts About Teri DeSario

Teri DeSario was born on November 27, 1951, making her 74 years old as of 2026.
She studied classical voice at Barry University at the age of 13.
She played harp and recorder with the Early Music Consort, a medieval and Renaissance music group, for six years.
Her debut single, “Ain’t Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You,” was written by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees.
She reconnected with her high school classmate Harry Wayne Casey (KC) to record the duet “Yes, I’m Ready.”
“Yes, I’m Ready” peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold.
She was nominated for a Grammy in 1986 for Best Female Gospel Performance.
She lived in Hamburg, Germany, for 16 years from 1997 to 2013.
She earned an MFA in vocal performance from the California Institute of the Arts in 1996.
She appeared on American Bandstand, The Midnight Special, and Solid Gold in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
She has been married to musician and producer Bill Purse, with whom she collaborated on various projects.
She transitioned to contemporary Christian music in the mid-1980s, releasing two albums with Word Records.

Legacy and Influence

Teri DeSario’s legacy is one of remarkable versatility and artistic integrity. She moved effortlessly between genres, from medieval music to folk, jazz, disco, pop, and contemporary Christian music, demonstrating a vocal and creative range that few artists possess.

Though she is often remembered as a one-hit wonder for “Yes, I’m Ready,” her career was far more than that single success. She worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Barry Gibb and KC, and earned a Grammy nomination. Her decision to step away from the commercial fast lane and pursue music education and ministry reflects a deep commitment to artistic and personal authenticity.

As a teacher and mentor, she has shaped the careers of countless aspiring singers. Her influence extends not just through her recordings but also through the lives she has touched as an educator. In an industry that often prioritizes fame over substance, Teri DeSario chose a path of depth and meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Teri DeSario’s net worth?

Teri DeSario’s net worth is not publicly documented. As a private individual who has primarily worked in music education and ministry, she does not have a publicly reported net worth. Any figures found online are speculative and should not be considered reliable.

How old is Teri DeSario?

Teri DeSario was born on November 27, 1951, making her 74 years old as of 2026.

What is Teri DeSario known for?

Teri DeSario is best known for her 1980 duet “Yes, I’m Ready” with KC of KC and the Sunshine Band. She also had a hit with “Ain’t Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You,” written by Barry Gibb, and was nominated for a Grammy in 1986 for Best Female Gospel Performance.

Who is Teri DeSario’s husband?

Teri DeSario is married to Bill Purse, a horn player, arranger, and composer. They collaborated on various musical projects and co-wrote her contemporary Christian albums.

Where is Teri DeSario from?

Teri DeSario was born and raised in Miami, Florida.

Did Teri DeSario win a Grammy?

No, Teri DeSario was nominated for a Grammy in 1986 for Best Female Gospel Performance for her album Voices in the Wind but did not win.

What genre of music does Teri DeSario sing?

Teri DeSario has sung across multiple genres, including folk, jazz, disco, pop, and contemporary Christian music.

What instruments does Teri DeSario play?

Teri DeSario played harp and recorder with the Early Music Consort in addition to singing.

Where does Teri DeSario live now?

Teri DeSario currently resides in South Florida after returning from 16 years in Hamburg, Germany.

Is Teri DeSario still active in music?

Yes, Teri DeSario continues to teach voice and music, sharing her expertise with new generations of singers.

Conclusion

Teri DeSario’s journey from a young classical voice student in Miami to a Grammy-nominated artist and dedicated music educator is a story of talent, versatility, and artistic integrity. With a career spanning over five decades, she has worked across multiple genres, collaborated with music legends, and touched countless lives as a teacher and performer.

While her net worth remains undocumented, her true value lies in her musical legacy. Her hit “Yes, I’m Ready” continues to be played and loved, and her influence as a teacher will be felt for generations. In an industry that often celebrates the fleeting fame of a one-hit wonder, Teri DeSario built a career of substance and meaning, one that goes far beyond the charts.

Teri DeSario is not just a singer of a hit song; she is a versatile artist, a dedicated educator, and a testament to the power of following one’s artistic path.