For contact information and concert dates go to
Dean Strickland's Discography/Journal from September 2006 thru June 2007
On the morning of September 1, 2006, Dean walked to
located at 115 West 3rd. in Fort Worth, Texas, and gave an interview to Harmon & Heywood, plus he performed live on-air his song "With You Step By Step". On September 5, 2006, Dean gave an interview over the phone to Hunter Hauk of the
Then later that night Dean performed at the White Elephant Saloon located in the Fort Worth Stockyards. On September 6, 2006, Dean did a photo shoot while walking north on U.S. Hwy. 75 in Plano, Texas when he was headed to perform at Love & War in Texas located at 601 E Plano Pkwy. Plano, Texas.
ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland on U.S. Hwy. 75 in Plano, Texas on September 6, 2006 taken by Chris McGathy
Dean's photos and story was published in the
The Plano Star Courier write up on Dean Strickland
Dean's story and photo was published in the
The DFW Quick write up on Dean Strickland
From Plano, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to Denton, Texas where on September 8, 2006 he gave an interview in person to Yesenia Hernandez, Reporter/Writer for the
On September 9, 2006, Dean did a photo shoot with Liliana Castillo, Photography Editor for the North Texas Daily.
ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland on I-35W in Denton, Texas on September 9, 2006 taken by Liliana Castillo
Dean's photos and story was published in the
The North Texas Daily write up on Dean Strickland
On September 9, 2006, Dean gave an interview over the phone to Candace Fulton, Staff Writer for the Brownwood Bulletin. On September 12, 2006, Dean gave an interview over the phone to Celinda Emison, Staff Writer for the Abilene Reporter-News. On September 17, 2006 while in Denton, Texas, Dean began writing a new song. Then on September 18, 2006 after hitchhiking his way from Denton, Texas to Bowie, Texas he finished writing his song:
With A Smile On My Face
The rain it slows me down
And keeps me looking forward
To when the sun comes back around
On rainy days I wish all the dark grey clouds
Would quickly float away
For this reason I anticipate
The sunny skies with a smile on my face
With the sunshine I feel more free
After the rain the clean fresh air
I do love to breathe
All times of year whether Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall it's great
For this reason I anticipate
The change of seasons with a smile on my face
Severe weather won't ever hold me back
'Cause on my dreams my mind's focused and on the right track
I keep moving forward I'm not afraid of looking back
Since I've learned from my past mistakes
And keep working hard to make the world a better place
For this reason I anticipate
A bright future with a smile on my face
©2006 Dean Strickland
Then from Bowie, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to Brownwood, Texas to perform at the Turtle Garden located at 514 Center Ave, Brownwood, Texas on September 23, 2006 from 5:30-8:30pm. On September 21, 2006, Dean walked into the Brownwood Bulletin building and performed his song "With A Smile On My Face" for Candace Fulton and some of the other newspapers staff writers. Dean's photo and story was published in the September 22, 2007 issue of the Brownwood Bulletin.
ABOVE: Photo of a Brownwood Bulletin newspaper story about, and with a photo of Dean Strickland in the Brownwood Bulletin building performing for Candace Fulton and other writers on September 21, 2006 taken by Candace Fulton
The Brownwood Bulletin write up on Dean Strickland
Dean's show was promoted and written up in the September 23, 2007 edition of the Brownwood Bulletin.
The Brownwood Bulletin write up on Dean Strickland
At noon on September 22, 2006, Dean recorded a demo of his song "With A Smile On My Face" at the Brownwood Music Company's Baker Street Bunkhouse Recording Studio that was engineered and mixed by Shaun Hohertz. Then later that same day on the radio show "The Other Side of the News" with Sam Coursey and Jesse Jones, Dean gave an interview and performed his song "The Perfect Place" at KXYL 96.9FM. On September 23, 2006, Dean did a meet-and-greet lunch at Steves’ Market and Deli, and later that evening performed as scheduled at The Turtle Garden. On September 24, over the phone, Dean got himself booked to play at the Last Concert Cafe located in the Downtown Warehouse District 1403 Nance in Houston, Texas from 6-7pm. On the morning of September 25, 2006, Dean began hitchhiking from Brownwood, Texas to Abilene, Texas for the show he had booked at the Fast Lane Bar located at 721 S 1st St., from 6-7pm., on September 27, 2006. Then when he arrived later that same day, and he was walking through downtown Abilene, it was there that Bill Libby of McMurry University approached him and invited him to give an interview and play a song on the show "The Professors" with Paul Fabrizio on KWKC 1340 AM located at 402 Cypress St. Dean accepted the invitation and gave a live interview and performed his song "With You Step By Step". Dean's photo and story was published on the front page and inside the
The Abilene Reporter-News write up on Dean Strickland
While in Abilene, Texas, Dean made a phone call to William Kerns, Entertainment Editor for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal to tell him of his upcoming gigs in Lubbock, Texas. On the morning of September 26, 2006, Dean walked to the KACU 89.7FM studio and spoke to D. Grant Smith who recorded Dean speaking the following "One Liners":
Hi, I'm Dean Strickland, Texas traveling musician. You're listening to the Appetizer on Abilene Public Radio.
I'm Dean Strickland and I travel all over Texas playing my music. I travel on foot from city to city to perform all accross the great state of Texas. I've performed in Amarillo, Dallas, San Antonio, Waco, Houston, Wichita Falls, Brownwood, Austin, Lubbock, Fort Worth, Bryan, Granbury, Plano, Corpus Christi, Denton, and Abilene. "I've been everywhere" in Texas, and there's still a lot of places I haven't been. It's been great to include Abilene in my journey. A special thanks to the Appetizer and Abilene Public Radio for being a part of this journey.
