Follow Dean at:


&
www.twitter.com/deanstrickland


Click here for upcoming performance dates
To hear "Green Trees" click play:
To hear "I'm Sorry I Missed Your Call (Your Hitchhiking Guitarman)" click play:
To hear "Good Folks Who Love Jesus" click play:

To hear "Forever" click play:

To hear "That Very Sad Sixth Day Of May (At Poodie's Hilltop Roadhouse)" with Doug Moreland on fiddle click play:

Note: I send the lyrics to my songs, along with a cassette recording of the words and music to the United States Copyright Office before I post them online. Dean

Then later that night, Dean performed as scheduled at Cedar Hall in Lockhart, Texas. On March 30, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at the 6th Annual Celebration Of Life & Music (Tom B. Webb IV Fundraiser) in Luling, Texas. On March 29, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at the 5th Annual Rites Of Spring Festival in Lockhart, Texas, and was photographed by

ABOVE: Photos of Dean Strickland performing at the Rites Of Spring Festival in Lockhart, Texas on March 29, 2008 taken by Crawford Morgan
On March 27, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at the Korner Bar in Lockhart, Texas. On March 28, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at Javamotion in Lockhart, Texas. On March 26, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at the Sunshine Cafe in Lockhart, Texas. On March 25, 2008, Dean received an online review of his "Hitchhiking Guitarman" CD at:
On March 25, 2008, Dean received an email from Tommy Webb of the
saying "We would like to have you onstage" on March 30, 2008 at 11:50am., and, Dean replied saying he would be there and put it on his schedule. On March 22, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at the Albert Ice House in Albert, Texas. On March 21, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Railway Saloon in Kingsbury, Texas. On March 19, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at Austin St. Live in Seguin, Texas.
Thank you, Crawford Morgan of Lockhart, Texas for taking me to the Department of Public Safety in San Marcos, Texas on March 19, 2008 where I took and passed the driver license written and driving exam, and for letting me use your car.
On March 18, 2008, Dean's story and photograph was published in
The Daily Texan write up on Dean Strickland

While in Lockhart, Texas on March 17, 2008, Dean wrote his song:
Beautiful Memories

CHORUS:
You left me lonely
And I still don't know why
We were only fighting
Like lovers do sometimes

You pushed my buttons
And saw the worst in me
Now I'm left alone with nothing
But beautiful memories

Like when you walked up to me then
And introduced yourself
I sang you my new religious hymn
That I had penned myself

When I had been traveling alone
Praying for someone like you
And like an answered prayer from the throne
Fate would have us introduced

And you like me free spirited
Wanted to travel the world
So there we were together in this
Hardly knowing each other

CHORUS

On the road for hundreds of miles we rode
Having fun along the way
Each different day would bring us more and more close
As you stood by me when I sang

You understood that I was just starting
To follow my life long dream
And you supported it whole heartedly
By investing both love and money

And for that I am so appreciative
You are more than just a friend
Now here I am wishing you were here
Why you're not I still don't understand

CHORUS

I'm left alone with nothing
But beautiful memories

©2008 Dean Strickland
On March 17, 2008, Dean ran the following ad in LoneStarMusic Magazine.

ABOVE: Dean Strickland/Hitchhiking Guitarman CD ad
On March 15, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at the Korner Bar in Lockhart, Texas. After that, Dean caught a ride to Lockhart, Texas. Then, Dean caught a ride to Austin, Texas and performed as scheduled at Hill's Cafe.

