Dean M. Collins says, �I always joke that my �side gig� is as a commercial airline pilot�� The country/Americana/bluegrass singer-guitarist served as a Navy pilot and now flies for Delta Airlines. But music has a been a constant throughout...
Dean M. Collins says, �I always joke that my �side gig� is as a commercial airline pilot�� The country/Americana/bluegrass singer-guitarist served as a Navy pilot and now flies for Delta Airlines. But music has a been a constant throughout his high-flying life.
He remembers his takeoff in songwriting and playing as a distinct moment during his teens, while growing up on a large farm in Kentucky. Dean pulled a neglected guitar given to him by his mom out of the closet in an attempt to help memorize a poem for school by setting it to music. The guitar became a constant companion, leading to a college rock band and his first recording experience. �[It was] my first time in a recording studio and I said, �Man this is where I want to be.� That was in �87. I�ve been making music (against all better judgment) ever since.� Dean would go on to make three albums before departing for deployment on an aircraft carrier during the Desert Shield/Desert Storm conflict.
After 10 years of active duty, followed by 10 years in reserve service concurrent with work of Delta that understandably decreased his �free time�, now Dean has more recently put his music career back on his radar. This focus has culminated in a new album, Land Where The Wishes Come True, due out in June 2023.
Supported by renowned guest musicians who together have received more than 60 Grammy Awards, Dean�s new album invites listeners on a journey through past loves, missed opportunities, precious bonds and experiences, all gathered along his life�s path. From all these moments, he weaves a dense, constant web of memories and impressions.
For now, fans will have to enjoy Dean�s music by recording only. �I�m kind of unusual in that I�m the only person in this group of musicians who doesn�t really play live. My big gig this year is playing at my 40th high school reunion.�
To find out more, visit here. Listen to the interview here.
By Dan Walsh
The post The Flying Singer-Guitarist appeared first on Americana Music Magazine - Bluegrass, Roots, Folk, Blues, and Old-Time.