On September 30, 2006, D. Grant Smith included Dean's song "With A Smile On My Face" on the playlist for
On September 26 & 27, 2006, Dean did a photo shoot with Eyakem Gulilat, a Freelance Photographer and owner of the Website:
ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland posing in Abilene, Texas, September 26, 2006 taken by Eyakem Gulilat
On September 27, 2006, Dean was video taped using a KTAB camera while giving an interview, practicing his music, walking to his gig and performing as scheduled at the Fast Lane Bar. Then on September 28, 2006 Dean was video taped drinking his morning coffee, reading his Texas map, writing in his journal and starting his hitchhiking journey from Abilene, Texas to Lubbock, Texas by Eyakem Gulilat, Photo Journalist. The video appeared on the October 1, 2006
(Click video still above to watch newsclip)
ABOVE: Video still of Dean Strickland in Abilene, Texas on September 27, 2006 taken by Eyakem Gulilat
Also on September 28, 2006, at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, Dean posed for a photo shoot for Kelly Matherly, Student Photographer, and gave an interview to Jeremy Reynolds, Features Writer for the Daily Toreador.
ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland posing at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas on September 28, 2006 taken by Kelly Matherly
Dean's photo and story was published in the
The Daily Toreador write up on Dean Strickland
Dean's story was published in the
The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal write up on Dean Strickland
Dean's story fed directly from the Associated Press Newswire and appeared the first week in October 2006 in the following newspapers:
The Eagle AP wire article on Dean Strickland
The Laredo Morning News AP wire article on Dean Strickland
On October 4 & 5, 2006, Dean performed as scheduled at La Diosa Cellars in Lubbock, Texas. Then, Dean hitchhiked from Lubbock, Texas to El Paso, Texas and got himself booked to perform at
located at 6669 Gateway Blvd. W. from 8-9pm., on February 23, 2007. Then from El Paso, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to Arlington, Texas where on October 16, 2006, Dean walked into the offices of the
located at 1939 Stadium Oaks Court, and became a member. He met Mike Kennedy, Administrator, Kenneth Krause, Secretary-Treasurer, and Raymond M. Hair Jr. Then trough the AFM Local 72, Dean got himself booked to perform as a Strolling musician in
downtown Fort Worth's Entertainment & Shopping District on November 4, 2006 from 7-10pm. After that Dean hitchhiked his way to Austin, Texas for his scheduled performances at Geisha Sushi & Grill located at 616 E. 6th st. on October 20 & 21, 2006 from 8-10pm. On October 17, 2006, Dean created a different Never Die Records logo.
ABOVE: Official Never Die Records logo ©2006 Dean Strickland
On October 18, 2006, Dean walked into the Austin Federation of Musicians Local 433 located at 1515 IH 35 South, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78741 and talked with the Office Manager, Desiree L. McBrideon. On October 20 & 21, 2006 Dean performed as scheduled at Geisha Sushi on 6th st. in Austin, Texas.
ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland performing at Geisha Sushi & Grill in Austin, Texas in October of 2006 unknown photographer
Then Dean, hitchhiked to Bowie, Texas on his way to Fort Worth, Texas to perform at Sundance Square on November 4, 2006. While in Bowie, Texas on On October 31, 2006, Dean wrote his song:
Why Did Classic Country Music Have To Die?
Growing up
I loved both Rock and Roll
And Country music
Then it was clear
To hear how the two could be
Easily distinguished
But just the other day
I heard a Heavy Metal
Guitar solo played
In one of the New
Country songs
And as much as I wanna stay
Positive
I just have to say
I think that's just plain wrong
CHORUS:
Tell me why, oh, why
Did Classic Country music
Have to die?
Where do they get off
Mixin' Country stories and singers
With Hard Rock and Pop?
Am I alone
In that at times
It makes me want to cry?
Oh, tell me why, oh, why
Did Classic Country music
Have to die?
Now, I do have my
Favorite Rock and Roll
Styled drummers
But when I hear one
Playing in a Country band
I think they should try another
I think all Country musicians
Should learn the formula
That the Classic Country heroes used
It's really not that difficult
The way that
They mixed Bluegrass up
With good old Gospel and Blues
CHORUS
©2006 Dean Strickland
On November 4, 2006, Dean performed as scheduled at Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Texas. Then later, Dean caught a ride on the train from Fort Worth, Texas to Plano, Texas for his scheduled performance at Love & War in Texas on November 9, 2006. Then that same night, Dean hitched a ride from Plano, Texas to Paris, Texas with Michael O'Neal of
who performed after Dean on November, 9th, at Love & War in Texas, and later drove through Paris, Texas on his way home. On November 10th, Dean walked into Dillon's Bar & Grill located at 3560 NE Loop 286, Paris, Texas, and got himself booked to perform there on March 31, 2006 from 9:30pm.-1:30am.
