IRA DEAN

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

~ Ronnie Dunn

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Ira Dean has unveiled his most personal song yet, releasing the title track from his new album I Got Roads, with guest vocals from Gary Allan.

 

The song is Dean’s unflinching account of loss, survival, and the hard paths he has walked to find peace.

For Dean, the song’s origins go back to one of the darkest nights of his life. After winning a major industry award for one of the most-played country songs of the year, he went to share the news with his father, only to find that his father had taken his own life that evening. The devastation of that discovery shaped the years that followed, leading Dean through struggles with mental health and addiction before he eventually found sobriety, family stability, and a sense of redemption.

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“This song is about more than just roads-it’s about survival, scars, and trying to make sense of the things that nearly broke me,” Dean explains. “Gary Allan’s voice brought a raw honesty that matches the story I’ve been carrying for years. It’s not easy to share, but I believe there’s healing in telling the truth.”

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.