Colonel John Donelson (1718 - 1785), was an explorer and adventurer. Along with James Robertson, he cofounded Fort Nashborough in 1780, which would eventually become the city of Nashville, Tennessee. Donelson was the father of Rachel Jackson, the wife of seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. His great-grandson Donelson Caffery of Louisiana, was a U.S. Senator from 1892–1900 and his great-great-great grandson, Patrick T. Caffery of Louisiana, was a U.S. Representative from 1969-1973.

See also[link]

• Chickamauga wars
• Sycamore Shoals

References[link]

• Crabb, Alfred Leland (1957). Journey to Nashville: A Story of the Founding. New York: Bobbs-Merrill. 

External links[link]

• City of Nashville biography
• John Donelson Journal - Transcription and scan of journal about 1779 river journey.
• John Donelson's "Journal of the Adventure" - in J.G.M. Ramsey's Annals of Tennessee to the End of the Eighteenth Century (1853).
• John Donelson at Find a Grave

This biographical article related to politics in the United States is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e

This article about an explorer is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e

This Tennessee-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e

Romeo Miller
Miller in 2009
Background information
Birth name	Percy Romeo Miller, Jr.[1]
Also known as	Lil' Romeo, Rome, Romeo
Born	(1989-08-19) August 19, 1989 (age 22)[1] New Orleans, Louisiana, United States[1]
Genres	Hip hop
Occupations	Rapper Model Basketball player Entrepreneur Actor
Years active	2001–present
Labels	No Limit (2001–2002) Priority (2001–2002) The New No Limit (2002–2004) Universal (2002–2003) E1 (2004–2005) Guttar Music (2005–2006) Take A Stand (2007–present) The Next Generation (CEO) (2010–present) No Limit Forever (CEO) (2010–present)
Website	romeoforever.com

Percy Romeo Miller, Jr. (born August 19, 1989),^[2] better known by his stage name Romeo (previously Lil' Romeo), is an American rapper, actor, basketball player, entrepreneur, and model. As a rap musician, Miller has released three studio albums and two compilation albums.

Early life[link]

Romeo Miller was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the son of rapper and entrepreneur Master P and former rapper Sonya C. He is the nephew of rappers C-Murder and Silkk the Shocker and the brother of singer Cymphonique. Romeo was signed to No Limit at the age of 5 after he wrote a rap to his dad.

Music career[link]

[edit] Lil' Romeo (2001)

He then released his debut album 7 years later titled after his original alias Lil' Romeo. This offering contained the hit single "My Baby" that charted No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-hop Singles. The album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and No. 5 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums,selling more than 500,000 copies the first week out making it certified Gold. The album is now certified certified Platinum by the RIAA for the sales of 1,300,000. Also in 2001 he was featured on his uncle Silkk the Shocker's remix single of "That's Kool", which was also featured on his own album.

[edit] Game Time (2002–2003)

In 2002, a year later after his debut album, Miller put out his second studio album, Game Time. It peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard 200 and No. 10 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums selling close to a 110,000 copies the first week .^[1] It spawned the billboard charting single "2-Way" that charted to No. 66 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. It also spawned the album second single "True Love" which charted at No. 16 under the Hot 100 Singles. Though not as successful on the charts as Miller's debut album It still was successful in sales certified 2x Platinum, selling 2,430,785 copies making this Miller's highest selling album.

[edit] Romeoland (2004–2007)

In 2004, miller released his third studio album Romeoland, which was not as successful as his last two albums selling 50,000 the first week, but still managed to be certified Gold selling over 459,000 copies in the United States.^[1] It was also the last studio album to feature Miller billed as Lil' Romeo. In 2005 Romeo along with his brother Valentino Miller who was known as Young V at that time and their three cousins C-Los, Lil' D & Willie J formed the group Rich Boyz & released their debut album Young Ballers: The Hood Been Good to Us. In 2006 Miller released a compilation album entitled Greatest Hits the album featured all of his hit songs when Miller was billed as Lil' Romeo. In 2006 Romeo released the two albums Lottery & God's Gift on the new label owned by himself and his father Master P, entitled Guttar Music. Lottery served as Millers first independent release while God's Gift served as a soundtrack to a movie with the same name. God's Gift was also Miller's first album to use the name Romeo and to have explicit language.^[1] The two albums were also known for containing Miller's single "U Can't Shine Like Me" which was a direct response to Bow Wow, who fans thought dissed Miller in his song "Fresh Azimiz". In 2007 Miller released a collaboration album with his father Master P titled Hip Hop History it sold 32,000 records worldwide.

