Summers was born in New Albany, Mississippi, in 1940. Her family relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1952, where she attended Kingsbury Jr. High School. She also attended Humes High School before her family relocated to Dallas, Texas. She was an active member of Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) as both a songwriter and publisher affiliate from 1965. She was co-owner of Silicon Music Publishing, and many of her compositions have been recorded by various artists.
In 1977 she wrote "Goodbye Priscilla (Bye Bye Baby Blue)" as a tribute to Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley. The song was issued by Tear Drop Records in 1977 and became one of her best-known compositions. The "Goodbye Priscilla" 45 is now highly collectible and has been issued on several Elvis Presley tribute compilation albums and CDs. She later met with Priscilla Presley and personally presented her with a copy of the original 45rpm record.
Summers was profiled in the Dictionary of International Biography (1982 Edition published by IBC Cambridge). She was also profiled in Songwriter's Market (1979–Present) published by Writer's Digest Books.
Deanna Summers was married to Rockabilly musician Gene Summers from 1961 until her death in 2017.[1] They have three sons Dusty, Steve and Shawn.
Her compositions include: "Ballad Of Moondog Mayne"; "Baby Please Tell Me Why"; "Crazy Cat Corner"; ""Domino"; "Don't Let Me Down Baby"; "Goodbye Priscilla (Bye Bye Baby Blue)"; "Honey Your Mind's Working Overtime"; "Hot Pants"; "I Love A Mystery"; "Just Together"; "Long Story Song"; "My Yearbook"; "Rat Fink"; "Rockin' Fever"; "So"; "Still The Grand Ole Opry Queen"; "Who Stole The Marker (From The Grave Of Bonnie Parker)".