ABOVE: Photos of Dean Strickland at Hill's Cafe in Austin, Texas on March 14, 2008 taken by Carmen Pasch
On March 7, 2008, over the phone, Dean got himself booked to perform at The Route 66 Roadhouse located at 609 S. Independence St. in Amarillo, Texas on May 7, 2008 from 9:30pm.-1:30am. On March 12, 2008, Dean did the Eli Gemini Show at Charter Communications Television-Cable & Satellite Public Access Channel 25 in Denton, Texas on which he gave an interview and performed his songs "My Daddy's Son" and "All The Means We'd Need". After that, Dean caught a ride to Denton, Texas where on March 11, 2008 he walked into Recycled Books Records CDs and made his Hitchhiking Guitarman CDs available for purchase, also outside at the Denton County Courthouse gave an interview to Mary Lingwall, reporter for the Daily Texan, The University of Texas at Austin newspaper. Also on March 5, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at the Railway Saloon in Kingsbury, Texas, and afterward got himself booked to perform there again on March 21, 2008 from 8pm.-midnight. On March 5, 2008, Dean caught a ride to Seguin, Texas and walked into Austin St. Live located at 109 N. Austin St., and after doing a live audition for owner Chris Maddox got himself booked to perform there on March, 19, 2008 from 8pm.-midnight. On March 4, 2008, Linda Springfield arranged for Dean to perform that night at Werner's Steak House & Bar located at 1711 S. Colorado in Lockhart, Texas from 7-9pm. On March 4, 2008, Dean started using the following 8X10 as his publicity shot:

ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland in Albert, Texas on March 1, 2008 taken by Carmen Pasch
On March 3, 2008, Dean called Luckenbach, Texas and spoke to Abbey Road who booked him to perform there on June 16, 2008, during Pickin' & Grillin' starting at 7pm. On March 3, 2008, Dean received a phone call from Mike Kennedy, Administrator of the AFM Local 72, who booked Dean to perform at Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth, Texas as a Strolling musician on May 30, 2008 from 6-9pm. Dean's Hitchhiking Guitarman CD recieved an online review in March 2008 at
Also on March 2, 2008, Dean caught a ride to Lockhart, Texas and met with Coordinator Linda Springfield who booked him to perform at the Railway Saloon located at 620 Railway St. in Kingsbury, Texas at 7pm., also at the 5th Annual Rites Of Spring Festival Around The Square in Lockhart, Texas on March 29, 2008 from 4-6pm. On March 2, 2008, Dean caught a ride to Boerne, Texas and did a live audition for Catherine Bentley, owner of the Longbranch Saloon & Dancehall located at 817 N. Main St. and got himself booked to perform there on April 18, 2008 from 8pm.-midnight. In the March 2008 issue of the Country Music Club of Switzerland CMC NEWSLETTER was published a review of the Hitchhiking Guitarman CD by Dean Strickland.

The Country Music Club of Switzerland CMC NEWSLETTER CD Review of Hitchhiking Guitarman by Dean Strickland

On that same day, March 1, 2008, Dean caught a ride to
where he did a live audition at the Albert Ice House, and was booked to perform there on March 22, 2008 from 5-8pm. Also on March 1, 2008, Dean caught a ride to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) located at 103 Green Meadows Lane in Fredericksburg, Texas and did a live audition in front of Art Crenwelge, Commander VFW Post 7105, and was booked to perform there on April 19, 2008 from 9pm-midnight. Then later that night, Dean performed as scheduled at the Sisterdale Roadhouse in Sisterdale, Texas. On March 1, 2008, Dean showed up on time at the Lincoln Street Wine Market, and was told that the venue was closed temporarily. Then Dean, caught a ride to Fredericksburg, Texas for his scheduled performance at the Lincoln Street Wine Market located at 1111 Lincoln Street from 5-7pm. On February 28, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas, and got himself booked to perform there again on December 29, 2008. On February 27,2008, Dean received a call from the
located at 7000 Padre Blvd., and booked him to perform for a party there that night from 5-6:30pm, he performed as scheduled. On February 27, 2008, Dean's story was published in the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post.
The Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post write up on Dean Strickland

On February 26, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On February 23, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On February 21, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On February 19, 2008, Dean ran the following ad in LoneStarMusic Magazine:

ABOVE: Dean Strickland/Hitchhiking Guitarman CD ad (Photos of Dean Strickland on the beach at South Padre Island, Texas on February 7 & 9, 2008 taken by Carmen Pasch)

On February 18, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On February 17 & 18, 2008, Dean wrote his song:
My Daddy's Son

CHORUS:
My mama told me
Daddy would always
Write her poems when they were dating

And I'm the lucky one
'Cause he's the one from
Whom I got my talent for songwriting

