Raised in a farming community, Billy Dean songs were the result accumulated by many influences such as Dan Fogelberg, Merle Haggard, Marty Robbins, and James Taylor.
The country singer started his career in music by joining national contests – until he made it in on Ed McMahon’s Star Search program in 1988, winning as the Best Male Vocalist. His success on the show landed him a recording contract and the release of his debut album in 1990, which delivered the first of several gold records.
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Billy Dean went on with his career selling more than five albums worldwide, more than top ten singles – with five of them reaching No. 1. He also received accolades and nominations from the Grammy Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and so much more.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of his greatest hits throughout the years. Keep on scrolling below.
1. Only Here for a Little While
“Only Here For a Little While” was released as the second single off his debut album, the song brought Dean to stardom as it reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart – where it spent more than twenty weeks. In the song, Dean sings to “pray what needs prayin’, say what needs sayin’, cause we’re only here for a little while.”
2. Somewhere in My Broken Heart
Dean wrote the song with songwriter Richard Leigh in 1989 and was then recorded by country star Randy Travis – however, it was never released. Three years later, Dean released the song as a single.
“Somewhere in My Broken Heart” tells the story of a man dedicated to the love of his life, despite her wish to move on, redefine herself, and look for a new love.
3. If There Hadn’t Been You
Reaching No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Country chart, “If There Hadn’t Been You” comes with the same interesting music video that was filmed at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway in New York City. In the video, you will see Dean performing on the theater’s stage, balcony, and parking garage.
4. You Don’t Count the Cost
Written by Tom Shapiro and Chris Waters, “You Don’t Count the Cost” sings about love’s deepest meanings and simplest forms.
5. Only the Wind
This song spent twenty incredible weeks on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, peaking at No. 4. What makes this song stand out is the way it uses the analogy of the usual childhood fear about a windstorm to describe a young man’s failing relationship with his lover.
6. Billy the Kid
Before Dean became the country star that we all know today, he grew up in the Florida Panhandle, where they spent most of the time outside enjoying the outdoors as a child and just trying to entertain themselves in a lot of ways. Dean channeled that childhood memory into this song, which peaked at No. 4 on the country charts.
7. Tryin’ to Hide a Fire in the Dark
Dean finds himself falling in love with someone else despite having a romantic partner. It was released as the first single off his third studio album and reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
8. I Wouldn’t Be a Man
Ever since Don Williams recorded the song in 1987, it has been covered by several notable artists. Dean released his version that same year, bringing the song to No. 45 on the country charts, where it spent fourteen weeks.
Dean’s version received favorable reviews. Billboard magazine’s Deborah Evans Price said that while it’s impossible to top the original version, Dean managed to do a “more than adequate job.”
9. Let Them Be Little
Dean’s only entry on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, the song celebrates children’s innocence while at the same time letting their parents know how precious they are. It gives the perfect advice for adults to show their children love and affection while they’re still young.
10. We Just Disagree
Originally recorded by English singer-guitarist Dave Mason, Dean covered the song in 1993 and brought the song to No. 9 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. It was released as the final single off his third studio album.
More Country Flavored Billy Dean Songs You Need to Check Out
While Billy Dean may have taken a break from his music to spend time with his family, his passion for songwriting and performing never faded away. So, in 1996, he came back stronger than ever. Here are some more of his songs for an incredible musical experience.
So, which among these Billy Dean songs do you think you’re going to play the most?
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