Dan Dean’s love for music and performing began when he started taking piano lessons in the third grade. He involved himself musically in his father’s church starting at the age of sixteen and continued to do so until he graduated high school. Upon graduation, he attended Jackson College of Ministries in Jackson, MS before eventually finishing with a BSA from Dallas Baptist University.

Dan started pursuing the call of ministry at a very early age and has been a passionate follower of Christ. His life was greatly influenced by his father, his father-in-law, and his four brothers; all of whom have devoted their lives to ministry. Dan himself has been full-time in ministry for the past 49 years. The last 40 have been spent at the same church, Heartland Church in Carrollton, TX (a northern suburb of Dallas), and in ministering in music across the United States and beyond. For the first 15 years of his tenure at Heartland Church, he served as worship and associate pastor before transitioning to the role of Lead Pastor for the following two decades. He now continues to be part of Heartland as the Legacy Pastor.

In early 1992, he was invited to join with friends Randy Phillips and Shawn Craig in recording an album for Starsong Records. The first release of their self-title project, Phillips, Craig, and Dean spawned four #1 songs; two on the A/C charts and two on the Inspo chart, and peaked at #13 on the Christian album sales charts. Since that debut project, Phillips, Craig, and Dean have released 13 studio albums, two Christmas albums, and a Hymns and Psalms album. Along the way, the group has garnered 13 Dove Award nominations, and won on four separate occasions, while selling over 2.5 million albums. Their hit single, ‘Revelation Song,’ released in 2009, was certified Gold by RIAA, and they have been honored to see over 20 songs top the charts.

During this time, Dan has also written or co-written many of the hits recorded by Phillips, Craig, and Dean including ‘Favorite Song of All,’ which was nominated for a Dove Award for Contemporary Christian Song of the Year, and ‘I Want to Be Just Like You,’ which received a nomination for Inspirational Song of the Year.

In January of 2000, Dan and his wife Becky were asked to lead the church they had already been serving for 15 years. In October of 2019, he stepped down from the Lead Pastor role, but continues to be involved in the Heartland faith family. In June of 2025, he and his wife Becky will celebrate 40 years of being partners of Heartland Church.

Today, Dan continues to travel and perform as the lead singer of Phillips, Craig, and Dean, but has also stepped into a new chapter by recording a solo album, entitled More. The new project features 11 songs, eight of which he either wrote or co-wrote. More has also allowed him to return to his country roots, where he feels most at home vocally.  In addition to touring with Phillips, Craig, and Dean, Dan looks forward to sharing this new music with audiences across the country at select solo dates.  

Dan’s greatest heroes have always been Pastors and as a result, his latest endeavor involves encouraging Pastors and their wives. Two years ago, he formed a non-profit for this purpose called ‘Shepherd’s Rest.’ All proceeds from the More album will be used for the purpose of lifting the spirits of those who are in the trenches of ministry on a full-time basis.

Dan resides in Lantana, TX and is married to his lovely wife of 48 years, Becky. They have three children; Dusty, Devin and Danielle, two daughters-in-love: Kendra and Kendell, a son-in-law: Nick, and six grandchildren: Sailor, Jaden, Liam, Brooklyn, Maverick, and Paxton.

In his free time, Dan is passionate about trying to improve his golf game and spending time with family and friends.