IRA DEAN

“Ira is one of those rare guys that can do it all…[including]a world-class hit songwriter.” 

~ Ronnie Dunn

Missin’ How It Used To Be, the new single from multifaceted musician and acclaimed songwriter, Ira Dean, embodies soul-searching maturity and a respectful emotional node to the past.  Produced by Grammy award winning, Noah Gordon, and co-written by Ira and Dave Turnball, the song’s moving message was inspired in part by Ira’s late mama Jean.  The lyrics, hook-laden melody, perfect instrumentation, and Ira’s authentic performance, (as well as beautifully shot office video) will move your listeners to reach for the Kleenex box. 

“I can’t tell you just how much I miss those times growing up in a town where you said the Pledge of Allegiance every morning and played outside with your friends all evening, and the only rule was to be home when the streetlights came on. I wrote this song with my friend Dave Turnbull shortly after my mom passed away… and the memories just came flooding back during this write, and it was hard holding back the tears. My mom was the most amazing woman on the planet. She raised 5 of us by herself, worked 2 jobs, and never had a driver’s license.   I hope it paints the picture of my life growing up, my Neil Diamond and Elvis loving mom, and how much I miss them,” shares Ira.

Dean’s musical talent became widely recognized when he joined the dynamic country music trio Trick Pony in the late 1990s. Serving as the bassist and contributing vocalist for the group, Dean played a pivotal role in shaping Trick Pony's signature sound. During his time with Trick Pony, Dean co-wrote some of their most successful songs, including "Pour Me", "On a Mission", and "Just What I Do". 

 

The trio's achievements, including winning the American Music Award forʼ “Top New Artist” and the Country Music Association’s “Artist of the Year” solidified their place in the country music landscape. Following his Trick Pony era, Ira embarked on a solo career, showcasing his versatility and musical depth. His debut solo album was released in 2015. Dean has recorded with such greats as Hank Williams Jr., Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Alison Krauss, Darius Rucker, Emmy Lou Harris, Mel Tillis, Jamey Johnson, Edwin McCain, Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton, Uncle Kracker, Ronnie Milsap, Lee Roy Parnell and many more.

Beyond his roles as a performer and instrumentalist, Ira Dean established himself as a prolific songwriter, collaborating with fellow musicians and contributing his creative talents to various projects. Dean has had songs recorded by Ronnie Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Joe Nichols, Chris Young, Trace Adkins, Colt Ford, Heidi Newfield, Jake Owen, Gary Allan, including his hit single: “Feeling Like That”. He has had 7 songs cut by Montgomery Gentry, including their hit single “One In Every Crowd” and "Keep The Kids". Dean co-wrote Aaron Lewis’ #1 hit “Am I The Only One”, and co-produced Lewis’ #1 album Frayed At Both Ends.

With his new album, I Got Roads, slated for release September 2024, Dean is ready to tell his entire story his way. Featuring John Osborne, Vince Gil, Ronnie Dunn, Gretchen Wilson and more, I Got Roads is a tale of redemption, growth and finding happiness.

Whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes as a songwriter, Dean continues to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.