NASHVILLE, TN (September 13, 2024) - "Tele-Man," the highly anticipated, electrifying new single from singer/songwriter Ira Dean and the legendary Ronnie Dunn, is officially out today. This track features an all-star lineup including country greats Vince Gill, John Osborne, and the Telecaster master himself, Brent Mason, adding their signature guitar magic. Together, they create a song that is a tribute to country music’s most beloved instrument and the players who bring it to life. Released via 8 Track Entertainment/Warner Music Group/ADA, this collaboration is available to stream and download HERE.
Written by Jeffrey Steele (“What Hurts the Most”/Rascal Flatts) and Tony Mullins (“How Forever Feels”/Kenny Chesney, "Tele-Man" immediately struck a chord with Dean. Upon hearing it for the first time, he knew it was the perfect track to bring his dream of forming a country version of the Traveling Wilburys to fruition. Dean says, "The Telecaster isn’t just a guitar—it’s an emblem of country music.”
Dean didn’t hesitate to bring Ronnie Dunn into the fold, who was equally enthusiastic about the project. "This song is rapid-fire fun with amazing Telecaster players on it—some of the best in town. Anytime I’m in a room with Ira, we’re either laughing or getting in trouble. We did a bit of both here, but please don’t quiz me on the lyrics,” Dunn jokes.
Adding to the all-star collaboration, Dean reached out to Vince Gill, John Osborne, and Brent Mason to join in. “If I never do another song again, I can hang up my hat on this one,” Dean remarks about the project.
Brent Mason, who provides his signature Telecaster sound on the track, shared his excitement: “When I heard 'Tele-Man' with all these guys on it just smoking, I thought, ‘Oh, that’s really cool.’ I was thrilled—I’ve worked with Ira and Trick Pony on a few albums, so I know him pretty well. I was very flattered that he asked me."
John Osborne echoed similar sentiments, expressing how special this collaboration is for him personally. “Ira asked me if I wanted to be a part of the project. He told me Ronnie was on it, and he had Vince and Brent playing on it too. I was already sold on the idea anyway, give me any reason to play guitar, I’m down…but the fact that I get to play with my heroes is so awesome.”
Vince Gill, a longtime friend of Dean’s, described the camaraderie: “Ira and I have been friends since he first showed up in town. He is a hoot. He is one of those people, when he asks for some help to play on something, I’m always willing. This song was a lot of entertainment with a lot of really talented guys.”
"Tele-Man," produced by GRAMMY® winning engineer Noah Gordon, is not just a song—it’s an ode to country music’s rich Telecaster tradition, brought to life by some of its finest players. It serves as a preview to Ira Dean's upcoming album, I Got Roads, set to release in early 2025. The album features an array of notable artists, including Uncle Kracker, Gretchen Wilson, Shelley Fairchild, Gary Alan, Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and David Lee Murphy. It is a deeply personal collection of songs that explore redemption, growth, and happiness.
With a career spanning collaborations with Hank Williams Jr., Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, and Blake Shelton, Dean's country music credentials are solid. His close relationship with Johnny Cash, who he considered a second father, and the advice to from Charlie Daniels, have all played crucial roles in shaping his journey.
Dean concludes, “I’ve always dreamed of being in the perfect band, surrounded by guys that I’ve respected my whole career. I’m not only friends with these guys but fans of theirs my whole life. I mean if you’re a country music fan who doesn’t put these guys on their Mount Rushmore to record with. John Osborne was the last piece of the puzzle and the first time I did a show with Brothers Osborne I heard John and knew right there and then he had to be part of this band in my head. From the bottom of my heart I wanna thank Ronnie, Vince, Brent, and John for making this dream come true.”
IRA DEAN on YOUTUBE: LISTEN HERE
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