[edit] Intelligent Hoodlum (2008–present)

In 2008 Miller stated he was working on his fourth studio album entitled Gumbo Station.^[3] On June 17, 2008 Miller released the first single from the album which was "Get Low wit It" which featured Akon & his brother Valentino Miller it failed to gain success on the Billboard charts.^[4]

On March 3, 2009 Romeo released a compilation entitled Get Low LP that contained songs that were supposed to be on Gumbo Station. It debuted at No. 149 on the Billboard 200 and as of May 5, 2009 it has sold over 20,000 copies. In 2010 Romeo confirmed that he was still working on his fourth studio album but he changed the name of the album to The College Boy. Romeo then announced that the title of the album was going to be I Am No Limit.

On January 19, 2010 Romeo released the first promotional single for the album entitled "Tell Me A Million Times" that featured Tempo.^[5] Then on January 26, 2010 Romeo released the second promotional single for the album entitled "Ice Cream Man Jr." which was a tribute to his dad Master P.^[6] On February 16, 2010 Miller released his debut mixtape Patience Is A Virtue to promote the album.^[7] Then on March 2, 2010 Romeo released two EPs to promote the album which were the Famous Girl & Monster/Practice.^[8][9] Also In 2010 Miller debuted his newly founded record label The Next Generation Entertainment with his new group the College Boyys.^[10] They released a collaboration album on May 25, 2010 entitled Spring Break which sold over 200,000 copies worldwide.^{[11][dead link]} Miller also on this day released three singles which were "You" that featured D'Anna & Lil Twist, "She Bad" that featured Millers cousins Lil' D & Black Don & "They Dont Know" but all of the singles failed to reach the charts.^[12][13][14] Romeo also performed at the 2010 Hip Hop Honors along with his brother Valentino Miller, his cousins Lil' D & Black Don, & his uncle Silkk The Shocker, along with Trina, Gucci Mane & Mystikal to honor his dad Master P & No Limit Records.^[15] In late 2010 Romeo relaunched No Limit as No Limit Forever Romeo also confirmed that he has changed the name of the album from I Am No Limit to Intelligent Hoodlum.^[16]

In 2011 It was confirmed that Romeo is going on a new tour with his dad Master P & his uncle Silkk the Shocker the tour is entitled ”No Limit Forever International".^[17] On January 11, 2011 Romeo released his EP Dont Push Me.^[18] On May 3, 2011 Romeo released the first official single from Intelligent Hoodlum which is "Famous Girl (Remix)" which is really the mastered version of the original it still features appearances from Sean Kingston & Miller's cousin Black Don.^[19] On August 19, 2011 Romeo released his I Am No Limit mixtape which was originally supposed to be his fourth studio album before it got changed but Miller just decided it would be best to just release it as a mixtape for his fans.^[20][21][22]

In 2012 Romeo formed a new group called RESQ3 they released their first single "The Only One" & supposed to be releasing a album in some time.^[23] Even though Romeo has created his new group he is still working & planning on releasing his fourth studio album Intelligent Hoodlum. On April 12, 2012 he released his first single from the album entitled "Hug Me Forever" which features his brother Valentino & his artist Kyros & has already shot the official music video for it.^[24] On May 19, 2012 Romeo released the music video for "Hug Me Forever" it was directed by Corey Molina of Creative Dream Productions.^[25]

Other ventures[link]

Acting career[link]