At thirteen my parents
got me a cheap guitar
For Christmas it was my best ever present

Daddy taught me old Hank
And Willie and Waylon
And Johnny Cash they were some of his favorites

I couldn't wait to get older
And know all the better
Things they said I would know

I dreamed of being a cowboy
Singing and writing
And living life free on the road

I'd play traditional Country music
The same way I heard it
Back in the days of old

I learned from the albums
And records my dad had
We had a little band with a lot of Country soul

My mama played the steel guitar
My brother played bass
My daddy was my right had man

He had an old Sears & Roebuck
Semi-hollow body electric
Silvertone guitar and amp

Now many years later
Like I dreamed I'm on the road
My career is rolling like a freight train

I have a list of appearances
On television and radio
And live shows I committed to playing

Well, back when I started
It weren't nothing like this
My share of dues I've paid

I grew up poor my parents
Picked cotton they worked hard
For the beans and cornbread we ate

I didn't do well in school
I broke all the rules
I quit while I was failing

Then on my own I struck
Bought an old house and truck
Then one night threw that all away

At daybreak I hitched a ride
To Austin to try
My luck at the time I'd grown up

And more and more feeling sober
And thinkin' 'bout getting older
Was more important that staying home drunk

First I traveled around Texas
Then west to Los Angeles
Then I hitchhiked to Nashville, Tennessee

Where I met a lady
She knows how to love me
When I'm with her she makes me happy

CHORUS

©2008 Dean Strickland
On February 16, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On February 14, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On February 12, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On February 9, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On February 8, 2008, through email, Dean got himself booked to perform at The Korner Bar located at 312 Blackjack in Lockhart, Texas from 8pm. until midnight. On February 7, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On February 5, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On February 2, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On February 1, 2008, Dean decided to no longer sell his "Hitchhiking Guitarman" CDs on www.mytexasmusic.com. Dean's Hitchhiking Guitarman CD ad was published in the February/March 2008 issue of the LoneStarMusic Magazine.

The Lonestarmusic Magazine Dean Strickland Hitchhiking Guitarman 1/4 ad

In the February 2008 issue of North of the Border was published a review of the Hitchhiking Guitarman CD by Dean Strickland.

The North of the Border CD Review of Hitchhiking Guitarman by Dean Strickland

On February 1, 2008, www.lonestarmusic.com posted the following Dean Strickland banner on it's Website:

The Lonestarmusic Magazine banner for Dean Strickland's Hitchhiking Guitarman

Through email on February 1, 2008, Dean got himself booked to appear as a guest on The Eli Gemini Show on Charter Communications Television-Cable & Satellite Public Access Channel 25 located at 205 Industrial St. in Denton, Texas on March 12, 2008. On February 1, 2008, Dean appeared on CMT's Gone Country - "Cooking Up a MuzikMafia Showdown" : Episode 2.

(Click video still above to watch interview)
ABOVE: Video still of Dean Strickland on CMT's Gone Country Episode 2
Late at night on January 31, 2008, Dean appeared on VH1 on Gone Country.

(Click video still above to watch interview)
ABOVE: Video still of Dean Strickland on Gone Country on VH1 on January 31, 2008

On January 30, 2008, Dean received a phone call from Raymond Hair, President of the AFM Local 72 who booked Dean to perform at the Main Street Arts Festival in downtown Fort Worth as a Strolling musician on April 19 & 20, 2008 from 11am.-2pm., also at the
in Denton, Texas on April 26, 2008 starting at 10:30am. On January 29, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. Through email on January 29, 2008, Dean got himself booked at Hill's Cafe located at 700 S Congress Ave. in Austin, Texas on March 14, 2008 from 7:30-10:30pm. On January 28, 2008, Dean's CD "Hitchhiking Guitarman" received a review from
On January 27, 2008, Dean's story and photo was published in the Island Breeze.


The Island Breeze write up on Dean Strickland

On January 26, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On January 26, 2008, Dean gave an interview to in person, and was photographed by Carl Phillips, Writer for the Island Breeze newspaper, at The Denny's Restaurant in South Padre Island, and Dean's story and photo was published in the Island Breeze Tourist Spotlight for January 27, 2008.

ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland at The Denny's Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas on January 26, 2008 taken by Carl Phillips
Dean's quote was also published online at
Dean's quote, "Country music has died if that's all I have to choose from." was published in the January 25, 2008 issue of
The Boston Globe
On January 25, 2008, Dean appeared for the first time on CMT's Gone Country - "Coming To My City" : Episode 1.

(Click video still above to watch interview)
ABOVE: Video still of Dean Strickland on CMT's Gone Country on January 25, 2008
Then from Bandera, Texas, Dean caught a ride to South Padre Island, Texas where he performed scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant on January 24, 2008. On January 23, 2008, Dean's story and photograph was published on the front page and in LIFESTYLES section of the Bandera Bulletin.

The Bandera Bulletin write up on Dean Strickland

Then Dean, caught a ride to Bandera, Texas for his gig at the The 11th Street Cowboy Bar where he performed as scheduled on January 23, 2008. On January 22, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. On January 19, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. Then Dean, caught a ride to South Padre Island, Texas where he performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant on January 17, 2008. On January 16, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The 11th Street Cowboy Bar in Bandera, Texas. Then Dean, caught a ride to Bandera, Texas for his gig at the The 11th Street Cowboy Bar on January 16, 2008. On January 15, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Texas Moon Restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas. Then Dean, caught a ride to South Padre Island, Texas for his gig at The Texas Moon Restaurant on February 15, 2008 from 6-8pm. On January 13, 2008, Dean caught a ride to Sisterdale, Texas where he did a live audition and got himself booked to perform at the
located at 1211 Sisterdale Hwy. from 9pm.-12am. On January 12, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The Waterhole Saloon in Garfield, Texas, and afterward got himself booked to perform there again on April 5, 2008 from 9pm-1am. On January 12, 2008, Dean caught a ride to Lockhart, Texas where he did live auditions and got himself booked to perform both at The Sunshine Cafe located at 115 E. Walnut on March 26, 2008 from 6-9pm., and The Korner Bar located at 312 Blackjack on March 27, 2008 from 8pm.-12am. On the night of January 11, 2008 at the
located at 3201 S. Lamar in Austin, Texas, Dean sat in with
and sang the songs "El Paso" and "On The Road Again". On January 11, 2008 through an email from Bill Anderson Jr., Dean got booked to perform at the
located at 2416 Music Valley Drive in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday morning May 25, 2008. On January 10, 2008, Dean caught a ride to Lockhart, Texas where he did live auditions and got himself booked to perform both at Java Motion located at 119 E. San Antonio St. on March 28, 2008 from 9pm-12am., also at Cedar Hall located at 1721 S. Commerce on March 29, 2008 from 9pm-1am.
Thank you, Henry D. McCall of Lockhart, Texas for supplying the amplification I needed to perform at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar in Bandera, Texas on January 9, 2008.
Afterward 11th Street Cowboy Bar owner, James McGroarty invited Dean to play there again on January 16 & 23, 2008 and Dean accepted the gigs. On January 9, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at The 11th Street Cowboy Bar in Bandera, Texas. On January 6, 2008, Dean caught a ride to Gruene, Texas where his CDs went on sale at
located at 1706 Hunter Road, and afterward caught a ride to Bandera, Texas where he did a live audition for James McGroarty, Owner of the
located at 311 11th Street and got himself booked to perform their on January 9, 2008 from 6-9pm. On January 5, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at Geisha Sushi & Grill on 6th Street in Austin, Texas. On January 4, 2008, Dean performed as scheduled at Geisha Sushi & Grill on 6th Street in Austin, Texas. On January 4, 2008, Dean's "Hitchhiking Guitarman" CD went on sale at
LoneStarMusic
On January 3, 2008, the following story was published about Dean in the MTM Armadillo E-zine:

Dean Strickland (Bowie, Texas)

Dean gigs all over the state, which isn’t a big deal – except he
does it by hitchhiking. Everywhere! His new release is compact so he
can fit many in his backpack…smart idea! So next time you see a guy
with his thumb out and a guitar on his back, chances are – it’s Dean.