Thank you, Mr. and Mrs.
who I met in Paris, Texas on November 10, 2006 for putting me up for the night in the Victorian Inn
On November 11th, Dean hitchhiked to Sherman, Texas, and walked into
located at 404 West Lamar Street and got himself booked to perform there on April 6, 2007 from 8-10pm. On November 12, 2006, Dean hitchhiked from Sherman, Texas to Austin, Texas to perform at Geisha Sushi from 8-10pm. On November 14, 2006, Dean made a phone call to the Old Town Saloon in Wichita Falls, Texas and got himself booked to perform there on January 25, 2007 from 9:30pm. till closing time. From Austin, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to Bowie, Texas from where he traveled to Vicksburg, Mississippi to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with his family. On November 21, 2006 over the phone Dean got himself booked to perform at the Golden Light Cantina located at 2908 W. 6th Avenue in Amarillo, Texas from 9:30-10:30pm. From Bowie, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to San Antonio, Texas to perform at B&D Ice House located at 1004 S. Alamo in San Antonio, Texas at 7:30pm. Through the email on November 27, 2006, Dean got himself booked to perform at The Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe located at 413 20th St. in Galveston, Texas on January 12, 2007 at 9:00pm. to open for
On January 29, 2006, Dean gave a telephone interview to Amarillo Globe News reporter, Aaron Phillips. On December 1, 2006, Dean walked into the AFM Local 23 located at 427 N. Main Avenue in San Antonio, Texas and spoke to Danny Lopez, Vice President and Ben Westney, Secretary Treasurer of his desire to participate in Union shows in San Antonio. Later that evening Dean performed as scheduled at B & D Ice House as was written about in the
The San Antonio Express-News write up on Dean Strickland
That same evening, Dean got himself booked to perform again at B & D Ice House on April 28, 2007 during the King William's Fair in San Antonio, Texas. Then from San Antonio, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to Abilene, Texas and met with photographer Eyakem Gulilat to begin filming a documentary of Dean's hitchhiking journey to Amarillo, Texas. On December 4, 2006, Dean walked into KTAB Newsclips located at 100 Chesnut, Ste. 204 in Abilene, Texas, and picked up a copy of the
(Click video still above to watch newsclip)
ABOVE: Video still of Dean Strickland in Abilene, Texas on September 27, 2006 taken by Eyakem Gulilat
From Abilene, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to Amarillo, Texas where footage for his documentary was shot on December 7, 8 & 9, 2006 in both Amarillo, Texas and Panhandle, Texas.
The Amarillo Globe News write up on Dean Strickland
On December 9, 2006, Dean recorded his song "Why Did Classic Country Music Have To Die?" at A.M.P. recording studio in Amarillo, Texas engineered and mixed by Drew Holder. Also on December 9, 2006, Dean walked to the Amarillo Police Department and filed an Assault charge against Bo Salling (case # 06-152468). On December 10, 2006, Dean hitchhiked from Amarillo, Texas to Abilene, Texas to continue filming his documentary, and Eyakem Gulilat continued filming Dean until he hitchhiked out of Abilene, Texas on his way to Bowie, Texas on December 12, 2006. On December 15, 2006 while in Bowie, Texas, Dean received an email booking him to perform at the Troubadour Saloon at 503 E. 6th Street (6th and Neches) in Austin, Texas on February 9, 2007 from 8-9pm. Then Dean walked into the Midway Club located at 10275 State Highway 59 N. in Montague, Texas and asked the owner, Lou for a gig in the future. Dean spent the 2006 Christmas Holiday in both Bowie, Texas and Fort Worth, Texas with family and friends. On December 26, 2006, Dean hitchhiked to Austin, Texas for his booked show at Geisha Sushi on 6th st. in Austin, Texas on December, 29 2006 from 8-10pm. On December 27, 2006, Dean walked to the Office of the Governor Texas Music Office in hopes of meeting Casey J. Monahan, Director, since Dean was referred to Mr. Monahan by Mike Muniz, Director of Latin Organizing AFM. Though Mr. Monahan was unavailable, he called Dean on the phone on December 29, 2006. Dean performed as scheduled from 8-10pm. on December 29, 2006 at Geisha Sushi. On December 28 & 29, 2006, Dean wrote his song:
It Takes A Cowboy Like Me
Who am I?
I was asked recently
I'm the man you might see outside one night
Sleeping on the cold damp street
What am I thinking?
Another question posed to me
I'm so thankful for all of God's loving gifts
I've gladly and humbly received
Not everyone is cut out to do these things
To grab life by the horns
And take charge of your destiny
It takes a cowboy like me
To strike out and chase a poor man's dream
Stomping one boot heel in front of the other
Even when the weather's forecast is stormy
Riches come to me from within
When it seems I just can't win
I say let 'em love me or loath me
Everyone anyway I can't please
To live like I do
It takes a cowboy like me
©2007 Dean Strickland
On December 30, 2006, Dean hitchhiked from Austin, Texas to Houston, Texas to perform as scheduled at KPFT 90.1FM Night Sounds with Pat and Rosie on January 6, 2007 at 2am., also at The Last Concert Cafe on January 7, 2007 from 6-7pm. On December 31, 2006, Dean's story appeared in the
ABOVE: Photos of Dean Stricklad walking to the KPFT 90.1FM studio in Houston, Texas on January 6, 2007 taken by Dave Diaz
ABOVE: Photos of Dean Stricklad and David Fahl at the KPFT 90.1FM studio in Houston, Texas on January 6, 2007 taken by Dave Diaz
Dean performed his songs, "The Perfect Place", "I Love Texas (It's My Home)", "With You Step By Step", "It Takes A Cowboy Like Me", "Why Did Classic Country Music Have To Die?", "With A Smile On My Face" and "You're Inspirational To Me". David Fahl performed also during that time on Pat & Rosie's Night Sounds on KPFT. 90.1FM. Dean was asked back again to Houston to perform on Nights Sounds on KPFT 90.1FM, and so he got himself booked again for May 16, 2007. On January 7, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at The Last Concert Cafe in Houston, Texas. On January 9, 2007, Dean walked into the American Federation of Musicians Local 65-699 located at 609 Chenevert, Houston, Texas 77003 and spoke with Office Assistant, Steve Begnoche. On January 10, 2007, Dean hitchhiked from Houston, Texas to Galveston, Texas for his gig at The Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe located at 413 20th St., on January 12, 2007, from 9-9:30pm.. Dean performed during the open mic nights at The Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, on both January 10 & 11, 2006. On January 11, 2007, Dean gave an over the phone interview to Lana Sweeten Shults, Entertainment Editor for the Times Record News. On January 12, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled and unexpectedly doing a song-swap at The Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe in Galveston, Texas with
After that, Dean hitchhiked out of Galveston, Texas headed to Wichita Falls, Texas for his January 25, 2007 gig from 9:30 to close at The Old Town Saloon.
