America represents a vast variety of musical genres – folk, jazz, rap, pop, bluegrass and more can be heard on the radios, iPods and CD players of the American people. But there is no genre of music that is more authentically American than country music – this is the music that really gets to the heart and soul of the American Dream. Many, many artists have performed country music and tried to leave a mark on it. Some have failed. Some have succeeded – and few country stars have been more impactful on their genre of music than Billy Dean. Now, this record breaking country classic is making his home in Branson – and you won’t want to miss the chance to see him perform his hits!
Billy Dean (William Harold Dean Jr.) was born in Quincy, Florida in 1962. His famed country music career first began when this talented, true blue performer appeared on Star Search, a televised talent competition – but Billy had been performing in his father’s band since the age of eight. After gaining national attention from the show, Billy Dean went on to record eight of his own albums, three of which are gold status in the recording world. Billy Dean had eleven Top 10 Hits on the Billboard country charts, and also gained fame from a couple of guest vocalist performances in hit country songs. Some of Billy Dean’s smash hits include ‘Only Here for a Little While,’ ‘Only the Wind’ and ‘Billy the Kid.’ Now, he is performing these and other country classics with his band, the Steel Horses, right here in Branson, Missouri, the Live Entertainment Capital of the Midwest.
This year marks Billy’s second season of performing at the Starlite Theater in Branson with the Steel Horses and comedian Jarrett Dougherty – and according to Branson Tri-Lake News, he feels right at home. “…What I love about being here is the chance to be surrounded by real country music fans and authentic cowboys,” he said. “I love the cowboy culture, it is a romantic part of our history and it is very American, and sometimes it is in style and sometimes, like now, it isn’t, but now seems like a great time to jump right in.”
In fact, Billy Dean likes Branson and the Show Me State so much, he will be relocating here full time. His Tennessee ranch, Dean Acres, has been listed on the market and Billy expresses great excitement about moving here to continue his strong musical career. He is quickly becoming a treasured part of the Branson/Tri-Lakes community, having participated in several marketing campaigns, and both hosted and performed local charity events. “I will gladly pick the torch up and run with it,” Dean reported to the Branson Tri-Lake News. “I want to promote Branson as a whole, not just our theater, because that way everybody wins. I want to get the message out that there are plenty of things to do in this town, regardless of whether they come see my show or not.”
Of course, Billy Dean’s show is one you won’t want to miss – so book your tickets today to see this country music star who now calls the great town of Branson home!
