I've often spoken about the unsung heroes of country music, these mythical creatures called songwriters.
One such individual is legendary songwriter (and sometime singer), Dean Dillon (pictured on the left) from East Tennessee. A childhood plagued with hardships only strengthened this man enough to hitchhike to Nashville in 1973 to write songs, and that childhood has also burdened his heart with enough sorrow to give him a sentimental edge to his soulful, melodic approach to songwriting.
Nashville was an uphill battle for this young stranger but a chance meeting in the early part of the 80s put Dean Dillon in the driver seat.... and the rest is history.....But the Dean Dillon story cannot be told without mentioning King George Strait (on the right). Dean's songs have been featured on ALL of Strait's albums..... over 60 songs and counting.
You will not find a songwriter in Nashville today more celebrated than Dean Dillon who is out there still...still trying to write the next great song. Dean is a songwriter's songwriter and he is not shy to co-write with artists or other great songsmiths such as Hank Cochran or Linda Hargrove. His songs have been recorded by Alabama, Gary Stewart, Brooks and Dunn, David Allan Coe, George Jones, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Vern Gosdin and soooooo many others.
Oh yes! I almost forgot, you know that Tennessee Whiskey song you hear in every damn bar..... yea! Dean co-wrote that. The song was first recorded by David Allan Coe back in the early 80s.
This week I will talk about the story behind Tennessee Whiskey and the many other great songs written by Dean Dillon. I'll talk about the man and I'll also talk about his special relationship with George Strait (we will be hearing A LOT of Strait's music). Trust me, the story of Dean Dillon is an amazing tale of one man's rise from the ashes that led him to his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame... the stories are abundant, with twists and curves along the way. To tell you the truth! as I'm writing this show right now...I can see that this one will rank among one of my favorites so far.
Don't miss the incredible story of Dean Dillon and the great songs that go along with it... you will not be sorry one bit.