Thank you, Les Thomas and the Central Baptist Church located at 1991 FM 158 College Station, Texas for putting me up at the Comfort Suites Hotel located at 2313 Texas Avenue South in College Station, Texas on January 15 & 16, 2007.
On January 17, 2007, Dean walked to the Bryan Public Library located at 201 E. 26th St. Bryan, Texas and made copies of the microfilm containing his story that was published in the Region section of the October 5, 2006 issue of the Eagle newspaper. Then Dean, hitchhiked his way to Bowie, Texas where he picked up a copy of his story in the January 19, 2007 issue of the Times Record News.
The Times Record News write up on Dean Strickland
Using his cellular phone, Dean called Love & War in Texas located at 601 E Plano Pkwy. in Plano, Texas on January 23, 2007, and got himself booked to perform there on March 8, 2007 from 6-8pm. Dean, hitchhiked his way to Wichita Falls, Texas. On January 24, 2007, a trucker named Belinda Brown picked Dean up on Hwy 287 and gave him a ride to Wichita Falls, and she referred him to call her brother Neal Brown who she said plans music in Luckenbach, Texas. On January 25, 2007, Dean communicated with Wrecks Bell, owner of the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe in Galveston, Texas and got himself booked to perform there on May 11, 2007 from 9-10pm. Dean performed as scheduled at the Old Town Saloon on January 25, 2007. Afterward that same night, Dean got himself booked to perform again at the Old Town Saloon in Wichita Falls, Texas on March 15, 2007 and again on April 12, 2007 from 9:30pm. to close. With more than two weeks until his next gig in Austin, Texas, Dean decided to hitchhike to the Lower Rio Grande Valley to try and book himself a show. He hitchhiked out of Wichita Falls, Texas and made it as far as Fort Worth, Texas when Kevin Anderson recognized Dean from his story in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and offered him a ride.
Thank you, Keven Andrson of Fort Worth, Texas for buying me a Greyhound Bus ticket from Fort Worth, Texas to Brownsville, Texas on January 27, 2007.
On January 29, 2007, Dean walked into the SKKY Bar & Lounge located at 5908 Padre Blvd. in South Padre Island, Texas and did a live audition for General Manager, Brandon Helton who then booked Dean to perform on February 1 , 2, 13, 14 & 15, 2007, also on April 19 & 20, 2007 from 9:30pm. to close. On January 29, 2007, Dean confirmed through e-mail, his booking as a guest speaker in a seminar called "Making A Living In Music" in Los Angeles, California hosted by
On January 30, 2007, through e-mail, Dean got himself booked to perform at Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth on March 9, 2007 from 6-9pm. as a Strolling musician. On February 1, 2007, Dean and Miguel Gallegos of
recorded a
and disclaimer for the
and
Also on February 1, 2007, Dean recorded his song "It Takes A Cowboy Like Me" at the Estudios Audio Grabaciones Centellas located at San Carlos Y Francisco Villa in Matamoros, Tams, Mexico which was engineered and mixed by Francisco Gonzalez. On February 1, 2006, Dean performed as scheduled during the grand opening of the SKKY Bar & Lounge in South Padre Island, Texas. On February 2, 2007, Dean posed for a photo shoot on the beach of South Padre Island, Texas and gave an interview to Theresa Najera, reporter/photographer for the Island Breeze.
ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland on the beach at South Padre Island, Texas on February 2, 2007 taken by Theresa Najera
On February 2, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the SKKY Bar & Lounge at South Padre Island, Texas
(Click video still above to watch performance)
ABOVE: Video still of Dean Strickland at SKKY Bar & Lounge in South Padre Island, Texas on February 2, 2007 taken by Theresa Najera
Dean's picture and story appeared inside and on the cover of the
ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland at the beach at South Padre Island, Texas, on the cover of the February 4, 2007 edition of Island Breeze taken by Theresa Najera
The Island Breeze write up on Dean Strickland
On February 5, 2007, Dean hitchhiked his way out of South Padre Island, Texas headed for Austin, and while catching a ride from a couple of people that were going to Houston, Texas, he sat in the back seat of their truck and wrote his song:
The Commitment
Sad former brother-in-law
It's such a shame
How common place
Single parenting is these days
Your first mistake
Was letting work get in the way
The long hours you kept
Gave her time to stray
Imagine what could've been
Had you been with her to say
CHORUS:
I’ve made all these commitments
To running this old business
That you probably think I’ve forgotten
What’s most important in my life
The commitment I made
To spend it with you my wife
There’s an old similar story
I probably should’ve told you before
You see, my father was a real hard worker
He spent his days and nights doing chores
But wiser than the new generation
He knew when enough was enough
And he never forgot or left lonesome
The only woman he ever loved
He'd say to her
CHORUS
Now, the long nights I spend
In the honky tonks and clubs
Doesn’t give me much time for nothin’
Except singin’ ‘bout love, and lost love
But I’ve made myself a promise
When I find that one special girl
I’ll find time to be there for her
So we can share our worlds
I won’t forget to say
CHORUS
©2007 Dean Strickland
On February 7, 2007, Dean was walking west on Hwy. 290 going to Austin, Texas and was given a ride by Claudia Rodrigez who said she was going to her mother's restuarant, El Charro T. in Brenham, Texas, and then later that evening, Dean performed at El Charro T. located at 3015 Highway 290 W. in Brenham during the Wild Women Wednesday party with Kellie Outlaw and Jenny James of KTEX 106.1. At El Charro T. restaurant, Dean's picture was taken by Melissa McCaghren, Photographer for the Brenham Banner-Press, and it was published on the front page of the February 8, 2007 issue.
