Dean-o’s Story

Dean-o in 1999


      A moment captured: the SOUL SURFIN’ tour

It began in ’97 and has canvased the U.S. with dynamic hit records, over 1,900 performances in 40 states and a Dove Award nomination for children’s album of the year.

During these events and performances, 13,500 children affirmed their faith in Christ at concerts, camps, chapels, VBS weeks and large crusades.

With a crystal-clear calling he received from the Lord at 15, Dean-o set on a course to work with youth and graduated from BIOLA “U” with a BS in Christian Ed. and minor in Biblical Theology. Dean-o is known for his energy and tenacity in reaching kids with the gospel, never forgetting he was a teen before hearing the good news of Jesus.

Married to his wife Karen, their greatest joy has been 3 beautiful daughters — Jordan, Madison and Mackenzie. Dean-o’s influences include his dad as a boyhood coach, his mother as a teacher of music & art, his youth Pastors who taught him the good news of Jesus, and the pop hits of the ’60’s, which led to his retro-rockin’ sound!

The musical journey began with the production of two live recordings in ’95 and ’96, followed by a shift to the studio for the 1st Dean-o and the Dynamos CD, YOU GOT IT ALL, recorded in the summer of ’97 and hailed as a “phenomenon” for kid’s Christian music. A “wave” of hits on SOUL SURFIN’ followed as Dean-o hit the road full-time in ’99, and in 2001, GOD CITY blazed an innovative musical trail to heaven with Dean-o’s 3rd CD. In 2003, life perspective following the pain of 9/11 inspired the release of the powerful GAME FACE CD as Dean-o continued to perform and teach God’s Word nationally. In 2005, Dean-o felt the call to return to a dual role as children’s Pastor and musical evangelist, inspiring the recording and release of SALVATION SPEEDWAY in 2007 and SEEKERMANIA, Dean-o’s 6th CD, in 2010. And the story continues …

NEXT UP:

It all came together in 2015 with the national introduction of Bible REPLAY Curriculum™ — a 3rd–5th Grade Classroom Curriculum, Online Adventure, and Musical Encounter for Christian Schools and Home Educators. In 2019, the national expansion includes Northwest and Midwest demo tours, new recordings, adding new levels in Kindergarten–2nd grade, and more.

So, if you’re a fan and supporter—hang on for a wild ride—’cause the surf’s up, the Word is alive, and the best is yet to come as we spread the gospel around the world!