(NASHVILLE, TN, August 2, 2024) – GRAMMY nominated, renowned musician and songwriter Ira Dean, is excited to release his latest single, "1 to Hank," joined by the unmistakable voice of Uncle Kracker. Co-written by Dean and his long-time friend and fellow songwriter Chris Wallin, "1 to Hank" is an upbeat journey looking back to Dean's wild and whiskey-soaked days.
In "1 to Hank," Dean offers a candid look at his past, using the legendary Hank Williams, Jr. as a benchmark for his own wild escapades. The tongue in cheek lyrics include:
The Back Of My Hand Is Like A Roadmap
I Can Tell Where I’ve Been By The Club Stamps
On A Scale From 1 To Hank
1 Being 1 And Hank Being Hank
Now How Do You Think Last Night Would Rank
Dean explains the inspiration behind the song, "There are still stories floating around this town like folklore tales passed down about my whiskey years. Thank God I lived past them. When I sat down to write with my best friend in twang town, Chris Wallin, we penned a pretty accurate song about a long crazy morning I spent after a long crazier night before with Hank Williams Jr., (and a few others that remain nameless to protect the guilty) and lots of whiskey shots."
“Ira and I have been threatening each other with a collab for a long time. I’m glad we waited….cause good things come to those who wait. ‘1 to Hank’ is good thing,” adds Uncle Kracker.
Uncle Kracker was the only choice for Dean to be on this song with him. Dean emphasizes, “As soon as we got the track done, I called up Kracker and said, 'I got a song that sure as hell sounds like me and you back in the day, wanna sing on it with me?' His response was, 'well hell yeah, it’s about damn time.' So, ladies and gentlemen, I give you '1 TO HANK.'"
"1 to Hank," is the second single from Dean's highly anticipated album, I Got Roads, produced by GRAMMY Award winning Noah Gordon. This album promises to be a true country experience, featuring collaborations with John Osborne, Vince Gill, Ronnie Dunn, Gretchen Wilson, David Lee Murphy, and many more. I Got Roads is Dean’s personal story of redemption, growth, and finding happiness.
To download “1 to Hank” click HERE.
About Ira Dean
Ira Dean, is a multifaceted musician and acclaimed songwriter.
Dean’s musical talent became widely recognized when he joined the dynamic country music trio Trick Pony in the late 1990s. Serving as the bassist and contributing vocalist for the group, Dean played a pivotal role in shaping Trick Pony's signature sound.
During his time with Trick Pony, Dean co-wrote some of their most successful songs, including "Pour Me," "On a Mission," and "Just What I Do." The trio's achievements, including winning the American Music Award for “Top New Artist” and the Country Music Association’s “Artist of the Year” solidified their place in the country music landscape.
Dean has recorded with such greats as Hank Williams Jr. ,Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson , Alison Krauss, Darius Rucker, Emmy Lou Harris, Mel Tillis, Jamey Johnson, Edwin McCain, Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton, Uncle Kracker, Ronnie Milsap, Lee Roy Parnell and many more.
Beyond his roles as a performer and instrumentalist, Ira Dean established himself as a prolific songwriter, collaborating with fellow musicians and contributing his creative talents to various projects. Dean has had songs recorded by Ronnie Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Joe Nichols, Chris Young, Trace Adkins, Colt Ford, Heidi Newfield, Jake Owen, Gary Allan, including his hit single: “Feeling Like That”. He has had 7 songs cut by Montgomery Gentry, including their hit single “One In Every Crowd” and "I'll Keep The Kids." Dean co-wrote and co-produced Aaron Lewis’ #1 hit “Am I The Only One”, and co-produced Lewis’ #1 album Frayed At Both Ends.
With his new album, I Got Roads, coming out in 2024, Dean is ready to tell his entire story his way. Featuring John Osborne, Vince Gill, Ronnie Dunn, Gretchen Wilson and more, I Got Roads is a tale of redemption, growth and finding happiness.