The Banner-Press write up on Dean Strickland
After that, Dean hitchhiked his way to Austin, Texas for his gig at the Troubadour Saloon on February 9, 2007 from 8-9pm. After performing as scheduled at the Troubadour Saloon, Dean walked across the street and performed at Geisha Sushi & Grill and got himself booked to perform there again on May 4th & 5th, 2007 from 5-7pm. The next morning, Dean began hitchhiking his way to South Padre Island, Texas for his gigs at the SKKY Bar & Lounge on February 13, 14 & 15, 2007 from 9:30pm. to close. After walking about five miles south on I-35, Dean was offered a ride by Ysidro U. Campos of Fort Worth, Texas and a member of the Alamo Silver Wings Airborne Association in San Antonio, Texas. Sergeant Campos then took Dean to the Drop Zone Cafe & Bar located at 1804 E. Carson St. (@ Walters To Fort Sam Houston) in San Antonio, Texas and introduced him to Sergeant Major Ed Fernandez and his wife Hope for whom Dean performed his song "The Commitment". Dean then got himself booked to perform at the Drop Zone Cafe & Bar on April 28, 2007 at 11:00am. After that, Dean started back his hitchhiking journey in South Texas.
Thank you, Nora and Joe Vasquez of Driscoll, Texas for buying me a Greyhound Bus ticket from Kingsville, Texas to Brownsville, Texas on February 11, 2007.
Dean performed as scheduled at the SKKY Bar & Lounge on February 13, 14 & 15, 2007. On February 15, 2007, Dean gave a telephone interview to Victor Martinez, Features Editor for the El Paso Times. On February 17, 2007, Dean received a free Gold Membership at www.mytexasmusic.com. From South Padre Island, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to El Paso, Texas for his show at Starbucks Coffee Company located at 6669 Gateway Blvd. on February 23, 2007 at 8pm. On February 20, 2007, Dean recorded his song "The Commitment" at El Adobe Recording Studios located at 5301 El Paso dr. which was engineered by Ted Kelley. On February 22, 2007, Dean walked into the El Paso Southwest Professional Musicians Association AFM Local 466 located at 1440 Jettie Ray Way, and talked with Secretary - Treasurer, Joe W. Smith. On February 23, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at Starbucks Coffee in El Paso, Texas. Dean's story, and picture appeared inside and on the cover of the February 22, 2007 issue of the El Paso Times.
The El Paso Times write up on Dean Strickland
On February 23, 2007 at the Starbucks where he performed, Dean gave an interview to Raquel Garcia, student writer, and did a photo shoot with Kent Sanchez, student photographer for the Stampede, the newspaper of
ABOVE: Photo of Raquel Garcia and Dean Strickland in El Paso, Texas on February 23, 2007 taken by Kent Sanchez
From El Paso, Texas, Dean hitchiked to D/FW for his shows on March 8, 2007 at Love & War in Texas in Plano, Texas, and on March 9, 2007 at Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Texas. Dean's story was published in the March 2007 issue of the Buddy Magazine in the BLAH BLAH section by Bellicose Bullfeather.
The Buddy Magazine write up on Dean Strickland
On March 3, 2007, Dean received a phone call from Lou, Owner of the Midway Club in Montague, Texas and got booked to perform their on March 11, 2007 from 9:00pm. till 1:00am. On March 6, 2007, 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 as a Strolling musician on June 22, 2007 from 6-9pm. Also on March 6, 2007, Dean did an over the phone interview with Mario Tarradell/Staff Critic for the Dallas Morning News. Dean's story, and two of his songs were published both in newsprint and on the World Wide Web
The Dallas Morning News write up on Dean Strickland
Dean's photograph and story was published in the March 8, 2007 issue of The Shopper.
The Shopper write up on Dean Strickland
On March 8, 2007, Dean received a phone call from Raymond Hair, President of the AFM Local 72 who booked Dean to perform at the
in downtown Fort Worth as a Strolling musician on April 22, 2007 from 4-7pm. On March 8, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at Love & War in Texas in Plano, Texas. On March 9, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at Sundance Square in Fort Worth. Then Dean made his way from Fort Worth, Texas to Montague, Texas where he performed as scheduled at the Midway Club. From Montague, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to Wichita Falls, Texas for his gig at the Old Town Saloon on March 15, 2007. On March 15, 2007, over the telephone, Dean spoke to Steve Lamb, Owner of The Bean Patch located at 212 Hwy. 60 W. in Panhandle, Texas and got himself booked to perform there on June 29 & 30, 2007 at 9pm. On March 15, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at Old Town Saloon in Wichita Falls, Texas. Then from Wichita Falls, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to Texarkana, Texas. On March 19, 2007, Dean gave an interview over his cell phone to Shalina Ramirez of the Paris News. On March 20, 2007, Dean walked to the
located at 315 Pine St. in Texarkana, Texas and spoke to Features writer, Anthony (Tony) Davis. Mr Davis got Dean an arrangement to perform that evening during the country jam at Doyle's Place located at 110 East 36th St. in Texarkana, Arkansas, and Dean, got himself booked to perform there again on July 26, 2007 at 8pm. That night Freddy and Vicky Von photographed Dean, also posed with Dean for pictures which they posted at
ABOVE: Photos of Dean Strickland at the country jam at Doyle's Place in Texarkana, Arkansas on March 20, 2007 taken by Freddy and Vicky Von, and Brandy Coker
Evan Lewis, Staff Photographer for the Texarkana Gazette photographed Dean on the night of March 20, 2007 during his performance at Doyle's Place. Mr Davis also got Dean an audition at The Frosty Mug located at 1209 E Broad St. in Texarkana, Arkansas. Dean performed as scheduled at the Frosty Mug on March 21, 2007, and then got himself booked to perform there again on July 25, 2007. On March 22, 2007, Dean walked to the Texarkana Gazette and posed for a for photo shoot with Staff Photographer, Evan Lewis. On March 22, 2007, Dean wrote his song:
The Good Lord Knows
As a child I would daydream
Of interviews full of questions for me
And a feature spot on TV
And radio show where I'd sing
CHORUS:
How far can I go?