Miller started his acting career with a cameo appearance in the 2001 film Max Keeble's Big Move, as himself.^[26] He later co-starred with Jessica Alba, Mekhi Phifer and Zachary Isaiah Williams in the film Honey (2003). In Honey, his character was Benny, a young boy looking for a break.^[27] Also in 2003, he voiced himself on an episode of the animated series, Static Shock, to which he had performed the theme song.^[28] He co-starred with his dad in a movie called Uncle P in 2005.^{[citation needed]} He also starred in another movie with Zachary Isaiah Williams, God's Gift, which came out in 2006. Recently, he made a cameo appearance, as himself, in Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide as a rapping coach for the teachers. Then in 2007 he starred in film ASL as himself, Rome, alongside Forrest Lipton and Zachary Isaiah Williams who played the young Romeo; Lil Romey and had also previously starred with Romeo in Honey and Nickelodeon's Romeo!. He guest-starred as a rapper accused of murder in the 2010 CBS series, The Defenders and acted in the highly successful film, Jumping the Broom, released in May 2011. In 2011, he also starred in TV commercials for McDonald's & ICDC Colleges.

Fashion designer[link]

On July 24, 2010 Romeo launched his own clothing line titled "College Boyys", which has also been promoted by Miller & his new group the College Boyys. It has also been promoted by artists such as Justin Bieber, Big Time Rush & Jaden Smith.^[29] Romeo stated

Basketball career[link]

Percy Miller, Jr.
College	USC
Conference	Pac-10
Sport	Basketball
Position	Point guard
Jersey #	15
Nickname	Romeo, Prince P
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight	170 lb (77 kg)
Nationality	American
Born	(1989-08-19) August 19, 1989 (age 22) New Orleans, Louisiana
High school	Beverly Hills High School
Tournaments
2009 NCAA Tournament

Romeo was invited, in the summer of 2006, to the Reebok-sponsored ABCD Camp, which is considered the premier basketball camp in the United States. The Teaneck, New Jersey-based ABCD Camp is an invitation-only basketball showcase previously attended by high-profile players including Kobe Bryant, Stephon Marbury, Tracy McGrady, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Surrounded by future NBA players such as O. J. Mayo, Derrick Rose, and Kevin Love, Miller looked out of place and averaged less than 2 points a game throughout the camp. The Wall Street Journal made an article on March 8, entitled "A Hot Prospect," cites Sonny Vaccaro, the longtime director of the ABCD Camp, as explaining, "he invited Romeo Miller to the 2006 camp, primarily as a favor to Percy Miller, whom he knew from the club basketball circuit." In the article, Vaccaro indicated, "If you're looking for the profile of an athlete who plays basketball at USC, he's not it."^[30]

On April 13, 2007, Miller verbally committed to the University of Southern California (USC) and signed a letter of intent on November 19, 2007.

Miller, a 5'11" point guard, was a four year starter at Beverly Hills High School. As a junior during the 2005–2006 high school season he averaged 13.9 points and 5.6 assists per game.^[31][32] As a senior during the 2006–2007 high school season he averaged 8.6 points and 9.0 assists per game.^[30][31]

According to The Wall Street Journal, it appears the decision to grant Miller a full scholarship at USC was largely driven by his relationship with friend and teammate Demar DeRozan, the 6-foot-6 All-American forward who was rated as the number five prospect in the country on Scout.com. The Wall Street Journal reported Coach Tim Floyd as saying, "Last April...Percy Miller called while driving both players from a tournament in Fayetteville, Ark...Percy Miller said 'Demar and Romeo are ready to make their decision, and would you like to have them both on scholarship?'...'I said absolutely.'"^[30] Miller and DeRozan began playing in the 2008–2009 season.

Modeling career[link]

On December 27 Romeo modeled for a new 2011 calendar.^[33] On April 10, 2011 Miller modeled for the April issue of TROIX magazine.^[34] On April 12, 2011 Miller modeled again for some new pictures.^[35] He also modeled with the singer-songwriter Chynna Terrell.

Dancing with the Stars[link]

After originally withdrawing from season two of Dancing with the Stars due to an injury,^[36] Romeo competed in season twelve.^[37] He was partnered with professional dancer, Chelsie Hightower. They were eliminated from the show on May 10, 2011 and finished in the Top 5, one week before the semi-final.