On January 3, 2008, Dean ran the following ad in
LoneStarMusic Magazine

ABOVE: Dean Strickland/Hitchhiking Guitarman CD ad

In the January 2008 issue of Buddy Magazine was published a review of the Hitchhiking Guitarman CD by Dean Strickland on the Never Die Records label.

The Buddy Magazine CD Review of Hitchhiking Guitarman by Dean Strickland

Dean's press release for the "Hitchhiking Guitarman" CD was published in the Texas Music News Section of the January 2008 issue of
Country Line Magazine
Country Line Magazine Press Release on Dean Strickland

Dean caught a ride from South Padre Island, Texas to Austin, Texas for his gigs at Geisha Sushi & Grill on 6th Street on January 4, 11 & 12, 2008. On January 1, 2008, the "Hitchhiking Guitarman" CDs went on sale online at www.mytexasmusic.com. On December 31, 2007, Dean caught a ride from South Padre Island, Texas to Corpus Christi, Texas where he walked into
located at 309 A. North Water Street and put his "Hitchhiking Guitarman" CDs up for sale. On December 29, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the Texas Moon Restaurant & Bar. On December 29, 2007, Dean began mailing out "Hitchhiking Guitarman" CDs for reviews and radio play. On December 28, 2007, Dean received a shipment of "Hitchhiking Guitarman" CDs and mailed out copies to www.mytexasmusic.com to be sold through the internet. On December 27, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the Texas Moon Restaurant & Bar. On December 27, 2007, Dean chose to distribute mp3 downloads of "Hitchhiking Guitarman" using
www.tunecore.com
On December 26, 2007, Dean's story was published at
On December 26, 2007, Dean submitted his press release to
On December 22, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the Texas Moon Restaurant & Bar. On December 21, 2007, Dean gave interview over the phone to Mike Sudhalter of Country Standard Time. On December 18, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the Texas Moon Restaurant & Bar. On December 15, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the Texas Moon Restaurant & Bar. On December 14, 2007, Dean gave an interview over the phone to Tom Wilmes, Managing Editor of
On December 13, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the Texas Moon Restaurant & Bar. Afterward he was booked to perform there again on December 13th, 18th, 20th & 27th, 2007 from 6-8pm., plus January 15th, 17th, 19th, 22nd, 24th, 26th, 29th & 31st, 2008, also on February 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 26th & 28th for times ranging from 4-10pm. On December 11, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the Texas Moon Restaurant & Bar. On December 11, 2007, Dean sent out the following press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


For more information, contact:

Dean Strickland
609 Hodge Street
Bowie, Texas 76230
cell(323)-719-1277
deanstrickland1@yahoo.com

HITCHHIKING GUITARMAN


December 11, 2007 (South Padre Island, Texas) -- Never Die Records presents Dean Strickland's first full length CD from the road "Hitchhiking Guitarman" set for official release on January 1, 2008.

After hitchhiking from gig to gig in Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee and California for over the last two years, thirteen original songs will make up the highly publicized singer-songwriter's full length album written from his experiences while hitchhiking.

"Hitchhiking Guitarman", a replicated CD packaged in a 12 pt premium grade gloss card stock sleeve will be made available online at:
http://www.mytexasmusic.com

Scheduled performance dates and update information is available at:
http://www.deanstrickland.com

On December 10, 2007, Dean put in an order for replicated Hitchhiking Guitarman CDs at On December 9, 2007, Dean walked into the Texas Moon Restaurant & Bar and spoke to Wayne, the Owner, who offered him an opportunity to perform there December 11, 2007 from 4-7pm. which Dean accepted. On December 8, 2007, Dean, in Brownsville, Texas designed his Hitchhiking Guitarman CD & CD cover.