There's only one who knows
The good Lord knows
CHORUS
As long as I have my strength
And a dedicated mind to do so
I'll stay positive and focused
And go anywhere I wanna go
CHORUS
CHORUS
I made a wise decision
Lookin' back I'd say quite some time ago
That when good or bad things happen
I'll leave my life in His hands and go with the flow
CHORUS
CHORUS
©2007 Dean Strickland
On March 23, 2007, Tony Davis dropped Dean off on Hwy. 59 in Texarkana, Texas, and then Dean, hitchhiked his way to
located at 108 N. Legion St. in Linden, Texas where he spoke to
and got himself booked to perform there during the August 4, 2007 - First Saturday Show from 9-9:30pm. Jinelle and Lucky Boyd welcomed Dean to the
Thank you, Jinelle and Lucky Boyd for saving me a seat at the 2007 Texas Music Awards, also for the gold membership at MyTexasMusic.com
At the 2007 Texas Music Awards, Dean met Bill Chapman, Owner/Publisher of
who saw to it that professional photos of Dean be taken by
of
ABOVE: Photos of Dean Strickland at the Texas Music Awards Ceremony at the Music City Theater in Linden, Texas, and the TMA after party at Auntie Skinners Riverboat Club in Jefferson, Texas on 3-24-07 taken by Tuffy Williams
Ann Haynes of Linden, Texas asked Dean to perform at the First Baptist Church in Kidare, Texas located at Hwy. 125 @ FM 248, and so Dean booked himself to perform there on August 5, 2007 at 10:30am.
Thank you, Kevin and Stephanie Haynes of Linden, Texas for the cowboy hat.
Dean hitchhiked from Linden, Texas to Paris, Texas for his gig at Dillon's Bar & Grill located at 3560 NE Loop 286 in Paris, Texas on March 31, 2007 from 9:30pm.-1:30am.
ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland on the cover of the March 27, 2007 edition of the Paris News
The Paris News write up on Dean Strickland
On March 29, 2007, Dean walked to
located at 2810 Pine Mill Rd. in Paris, Texas and gave an interview to Andy Willis, host of the radio show Trackin' Across Texas, On which Dean performed live on-air his songs "The Good Lord Knows" and "The Commitment".
Thank you, Jack Crabb, Owner of C & C Guitar Shoppe at one Lamar Ave. in downtown Paris, Texas for donating me a new set of guitar strings for my TV spot on The Marquee Show with Barry Diamond on Local TV 99.
On March 31, 2007, Dean walked to
located at 117 SE 1st Street in Paris, Texas and met with
and Barry Diamond of
and they taped the Marquee show at a roadside park near Lake Crook on Us-271 N in Paris, Texas. Barry Diamond interviewed Dean, and Dean played his songs "The Good Lord Knows" and "The Commitment". Also on March 31, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at Dillon's Bar & Grill in Paris, Texas. After his show, Dean got himself booked to perform again at Dillon's Bar & Grill on August 11, 2007 from 9:30pm.-1:30pm. Then Dean hitchhiked to Sherman, Texas for his gig at the Boiler Room Coffee Bar located at 404 W Lamar St. on April 6, 2007. On April 2, 2007, Dean gave an interview over the telephone to Ken Studer, writer for The Herald Democrat On April 5, 2007, at Boiler Room Coffee, Rick Springer, First 12 News KXII-TV Photojournalist video taped Dean performing his songs "The Good Lord Knows" and "The Commitment", also giving an interview to Ryan Loyd, First 12 News KXII-TV Anchor/Reporter for the show
(Click video stills above to watch news clip)
ABOVE: Video still of Dean Strickland in Sherman, Texas on April 5, 2007 taken by Rick Springer
Also on April 5, 2007, Dean's name was added to the list of Members of the Academy of Texas Music.