• In week 7, Donnie Burns was the guest judge and scored the dances.

Personal life[link]

Miller attended Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, California. Romeo sponsors "Loco Tonic", an energy drink he mentions in his newer songs. In 2008, Romeo was ranked No. 18 in the most fit men in the world. Miller was born on Aug. 19, 1989 in New Orleans, La. He is the oldest of seven children from parents Percy, Sr. and Sonya Miller. His father is a business entrepreneur and musician. His father also shares a passion for the game of basketball and signed contracts with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors. Percy wears the No. 15 because that is the number his father wore in high school. Miller also believes in giving back to the community and is involved in a variety for charity endeavors and in 2008 along with his father received the key to the city in Memphis in recognition of their "Let the Kids Grow" educational program.

Discography[link]

Filmography[link]

Felipe Solis is schedule to appear in Romeo's new reality show Romeo & Juliet

Awards and nominations[link]

• Billboard Music Awards
  • 2001, Rap Artist of the Year (Winner)
  • 2001, Music Videos: My Baby (Winner)
  • 2002, R&B/Hip-Hop: My Baby (Winner)
• Kids Choice Awards
  • 2004, Favorite Television Actor – Male for: Romeo! (Nominated)
  • 2005, Favorite Television Actor – Male for: Romeo! (Winner)
  • 2006, Favorite Television Actor – Male for: Romeo! (Nominated)
• Teen Choice Awards
  • 2004, Choice Breakout Movie Star – Male for: Honey (Nominated)
• Black Reel Awards
  • 2004, Choice Breakout Movie Star – Male for: Honey (Nominated)
• Young Artist Awards
  • 2005, Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actor: Romeo! (Nominated)
• NAMIC Vision Awards
  • 2005, Best Comedic Performance: Romeo! (Nominated)
• Image Awards
  • 2005, Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Program – Series or Special: Romeo! (Nominated)

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Romeo Miller

• Official website
• USC Athletics Player Biography: No. 15 Percy Miller
• Romeo Miller's channel on YouTube
• Romeo on Myspace
• Romeo Miller on Twitter
• Romeo at the Internet Movie Database
• Photos from Shrink-A-Bulls

John Gormley
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
In office 14 June 2007 – 23 January 2011
Preceded by	Dick Roche
Succeeded by	Éamon Ó Cuív
Leader of the Green Party
In office 17 July 2007 – 27 May 2011
Preceded by	Trevor Sargent
Succeeded by	Eamon Ryan
Teachta Dála
In office June 1997 – February 2011
Constituency	Dublin South–East
Personal details
Born	(1959-08-04) 4 August 1959 (age 52) Dublin, Ireland
Nationality	Irish
Political party	Green Party
Spouse(s)	Penny Stuart
Children	2
Alma mater	University College Dublin, University of Freiburg
Website	www.johngormley.com

John Gormley (born 4 August 1959) is a former Irish politician. He was the leader of the Irish Green Party from 2007 to 2011, and was a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Dublin South–East constituency from 1997 to 2011.^[1] He served as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government from 2007–11. He was previously the party spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Health and Children, and chairman of the party.

Early and personal life[link]

Born in Dublin, Gormley was educated in St Munchin's College, Limerick, University College Dublin and the University of Freiburg. Prior to entering full-time politics he ran an academy of European languages. He has held many positions in the Green Party including Campaign Director for the successful anti-smog campaign in the 1980s. He contested his first general election in 1989, in the Dublin South–East constituency, but was not elected. He also unsuccessfully contested the 1989 Seanad election and 1992 general election. In 1990 he wrote The Green Guide For Ireland, containing advice on how to live and campaign environmentally.

He lives in Ringsend with his wife, Penny, and their son and daughter.

Political life[link]

In 1991 he was elected to Dublin City Council and was Lord Mayor of Dublin from 1994–95. At the 1997 general election, Gormley became the third Green candidate elected to Dáil Éireann - after a week-long re-count with Michael McDowell, which he won by 27 votes. Gormley and Trevor Sargent served as the only Green Party TDs from 1997–2002. He retained his seat at the 2002 general election, increasing his vote and taking the first seat in his constituency, though McDowell gained the most number of first preferences.