ABOVE: Dean Strickland's designs for his Hitchhiking Guitarman CD and CD cover
Then continuing on his hitchhiking journey, Dean made his way to South Padre Island, Texas for his shows at the Texas Moon Restaurant & Bar on December 15, 22, & 29, 2007. On December 5, 2007, Dean recorded his song "All The Means We'd Need" which was engineered, mixed and mastered by Erik Herbst at
located at 313 North Locust Street in Denton, Texas. On December 4, 2007, with phone call, Dean got himself booked to play at Geisha Sushi Bar & Grill on January, 4, 5, & 11, 2007 at 5:30pm. On November 30, 2007, Dean, with a phone call to Alana, Marketing Director and Bar Manager of the Waterhole Saloon located at 5244 E. Hwy 71 in Garfield, Texas, got himself booked to perform there on January 12, 2008 at 9pm. On November 30, 2007, during his hitchhiking journey from Texarkana TX/AR to South Padre Island, Texas, Dean posed for a new publicity shot in Denton, Texas.
ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland in Denton, Texas taken by Carmen Pasch

On November 28, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the Frosty Mug in Texarkana, Texas.

ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland with one foot in Texas and the other in Arkansas on November 29,2007 taken by Carmen Pasch
The 12 songs Dean recorded in Brownwood, Texas in September of 2007 were also mastered by Frank Pryor at S.M.A.R.T. Productions on November 27, 2007. On November 27, 2007, Dean recorded his song "All The Means We'd Need" at S.M.A.R.T. Productions located at 108 Industrial Blvd. in Nash, Texas engineered by Chip Bricker and mixed/mastered by Frank Pryor. On November 26, 2007, Dean took on a silent partner for business purposes. After that, Dean hitchhiked to Texarkana, TX/AR for his show at The Frosty Mug on November 28, 2007. Then continuing on his hitchhiking journey to his next gig in Texarkana, Arkansas, Dean made his way to Nacogdoches, Texas where he wrote his song:
All The Means We'd Need

It's hard these days to get ahead
Making minimum wage with mouths to be fed
So before I start my family
I'll work hard to see I've all the means we'd need

It could take me a while but there's no hurry
Yeah, I'll just take it nice and slow no, I'm never gonna worry
My conscience tells me the truth is the good Lord knows
I'm thankful He's there everywhere I go

I've been telling this to myself for two years now going on three
And still here I am chasing that ol' big money

CHORUS:
'Cause I won't let down my wife and kids
I'll make them so proud that I'm the good man they're with
And I'll always remind them that Jesus loves us all
Yeah, I'll work hard to see I've all the means we'd need

Then when I retire I'll look back on my life
And tell my grandchildren tales of how His bright burning light
Always safely led me through the hard times

And when my time finally comes and I die
I'll feel comfort in knowing the work I did to help my family stay alive

I won't let down my wife and kids
I'll make them so proud that I'm the good man they're with
And I'll always remind them that Jesus loves us all
Yeah, I'll work hard to see I've all the means we'd need
I'll work hard to see I've all the means we'd need
I'll work hard to see I've all the means we'd need

©2007 Dean Strickland
Then from Galveston Island, Dean hitchhiked to Huntsville, Texas and walked into Lizard's Music & Grill located at 1231 Josey St. and spoke to the booker, Logan who booked Dean to perform there on June 20, 2008 at 9pm. On November 16, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at The Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe in Galveston, Texas. Dean's story and photograph was published in and on the front page of the
November 16, 2007 issue of the Galveston County Daily News

The Galveston County Daily News write up on Dean Strickland

On November 12, 2007, Dean gave an interview over the phone to Katherine Adams, Features Writer for the Galveston County Daily News.Then, Dean caught a ride to Galveston, Texas for his show at the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe on November 16, 2007. After which, Dean was booked to perform there again on June 14, 2008.
 On November 10, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled on the KPFT 90.1 FM radio show "Night Sounds" with Pat & Rosie.
(Click video still above to watch interview/performance clip)
ABOVE: Video still of Dean Strickland at KPFT 90.1 FM in Houston, Texas on November 10, 2007 taken by Carmen Pasch

On November 8, 2007 Dean Strickland bumper stickers were purchased at
Houston Sign Company

ABOVE: Dean Strickland bumper sticker

On November 8, 2007, in All The Rage Magazine in Nashville, Tennessee a correction was made for Dean Strickland.


