Dean's professional career launched as the lead singer/songwriter of the Canadian pop/rock group "The Arrows" in 1981. An independent record release "Misunderstood" co-produced by "Daniel Lanois" at "Grant Avenue Studios" was followed by a record deal with "A&M Records"
Writing/performing success followed for Dean and "The Arrows" with back to back albums.
"Stand Back"
- released in 1984 produced the hit single "Meet Me In The Middle".
"The Lines are Open"
- in 1985 produced the hit singles
"Talk Talk" and "Heart Of The City".During this period Dean had developed as a top songwriter in Canada. This change in career focus led quickly to international recognition for Dean as a hit songwriter. The following is a small sample of his hit song parade:
"Heaven Help My Heart"
Top 10 song for country superstar "Wynnona Judd" and Australian star "Tina Arena".
"Dark Horse"
..1 hit single for "Amanda Marshall"
Top 10 country hit for "Mila Mason".
credited as a "guaranteed hit song" by "Elton John" on the "Rosie O'Donnell Show"
"Birmingham"
Top 20 hit single for "Amanda Marshal".
"Unsung Hero"
Hit single for country star "Terri Clark" and Australian "Tina Arena".
"Trust Me (This is Love)"
Top 10 hit single for "Amanda Marshal"
Also recorded by Australians "Rick Price and Tina Arena" (duet) and Canadian Legend "Anne Murray".
"Wonder ..8"
Recorded by French superstar "Liane Foley", British girl/pop band "The Honeyz"
and Spanish group "Greta Y Los Garbo".
Dean's many accolades include multiple "ASCAP" awards, "SOCAN" awards and a two time "JUNO" nominee for "SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR".
Dean continues to be a prolific writer. His first solo record it was released early in 2002, including versions of his hit songs with a large number of brand new ones. Dean is currently working on a`new record to be released in the fall of 2005
Dean, thank you for adding me as one of your friends. Really appreciate your songwriting and the fact that you live near Durham, as i grew up just south in Holstein. Keep on writing those great tunes and maybe one day we will meet.
Hi Dean, just stopping by to say hi and introduce myself! Such a great body of work you've done, and so cool to be friends with you! If you get a chance, please visit me at myspace. Would be great to hear some feedback! Thanks:) Rick K.
HI thnx for the friendship and it’s nice to know you! Think it’s nice to be connected with musicians all over the world. In music we are all alike and speak the same language!!! I think you have very nice music, I enjoyed listening to it…… really sounds GREAT ….love it !! Greets from D E E Z E L (Belgium) and lots of luck in every thing you do!! If you can find the time check out my music too (thnx)
Sherry & I just returned last week from the CCMA's in Regina. Now that we've finally caught up on our sleep we will get out that CD for you. We have our CD launch party next Saturday and a few other projects on the go. Hope to have Sean Hogan and a few other artists coming up this way plus working on a songwriters workshop with Steve Wilkinson. Things are going great for us, we will keep in touch.
Hey Dean, my name is Jared Cechanowicz, we met when you were in Saskatoon giving a songwriting retreat with James Dean Hicks and Ralph Murphy. It was a fantastic experience, and I learned so much from your advice. Thank you so much for your time. I'm glad to have found you here on Myspace!