He was elected to the newly created post of party Cathaoirleach (chairperson) of the Green Party in 2002, and re-elected in late 2004 with 80% of the party vote. He is seen by many^{[citation needed]} as the most influential figure within the Green Party, having proposed some of the major changes to the party structures such as the name change (from Green Alliance to Green Party); the need to have a party leader was suggested by Sargent.

On 16 May 2007, during the run up to the 2007 general election, Gormley emerged from a crowd of journalists to confront Michael McDowell while he was unveiling a poster saying 'Left Wing Government? No Thanks'. Gormley repeatedly requested McDowell to admit that the accompanying pamphlet on the matter was awash with lies. The incident fronted the evening's main news and the footage subsequently circulated on the Internet.^[2]

Gormley was re-elected at the 2007 general election, beating McDowell for the last seat by 304 votes.^[3] Following the election he led negotiations with Fianna Fáil on forming a government. The programme for government was approved by 86% of party members who attended a specially convened conference in Dublin's Mansion House, after which the party entered government for the first time. On 14 June 2007 he was named as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the new coalition.

Leader of Green Party[link]

Following the general election of 2007, Trevor Sargent resigned as leader of the Green Party. The following leadership election was contested by Gormley and Patricia McKenna, and the Green Party announced that in the postal ballot he received 478 votes to McKenna's 263.^[4]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government[link]

As the new Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Gormley took over the responsibility for the decision to allow the excavation of national monuments near the historical site of the Hill of Tara to facilitate the construction of the M3 motorway. On his final day in office, outgoing minister Dick Roche signed an order which allowed a newly discovered National Monument at Lismullin near Tara to be studied and then destroyed to make way for the building of the motorway. Gormley stated that he was unable for legal reasons to reverse this order.^[5] Green Party TD Ciarán Cuffe expressed his dissatisfaction with the former Minister Roche's decision and expressed his hope that Gormley could reverse it.^[6] Gormley appointed a long standing critic of the M3 route, Dr. Conor Newman of NUIG, to oversee the archaeological work as part of a special committee on the Lismullen site.^[7] In 2009 the Tara-Skryne Valley was designated Ireland's first Landscape Conservation Area by Gormley, prohibiting shopping malls and retail parks from being constructed in the area.^[8]

In September 2007, he announced regulations introducing reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions for all new homes in new building regulations.^[9] New homes are to be 40% more energy efficient, which will reduce the carbon footprint of each house by 40% also. The new regulations are also set to make renewable energy mandatory for all new build homes. ^[10]

In his leader's speech to the Green Party conference in April 2008, he provoked a walk-out of the Chinese Ambassador and diplomatic delegation by calling for solidarity with the people of Tibet and referring to Tibet as a nation.^[11]

July 2008 saw changes to VRT and road tax which Gormley had brought about the previous year. The charges are now calculated on the basis of the carbon emissions of the vehicle. This had a dramatic effect according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on the type of car sales that have occurred subsequently. ^[12]

In November 2008, he announced new quality standards for rented accommodation which landlords would be obliged to follow. Additional funding for inspections and more severe penalties for landlords who provide substandard accommodation formed part of the initiative.^[13]

Gormley introduced a "Bike Scheme" in January 2009 which promoted cycling to work by offering tax incentives to employees and employers who purchased bicycles and switched to cycling. The scheme is part of a strategy to double the number of journeys made by bike by 2020, and also includes a multi-million euro cycle-path upgrade plan.^[14]

In 2010, Gormley made a Ministerial order, forcing councillors in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to revise a decision to rezone lands at The Park, Carrickmines (for retail development^[15][16]) during the framing of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown's County Development Plan late in 2009. The Council ultimately voted for the proposal that was advanced by Fine Gael Councillors Jim O'Leary (now resigned) and Barry Ward, but this decision was the subject of much criticism from John Gormley's Green Party colleague and local TD, Ciaran Cuffe.^[17] In March 2010, the Minister instructed the Council to reverse its decision.

