I speak with hit songwriter and producer Barry Dean, who, with four #1 hits, many singles, and countless cuts, somehow manages to act like an earnest kid grateful for the chance to take his shot.
His songs have been recorded by Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Alison Krauss, Jon Pardi, Ingrid Michaelson, Brothers Osbourne, and many, many others. In one of the podcast’s most illuminating guests to date, Barry discusses his unusual path to success — he didn’t move to Nashville until he was 38 — and how his approach to collaboration has evolved through the years.
He also digs into a couple of the details for some of his best known co-writes, like “Daydrinking” (Little Big Town) and “God and Country Music” (George Straight), and is quick to sing the praises of his frequent collaborators — Lori McKenna, Luke Laird, and Natalie Hemby, among others. This intro doesn’t do justice to the caliber of the conversation we had. Barry is full of insight, wisdom and humility.
You just gotta listen.
Find Barry:
MCP episodes are always free. If you like what you see and hear, consider these ways to support this podcast and help us continue to bring these weekly conversations — with talented entrepreneurially-minded creatives in music, film and writing — to you:
Subscribe to the MCP on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RSS. If you enjoy us, rate 5 stars on Apple Podcast and post a review.
Become a paid subscriber to The Morse Code Substack.
What did you think of this episode? I would love to hear from you - comment below!
~ Korby
Share this post