Billy Dean to Open Chipola Artist Series Sept. 22

Chipola College will welcome local country music legend Billy Dean to the Center for the Arts Theatre on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. for “90 Minutes of 90’s Country.”

The performance celebrates the American sound with a celebration of home, community and country. A Grammy-nominated country singer-songwriter known for hits like “Billy the Kid,” “Only Here for a Little While” and “Somewhere in My Broken Heart,” Dean has more than 35 years in music and eight Top 5 singles. He remains a respected voice in country music.

Dean grew up in the small town of Quincy, Fla., starting his music career by singing in his dad’s band, The Country Rocks. His first big break came in 1988 when he appeared on the Ed McMahon-hosted “Star Search,” winning Best Male Vocalist.

His first album, “Young Man,” in 1990 became Dean’s first certified Gold record, with the single “Somewhere in My Broken Heart” honored as the American Country Music Awards’ 1992 Song of the Year and Dean earning Top New Male Vocalist of the Year.

Some of his other Billboard-charting singles include “You Don’t Count the Cost,” “Only the Wind,” “I Miss Billy the Kid,” “If There Hadn’t Been You,” “Tryin’ to Hide a Fire in the Dark,” “I Wanna Take Care of You” and “I’m Not Built That Way.” Dean has performed and toured with country music icons such as Kenny Rogers, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, The Judds, Wynonna Judd and others.

Billy Dean is an American troubadour who has mastered the art of singing, songwriting and storytelling. His unique ability to morph into the characters in his songs while performing live brings the storyline to life with musical drama.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for ages 18 and younger and $5 for Chipola students and staff.

For more information, call the Center for the Arts Box Office at 850-718-2420 or visit www.chipola.edu/boxoffice.