Barry Dean: There’s More to Life than a Number One

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. Get full access to Morse Code with Korby Lenker at korby.substack.com/subscribe