Then Dean caught a ride to Houston, Texas for his scheduled guest radio performance and interview on "Night Sounds" with Pat & Rosie on KPFT 90.1 FM. from 2-4am. on November 10, 2007. On November 5, 2007, Dean walked into located at 142 8th Ave. in Nashville, Tennessee and introduced himself to Chris Dortch, Director of Programming. On November 4, 2007, Dean acquired the Website
www.deanstrickland.com
On November 3, 2007, Dean visited
located at 7695 River Road Pike in Nashville, Tennessee and got himself booked to perform there on May 27, 2008 at 8pm. On November 1, 2007, Dean's photographs and his story, though in actual print with a wrong caption, were published in the All The Rage magazine in Nashville, Tennessee and at

The nashvillerage.com write up on Dean Strickland



The All The Rage published photos of Dean Strickland

All The Rage write up on Dean Strickland that should have been published courtesy of Samuel M. Simpkins

On October 31, 2007, Dean performed the song "Murder On Music Row" on Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee.

ABOVE: Video still of Dean Strickland on Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee on October 31, 2007 taken by Carmen Pasch
Onstage at the world famous
located at 428 Broadway street in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 24, 2007 as a special guest of
Dean performed the song "Pocket Full Of Gold" with pedal steel guitar legend
John Hughey

ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland performing with pedal steel guitar legend, John Hughey at Legends Corner Bar in Nashville, Tennessee on October 24, 2007 taken by Carmen Pasch


ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland playing for tips on Broadway Street in front of Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee on October 21, 2007 taken by The Jayceman


ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland playing for tips on Broadway Street in front of Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee on October 21, 2007 taken by The Higb7

Also on October 17, 2007, while playing for tips on Broadway Street in Nashville, Tennessee, Dean was filmed playing the songs "On The Road Again", and "From A Jack To A King" by
which aired later that night at 6:30pm. On October 15, 2007, Dean walked to the
located at 1710 Roy Acuff Place in Nashville, Tennessee and became a member. On October 17, 2007, while playing for tips on Broadway Street on front of
in Nashville, Tennessee, Dean was filmed again by Renegade 83 Entertainment playing the song "All My Ex's Live In Texas". On October 13, 2007, while playing for tips on Broadway Street in Nashville, Tennessee, Dean was filmed doing a Q & A interview for
which was said would air on CMT in January 2008. Dean's story and photograph was published in the
October - December 2007 issue of The Nashville Musician
The Nashville Musician write up on Dean Strickland

Kathy Shepard of the Nashville Association of Musicians Local 257 A.F.M. interviewed Dean and photographed him during his performance at Lyrix Cafe on October 4, 2007. On October 4, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at Lyrix Cafe.

ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland performing at the Lyrix Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee on October 4, 2007 taken by Dyton Gillilad
Also on October 3, 2007, Dean walked to into Lyrix Cafe located at 94 Peabody St. in Nashville, Tennessee and got himself booked to perform there on October 4, 2007 from 6-7pm. There, Dean was also given three copies of the July 2007 issue of the International Musician Magazine in which his story was published. On October 3, 2007, Dean walked to the
located at 11 Music Circle North where he met with and had his photograph taken with President, Harold Bradley, Secretary/International Executive Board, Billy Linneman, and Business Agent/Live Engagement Services Representative, Kathy Shepard. On October 2, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the Dan McGuinness Irish Pub in Nashville, Tennessee.

ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland performing at the Dan McGuinness Irish Pub in Nashville, Tennessee on October 2, 2007 taken by Sheena Lockhart

On October 1, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee, and there his photograph was taken by Samuel M. Simpkins, Staff Photographer for
All The Rage

ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland performing at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee on October 1, 2007 taken by Dave Parker
On September 29, 2007, Dean walked into the
located at 1538 Demonbreun Street in Nashville, Tennessee, and with the help of Sheena Lockhart he got booked to perform there on October 2, 2007 from 7-10pm.
Thank you, Sheena Lockhart for buying me a new camera phone.
On September 26, 2007, while playing for tips on Broadway Street in Nashville, Dean was approached by camera men Nick Jones, and Dan Hoffman and was interviewed by Julie Garcia for

ABOVE: Video still of Dean Strickland on Broadway Street in Nashville, Tennessee on September 26, 2007 taken by Nick Jones

Then, Dean hitchhiked from Brownwood, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee to perform at the Bluebird Cafe on October 1, 2007. On September 17, 2007, at ABC Labs Recording Studio, Dean recorded his songs "With You Step By Step", "Texas", "The Perfect Place", "Why Did Classic Country Music Have To Die?", "It Takes A Cowboy Like Me", "The Commitment", "With A Smile On My Face", "The Good Lord Knows", "Everywhere I Go", and "The Life Of Our Lord And Savior Jesus Christ". On September 15, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the Lucky #7 Brownwood Reunion Celebration. Also on September 15, 2007, Dean recorded his songs "I Believe The Lord Has Put Me Here To Sing To You" and "I Love Texas (It's My Home)" at ABC Labs Recording Studio in Brownwood, Texas, engineered and mixed by the studio's owner Stan Cooper. Then at 5:45pm. on KXYL 96.9FM News Talk, Dean was interviewed by Mark Cope and Sam Coursey, and he performed his song "I Believe The Lord Has Put Me Here To Sing To You". On September 14, 2007 at 7:10am., Dean gave an interview to hosts Mike Cope & J.R. Williams and performed his song "The Good Lord Knows" on KXYL 96.9 FM News Talk.

ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland in the green room at KXYL 96.9FM in Brownwood, Texas on September 14, 2007 taken by Mike Cope
Both the Central Texas Spotlight and the Howard Payne Half Hour featuring Dean Strickland aired on the Brownwood Television Cable Channel 5 on the evening of September 13, 2007.

(Click video still above to watch interview/performance)
ABOVE: Video still of Central Texas Spotlight Host, Michael Westbrook, and Dean Strickland on KHPU-TV in Brownwood, Texas on September 13, 2007 unknown cameraman
(Click video stills above to watch interview)
ABOVE: Video stills of The Howard Payne Half Hour Entertainment Host, Justin Harper, and Dean Strickland on KHPU-TV in Brownwood, Texas on September 13, 2007 taken by cameraman
And on that same day, Dean was interviewed by Entertainment Host, Justin Harper on the KHPU-TV show The Howard Payne Half Hour.
On September 13, 2007, Dean walked to Howard Payne University's Telecommunications Building/KHPU located at 910 Main St. in Brownwood, Texas where as the guest on the KHPU-TV show Central Texas Spotlight with Host, Michael Westbrook, Dean talked about his hitchhiking journey, and performed live his songs "I Believe The Lord Has Put Me Here To Sing To You", "Everywhere I Go", "The Good Lord Knows" and "The Commitment". After that, Dean hitchhiked to Brownwood, Texas for his September 15, 2007 gig at the Lucky # 7 Brownwood Reunion Celebration. On September 8, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled in Fort Worth, Texas at Sundance Square. Dean's photograph and story was published in the

ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland at The Wharf Restaurant and Bar in Port Aransas, Texas on September 2, 2007 taken by Dan Parker

The Port Aransas South Jetty write up on Dean Strickland

Afterward, Dean hitchhiked from Port Aransas, Texas to Fort Worth, Texas for his gig at Sundance Square on September 8, 2007. On September 2, 2007, Dan Parker of the South Jetty Newspaper photographed Dean performing at The Wharf Restaurant & Bar.

ABOVE: Photo of marquee sign in Port Aransas, Texas on September 2, 2007 taken by Dean Strickland

On September 2, 2007, Dean's gig in Port Aransas, Texas at The Wharf Restaurant & Bar was listed in the "Around the Bend Best Bets" section of the
Caller-Times
After arriving in Corpus Christi, Texas on the Greyhound bus, Dean hitched a ride to Port Aransas, Texas where he performed as scheduled at The Wharf Restaurant & Bar on September 2 & 3, 2007.
copyright 2010 Dean Strickland