In a close vote (with then Cathaoirleach Marie Baker exercising a casting a vote in favour of the Minister), the Council did change its decision, but the developer (Tristor Ltd.) took the Minister and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to the High Court.^[18][19][20] Mr Justice Frank Clarke eventually ruled on the case in November 2010, finding that Minister Gormley had exceeded his powers by ordering the Council to change its decision.^[21][22] It remains to be seen what impact this will have on the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Development Plan.

On 22 November 2010, he called for an election date to be fixed in the second half of January 2011 following the announcement of an EU financial rescue package for Ireland due to the ongoing financial crisis in the country.^[23] He resigned as Minister on 23 January 2011 when the Green Party withdrew from government.^[24]

2011 general election and aftermath[link]

Gormley lost his seat at the 2011 general election on 25 February.^[25] He announced in an e-mail to Green Party members on 20 March 2011 that he would not be seeking re-election as leader of the party.^[26] He was succeeded as party leader by Eamon Ryan on 27 May 2011.^[27]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (July 2008)

Billy Dean
Dean performing at the Country For Kids concert in 1998 in Stafford, VA
Background information
Birth name	William Harold Dean, Jr.[1]
Born	(1962-04-02) April 2, 1962 (age 50) Quincy, Florida United States
Genres	Country
Occupations	Musician, songwriter, actor
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, fiddle, banjo[2][3]
Years active	1989–present
Labels	SBK/Liberty, Capitol Nashville, Dreamcatcher, View 2, Asylum-Curb
Associated acts	Alison Krauss, Lonestar, Kenny Rogers, Tom Shapiro
Website	Official website

William Harold "Billy" Dean, Jr. (born April 2, 1962, in Quincy, Florida) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Billy Dean first gained national attention after appearing on the television talent competition Star Search. Active as a recording artist since 1990, he has recorded a total of eight studio albums (of which the first three have been certified gold by the RIAA) and a greatest hits package which is also certified gold. His studio albums have accounted for more than twenty hit singles on the Billboard country charts, including eleven Top Ten hits. Although he never reached the top of the Billboard country charts on his own, he reached Number One in 2000 as one of two guest vocalists on Kenny Rogers' "Buy Me a Rose", and had two Number Ones on the RPM country charts in Canada.

Biography[link]

Dean was born in Quincy, Florida, on April 2, 1962.^[1] His father, also known as Billy Dean, maintained a band called The Country Rock in his spare time, and by the time he was eight, Dean began playing in his father's band.^[2] Throughout high school, at Robert F. Munroe Day School, he continued to play music, both in his father's band and with other local musicians. He soon began touring in local clubs, and sang Frank Sinatra's "My Way" at his high school graduation.^[4]

Dean was also a basketball player in high school, and was offered a scholarship to East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi.^[1] He attended college for one year before dropping out in order to pursue his desired career in music.^[2] By the time he was 20, Dean made the finals on the Wrangler Country Star Search, followed by a Male Vocalist win on the television competition Star Search six years later.^[1] He also worked as a demo singer and took acting lessons, appearing in television commercials for McDonald's, Chevrolet and Valvoline.^[2] By the end of the decade, he had signed to a publishing contract with EMI Music, as well as a recording contract with SBK Records, a subsidiary of Liberty Records.

Musical career[link]

1990-1995[link]

Dean made his chart debut in late 1990 with the single "Only Here for a Little While", the first release from his debut album Young Man. This song and its follow-up, "Somewhere in My Broken Heart" (previously recorded by Randy Travis on his 1989 album No Holdin' Back^[4]) were both #3 hits on the Billboard country charts. The latter was also a minor hit on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks charts. Although the album did not produce any other singles, Young Man was certified gold by the RIAA.

