Biography for Ronny Dean

Ronny Dean DeShazo is originally from Abilene Texas. He recorded his first song at age six after his father, Howard, heard Ron singing "Act Naturally", by the Beatles, while his brother Scott played along on the guitar. Howard immediately placed the two brothers in his "garage converted" recording studio at their home and recorded the song. This was just the beginning. Soon after, He learned to play the bass guitar, borrowing his big brothers bass until he talked his father into buying him his own. Ron played in various Rock bands during high school as a weekend hobby.

Above: The Studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico 1980's

What began as a hobby quickly changed into a profession when a friend offered Ron a job with a local Country & Western Band playing weekends. The excitement came when he earned more money performing a few hours in clubs than working at a local electronics store. Versatile, he switched from bass guitar to lead guitar. Weekends unfulfilling he signed on full time with other bands. The tours took him across the USA. During one tour he met world-class drummer Rocky Caron. Their aspirations matched and the two became good friends. They performed in the same bands together for several years before moving on to different projects.

Above Chisum Band: Left to Right: Steve Segler, Chris Carson, Danny Moya, Boyd Chisum and Ronny Dean.

However, this was not the last time he and Rocky would work together. In January of 1996 he received a phone call from Rocky who, at that time, was in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Rocky seemed very excited about the job he had drumming for, then - nineteen year old Joe Nichols. A position for lead guitar was available. After that telephone conversation he decided to accept the position as lead guitarist for Joe Nichols and relocated to Fort Smith, AR.

Above: Lonestar's  Keach Rainwater & Rocky Caron

The year 1996 with Joe Nichols was taxing, leaving little personal time for Ron. Two young daughters at home he rarely saw, induced him to return home and be a father again. In his spare time he worked in his father's recording studio continuing Recording/Production work. This studio has since been upgraded with digital technology and is in private operation today.

The studio today is in a collaborative effort on the part of Ron and other writers/performers in producing a cross-mix of Country and Spanish music. The result of this effort was the first single No Lo Crei and Es Amor released In 2007-2008. The songs proved to be a hit in  New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Texas on stations of that genre.

A full length CD of Ronny Dean is set for release some time in 2010

All Photos are the property of Ronny Dean

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