Join host Randy Phillips backstage with his longtime friend, pastor, singer, and songwriter Dan Dean for a conversation spanning more than 35 years of friendship, ministry, and music with Phillips, Craig & Dean
SEASON 5, EPISODE 4
Welcome to Backstage with Randy Phillips - a lighthearted dialogue meant to inspire every heart and home to live a life of purpose.
Join host Randy Phillips backstage with his longtime friend, pastor, singer, and songwriter Dan Dean for a conversation spanning more than 35 years of friendship, ministry, and music with Phillips, Craig & Dean. Dan shares how a childhood gift for piano grew into a lifelong calling, the stories behind songs like “Favorite Song of All” and “Mercy Came Running,” and what it felt like to hear Phillips, Craig & Dean on Christian radio for the very first time. Randy and Dan revisit unforgettable moments from decades on the road, the humble beginnings of the group, the unexpected second wind that came through worship songs like “Revelation Song,” and plenty of hilarious backstage memories along the way. Dan also opens up about songwriting, learning to release the songs that may be meant for someone else, and his latest solo album, More. It’s a conversation about friendship, faithfulness, creativity, gratitude, and trusting God with the gifts He’s given you.
STAY CONNECTED
#DanDean #PhillipsCraigAndDean #ChristianMusic #Songwriting #FaithAndMusic #BackstageWithRandyPhillips
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Season 5 Introduction: Meet Dan Dean
01:13 – 35 Years of Friendship & Phillips, Craig & Dean
02:45 – Growing Up With Four Brothers
05:18 – Discovering His Gift for Music
07:29 – From Playing Piano in Church to Singing
09:08 – Writing His First Song
10:04 – The Story Behind “Favorite Song of All”
11:56 – How “Mercy Came Running” Was Written
14:15 – Hearing “Mercy Came Running” on The Voice
15:28 – The Song Dan Wishes He Had Written
17:22 – Guppy and the Silvery Hook Book Promo
18:27 – Dan Dean’s Songwriting Process
20:06 – How Phillips, Craig & Dean Got Started
21:24 – How Phillips, Craig & Dean Got Their Name
21:54 – Hearing Their Song on the Radio for the First Time
24:44 – A Run of No. 1 Songs
25:49 – Their First Tour & Humble Beginnings
27:25 – Unforgettable Moments From 35 Years of Music
29:24 – Stage Fright, Forgotten Lyrics & Road Stories
31:20 – One of Their Funniest Concert Disasters
33:05 – Guppy and the Silvery Hook Book Promo
34:05 – How “Revelation Song” Revived Their Career
37:05 – The Story Behind ESPZ
38:22 – Why Dan Dean Made a Solo Album
39:23 – The Meaning Behind “Traveling Light”
40:43 – When a Song Is Meant for Someone Else
44:25 – Dan Dean’s More & Closing Thoughts
Music: This Is How I Do It - Instrumental by Josh Logan
Licensed through Musicbed (License Code: MB01ULAMGYVOEVK)