The Herald Democrat write up on Dean Strickland
On April 6, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at the Boiler Room Coffee Bar in Sherman, Texas, where the live performance of his songs "The Perfect Place", "I Love Texas(It's My Home)", "It Takes A Cowboy Like Me", and "Why Did Classic Country Music Have To Die?" were video taped by Rick Springer, First 12 News KXII-TV Photojournalist. After his show, Dean got himself booked to perform again at the Boiler Room Coffee Bar on August 17, 2007 from 8-10pm. Then from Sherman, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to Wichita Falls, Texas for his gig at Old Town Saloon on April 12, 2007. On April 11, 2007, Dean walked to The Wichitan - The Student Voice of Midwestern State University and gave an interview to Reporter/Writer, Carly Burres, and afterward did a photo shoot with photographer, Lauren Miller. On April 12, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at Old Town Saloon. The next morning, Dean hitchhiked out of Wichita Falls, Texas headed to South Padre Island, Texas to perform at his scheduled gigs on April 19 & 20, 2007 at the SKKY Bar & Lounge. On April 14, 2007, Dean had hitchhiked as far a Austin, Texas, and Earl Spruiel offered Dean a ride and they drove to the Hill Country Crawfish Festival located at Camp Ben McCullough on FM 1826 in Driftwood, Texas where, Dean performed on stage and around a campfire.
ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland and Earl Spruiel performing at the Hill Country Crawfish Festival at Camp Ben McCullough in Driftwood, Texas on April 14, 2007
A cup was passed around the campfire for donations to help him along his journey, and with the money, Dean purchased a Greyhound Bus ticket from New Braunfels, Texas to Brownsville, Texas. At the Hill Country Crawfish Festival, Dean met Jim Gregg who allowed Dean book himself to perform at the festival in April 2008. On April 16, 2007, while in San Antonio, Texas waiting for the Greyhound Bus, Dean gave an interview over the phone to Leslie Williams - Dennis, writer for the Brownsville Herald. On April 17, 2007, Dean arrived in Brownsville, Texas. On April 17, 2007 while in South Padre Island, Texas, Dean wrote his song:
Everywhere I Go
Thank you sweet Lord for sending me songs
With You in my life I cannot go wrong
There's no one else for this I owe thanks to
So I write you these lines without further adue
Thank you Mama and Daddy for showing me love
Raising a boy like me I'm sure had to be tough
And now that I'm a man I wanna show my gratitude
So I write you these lines without further adue
CHORUS:
If you don't know by now I love you
If you don't know by now I'm missing you out here on the road
If you don't know by now let me tell you
You're with me everywhere I go
To my friends and family of whom I have lost
For words expressing how much I miss you I am at a loss
So before the Lord says my time has come and I leave this world too
I write you these lines without further adue
CHORUS
CHORUS
You're with me everywhere I go
©2007 Dean Strickland
Dean performed as scheduled at SKKY Bar & Lounge in South Padre Island, Texas on April 19 & 20, 2007. On April 20, 2007, Dean walked to the Texas Moon Restaurant & Bar located at 5800 Padre Blvd. Ste. 1 in South Padre Island, Texas and spoke to the Owner, Wayne and got himself booked to perform there on December 15, 22, & 29, 2007 from 7-10pm. Dean's photo and story was published on the front page and inside of
The Brownsville Herald write up on Dean Strickland
The next day, Dean caught a Greyhound bus from Brownsville, Texas to Fort Worth, Texas where he performed as scheduled at the Main Street Arts Festival on April 22, 2007. Then the next day Dean, hitchhiked out of Fort Worth, Texas headed to San Antonio, Texas for his scheduled shows at the Drop Zone and the King William Fair on April 28, 2007. Dean had hitchhiked as far as Hillsborough, Texas when he accepted a ride from a truck driver who was going as far south as Killeen, Texas. That trucker then bought Dean a Greyhound bus ticket from Killeen, Texas to San Antonio, Texas.
Thank you, Rock for the Greyhound bus ticket from Killeen, Texas to San Antonio, Texas.
Dean story was published in the
ABOVE: Photo of Dean Strickland story in the April 25, 2007 issue of the Wichitan
The Wichitan write up on Dean Strickland
Dean story was published in the
The San Antonio Express-News write up on Dean Strickland
On April 27, 2007, Dean recorded his songs "Everywhere I Go" and "The Good Lord Knows" at
located at 3477 Northeast Parkway in San Antonio, Texas which was engineered and mixed by Claudio Leiva. On April 28, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at The Drop Zone Cafe & Bar and the King William Fair at B&D Ice House in San Antonio, Texas. From San Antonio, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to the Quiet Valley Ranch in Kerr County on Hwy 16 to volunteer for for prefest work at the
From Kerville, Texas, Dean hitchhiked to
where he spoke to and left a business card for Neal Brown, Manager of Oversight. Then Dean, hitchhiked to Austin, Texas for his gigs at Geisha Sushi & Grill on May 4 & 5, 2007. On May 4, 2007, Dean's traveling musician story written by Joe Gross, Austin American-Statesman's Popular Music Writer, was posted on the Austin American-Statesman blog at
The Austin American-Statesman blog on Dean Strickland
On May 4 & 5, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled at Geisha Sushi Bar & Grill on 6th street in Austin, Texas. On May 6, 2007, Dean hitchhiked from Austin, Texas to Houston, Texas on his way to Galveston, Texas for his scheduled show May 11, 2007 at he Old Quarter Acoutic Cafe. On May 7, 2007, while in Houston, Texas, Dean did an interview over the phone with Whitney Howe, writer for the
On May 8, 2007, while hitchhiking in Dickinson, Texas making his way to Galveston, Texas, Dean gave an interview over the phone to Katherine Adams, writer for
Thank you, Jeff Clayton for putting me up on May 8, 2007 for a four night stay at the Sandpiper Motel located at 201 Seawall, Galveston, Texas 77550.