Dean's self-titled second album followed in 1991, and soon earned a gold certification as well. Four singles were released from it: "You Don't Count the Cost", "Only the Wind" and "Billy the Kid" each peaked at #4 on the country charts, while "If There Hadn't Been You" was a #3 on Billboard, and a #1 on both the former Radio & Records (now Mediabase) country charts in the U.S.^[2] and the RPM Country Tracks charts in Canada. Dean also toured with The Judds on their farewell tour in 1991, as well on tours with Wynonna Judd and Clint Black.^[2] He also wrote and recorded the theme song to the ABC animated television series Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa, and hosted a Top 21 countdown on VH1.^[2] By 1992, he had also earned the Top New Male Vocalist award from the Academy of Country Music.^[2]

Fire in the Dark was the title of Dean's third album. Issued in 1993, it was also his third straight gold-certified album, earning that certification from both the RIAA and CRIA. Lead-off single "Tryin' to Hide a Fire in the Dark" peaked at #6 in the United States and became his second #1 in Canada. Following it were "I Wanna Take Care of You", "I'm Not Built That Way", and a cover of Dave Mason's 1977 pop hit "We Just Disagree". Also in 1993, Dean had an opening slot on Alan Jackson's tour.^[2][4]

Following his first three studio albums was a greatest hits album in 1994. This album reprised his first nine singles, as well as a new song, "Once in a While", which Dean wrote and recorded for the soundtrack to the 1994 film 8 Seconds.^[2] This song peaked at #53 based on unsolicited airplay.

Men'll Be Boys, his final release for SBK/Liberty, came later in 1994. This album was not as successful in sales or chart performance, producing the #24 "Cowboy Band" and #60 title track. After this album, Dean placed his career on hiatus to raise his family, which at that point consisted of his wife, Cathy, and their son, William Eli Dean.^[2]

1996-present[link]

Dean returned to the recording studio in 1996 for his fifth album, It's What I Do, on Capitol Records Nashville. This album returned him to the Top Ten with its title track and "That Girl's Been Spyin' on Me", which reached numbers 5 and 4, respectively.^[4] The final single, a cover of Don Williams' 1988 single "I Wouldn't Be a Man", fell short of Top 40. He also worked with actress and singer Crystal Bernard on her 1996 debut album Girl Next Door, in addition to co-writing its debut single "Have We Forgotten What Love Is."^[2] Later that year, Dean released a non-charting single, "In the Name of Love", which never appeared on an album. In 1998, Victoria Shaw and several other artists, including Dean, collaborated on the charity single "One Heart at a Time".

Real Man, his sixth album, was issued in mid-1998. This album produced only one Top 40 hit in its title track, followed by "Innocent Bystander" which reached number 68. After this album, Dean exited Capitol's roster. He also took up acting once more, appearing in the minor TV specials A Face to Kill For and Blue Valley Songbird.^[4] In 2000, he and Alison Krauss made guest appearances on Kenny Rogers' single "Buy Me a Rose", which reached the top of the Billboard country charts in May of that year. This song was also a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and Rogers' first number 1 single in thirteen years.

A year later, Dean joined Suzy Bogguss and twelve-year-old singer Jillian Arciero (credited as Jillian) on "Please Keep Mom and Dad in Love," which was issued on Rogers's Dreamcatcher Records, and never included on an album.^[4] Although he continued touring, he did not chart again until 2003 with "I'm in Love With You", released on the independent View 2 label. His next release for View 2 was a cover of John Denver's "Thank God I'm a Country Boy". Asylum-Curb Records took over promotion of this single shortly after its release,^[5] and by mid-2004 it reached number 27 on the country charts. Following it was the single "Let Them Be Little", co-written by Richie McDonald of Lonestar and recorded by the band on its 2004 album Let's Be Us Again. Dean's seventh studio album, also titled Let Them Be Little, was finally issued in late 2004 on Asylum-Curb.^[4] Although "Let Them Be Little" reached a peak of number 8 on the country charts in early 2005, the album's other singles all failed to reach Top 40. A Christmas music album, The Christ (A Song for Joseph), followed in late 2005. Included on the album was a duet with his daughter Hannah.

In addition to recording and touring, Dean is branching into using music for corporate marketing. One of his ventures, Song Sessions, combines songwriting and corporate team building exercises.

Discography[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Billy Dean – official site