How A Family Tragedy Sparked Jackson Dean’s Love For Playing The Guitar

Jackson Dean first picked up a guitar at a young age, but it wasn’t the lessons that made him fall in love with playing. It was actually a moment of tragedy that changed everything for him.

“When I was in sixth grade, I started learning how to play guitar. Took like a month of lessons, quit. I wasn’t doing anything with them,” Dean admitted honestly.

At just 13 years old, his family suffered a great tragedy. He explained that they lost the entirety of their home in a fire and learning to play music became his escape.

“Seventh grade, our house burnt to the ground, and when we were rebuilding it I would sit up there at night and just kind of mess around and play guitars and watch people’s hands on YouTube, and try to figure out how to play songs that I really wanted to learn how to play.”

“Heavens To Betsy” Continues To Rise Up The Charts

Even in the most difficult of moments, Dean found a source of light and because of his efforts, he’s become a PLATINUM-selling singer/songwriter. The Maryland native is currently celebrating his latest feat, his latest single, “Heavens To Betsy” reaching the top 20 at country radio.

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New Song “Be Your Man”

At the same time, he’s entering a new chapter and giving fans a taste of what’s to come with the release of “Be Your Man.” Out now, via Big Machine Records, the groovy tune offers a hip-swaying beat that’s sure to make listeners everywhere swoon over the tender lyrics. Dean’s gritty vocals come to life as he proudly confesses his love and his desire for something real.

He sings, “’Cause all I wanna do is be your man/ And all I wanna feel is what I feel right now/ And how I feel right now in your hands/ Is all I wanna do is be your man.”

“‘Be Your Man’ is the first taste of some new territory that we’re about to explore,” shares Dean. “The vibe of the song is funky and light-hearted, and I hope it makes you dance.” 

Co-written by Dean with Luke Dick and Rodney Clawson, the track offers a preview of the new sonic direction and storytelling style he’s leaning into following the release of his September 2024 sophomore album, On The Back Of My Dreams.

In a new Instagram post, he addressed fans in a message, letting them know that he has been “writing and recording some of the best” he believes he’s ever made. Many of these tunes have been shown to lucky fans in attendance of his shows throughout the year, and Dean expressed he’s grateful for the support.

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Jackson Dean just wrapped up the European leg of his On The Back Of My Dreams World Tour with a final show in Stockholm, Sweden. The 15-stop run marked his first-ever headlining tour across Europe, and found him bringing his gritty vocals and emotional performances to cities like Munich, Amsterdam, London, Dublin, and Copenhagen. Earlier this year, he played to packed venues across the U.S. as part of the same tour.

Now, Dean is expanding the tour this fall with a new round of shows in Australia—his biggest venues yet—making stops in Melbourne, Warrnambool, Torquay, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth. He’ll also make his debut in New Zealand with a show in Auckland and is slated to appear at festivals including Deniliquin Ute Muster, Savannah in the Round, and Groundwater Festival.