On May 9, 2007, Dean performed during the open at the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe in Galveston, Texas. Dean's story was published in the
The Galveston County Daily News write up on Dean Strickland
Dean performed as scheduled at the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe in Galveston, Texas on May 11, 2007. Also, on May 11, 2007, while in Galveston, Texas, given to Dean by the bartender at the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe was an all original CD called "Ugly Me" by Austin, Texas singer-songwriter, Billy Marabella, which includes the song he wrote and sang about the Dean Strickland story titled
Austin, he’s walking to Austin
He’s slinging a Martin over his shoulder and
He’s walking to Austin
‘Cause he’s got him a gig there
At some little music fair
So he’s walking to Austin and
He’s slinging a Martin
Austin, from Dallas to Austin
He thumbed him a ride out of Waco this morning and
It damn-nearly cost him
He almost lost the guitar
He had to jump in the trunk of a fleeing car
To rescue the Martin
But that’s not why he’s walking
He’s the Walking-about-Texas Troubadour
Telling simple stories and playing simple chords
He’s the Walking-about-Texas Troubadour
You can see the tumbleweed when he sings
You can hear coyotes howl when he sings
Austin, he’s walking to Austin
According to some, it’s the Nashville of Texas
Where all of the best come
So that’s why he plays here
As many times as he can a year
He walks here to Austin
Slinging the Martin
He’s the Walking-about-Texas Troubadour
Telling simple stories and playing simple chords
He’s the Walking-about-Texas Troubadour
Telling stories like the cowboys did in the old folklore
He’s the Walking-about-Texas Troubadour
© 2007. Billy Marabella. Words and music.
Song lyrics used with the permission of Billy Marabella
After that, Dean hitched a ride from Galveston, Texas to Houston, Texas where he performed as scheduled at the Last Concert Cafe on May 13, 2007. Dean's story and photograph was published in the May 15, 2007 issue of the El Paso ISD Burges High School Stampede.
The El Paso ISD Burges High School Stampede write up on Dean Strickland
On May 17 & 18, 2007, while in Houston, Texas, Dean wrote his song:
The Life Of Our Lord And Savior Jesus Christ
I think a lot about people who have died
Questioning why in the world did they live their short lives
The only answer I found that makes any sense to me
Is to worship the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
The upper class folks who've gained their fortune and fame
Are as the poor and unknown on the streets just the same
No one can foretell when He our lives will take
Free are all of our choices we'll choose, and we've chosen to make
False idols made claims before taking their own lives
That to follow their leads for us would surely be wise
The only following I will ever try
Will be after the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
I'm a sinner
Even winners are sinners
Though I'm happy to be doing what I want
I'm still a sinner like you
We're all sinners
We can't help being sinners
If eternal life in Heaven is what we may want
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said what to do
©2007 Dean Strickland
On May 19, 2007, Dean performed as scheduled on the radio show "Night Sounds" with Pat & Rosie on KPFT 90.1 FM in Houston, Texas where he talked about his travels and played live his songs:
1. I Love Texas (It's My Home)
2. The Good Lord Knows
3. Everywhere I Go
4. The Commitment
5. It Takes A Cowboy Like Me
6. My Angel's Sweet Sweet Touch
7. You're Inspirational To Me
8. The Perfect Place
2. The Good Lord Knows
3. Everywhere I Go
4. The Commitment
5. It Takes A Cowboy Like Me
6. My Angel's Sweet Sweet Touch
7. You're Inspirational To Me
8. The Perfect Place
Afterward, Dean got himself booked to perform again on "Night Sounds" with Pat & Rosie on November 10, 2007. Then Dean started walking west on I-10 in Houston, Texas on his way to Los Angeles, California to speak at a seminar called
Dean was walking west on I-10 five miles out of San Antonio, Texas when he caught a ride all the way to Los Angeles, California. On May 29, 2007, Dean received a phone call from Larry Wise of
located at California State University Northridge and was invited to talk and perform on June 2, 2007 at 8am. on the radio show Tied To The Tracks.
Thank you, Jimi Yamagishi for making a phone call to Larry Wise that helped to open the door at KCSN 88.5FM.
On the morning of June 2, 2007, Dean walked to KCSN 88.5 FM at California State University Northridge where he performed live his songs "The Life Of Our Lord And Savior Jesus Christ", "I Love Texas (It's My Home)" and "The Good Lord Knows", and gave an interview on Tied To The Tracks with Larry Wines.
ABOVE: Photos of Dean Strickland at KCSN 88.5FM in Los Angeles, CA on June 2, 2007 taken by Jimi Yamagishi
As scheduled, On June 6, 2007, Dean performed his song "The Life Of Our Lord And Savior Jesus Christ" and spoke at the Making A Living in Music seminar at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Los Angeles, California put on by Songnet.org.
ABOVE: Photos of Dean Strickland speaking at a Songnet Seminar in Los Angeles, CA seated alongside Karie Hillery, and Neil Rutman taken by Jimi Yamagishi, plus with Daddy Bone taken by Daddy Bone on June 6, 2007
On June 7, 2007, Dean gave an interview over the phone to Preston Jones, Writer/Pop Music Critic for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Thank you, Hope Ramzy of Los Angeles, California whom I met on the
for buying me a Greyhound bus ticket from Los Angeles, California to Fort Worth, Texas on June 9, 2007.
On June 12, 2007, Dean gave an interview over phone to Margie Braidfoot, Editor of
Also on June 12, 2007, Dean spoke on the phone in regard to his gigs in Panhandle, Texas on June 29 & 30, 2007 at The Bean Patch with Aaron Phillips, Entertainment Writer of the Amarillo Globe News. On June 14, 2007, Dean's story was published in the Panhandle Herald.
The Panhandle Herald write up on Dean Strickland
On June 15, 2007, Dean's story was published in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram write up on Dean Strickland
On June 15, 2007, Dean was added to the