With over thirty years of ministry and music experience, Dan Dean—one-third of the legendary worship group Phillips, Craig & Dean—continues to inspire listeners with songs of hope, faith, and encouragement. As the group marks its 33rd year together, Dean is also beginning a new chapter with the release of his solo project, More. We sat down with Dan to talk about the stories behind the songs, his musical roots, the heart of encouragement that fuels this new album, and what’s next for both his solo career and Phillips, Craig & Dean.
Dan, thank you for taking the time with us. How are you doing these days?
I’m great. So glad you made time for me. We just entered our 33rd year of making music with Phillips, Craig & Dean, and I still wake up some mornings and pinch myself, wondering how we’re still doing this. But we are. In fact, this year has been one of our busiest years since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alongside the group, you’re also releasing a solo project this year. Can you tell us about that?
That’s right. June 1 marked my 40th anniversary at the church I’ve been part of. I semi-retired about five years ago, which left me with a little more time. The other guys are still lead pastors, so I asked them if they’d mind me working on a solo project, and they gave me their blessing. I had some songs already, wrote some more, and pulled a few from other writers. The result is More, which was released on June 20. I’m really excited about it.
The title track “More” carries a lot of weight. What’s the story behind that song?
I wrote, “More” during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was a little depressed at the time. I’m a people person, and being stuck at home was tough. One day, I sat down at the piano and hashed out the song in just a couple of hours, later adding a bridge. It became the centerpiece of the album. The theme of “More” is about needing more of Jesus and His Spirit to bring revival.
Sonically, the album feels different from a typical Phillips, Craig & Dean project.
Exactly. You’ll hear mandolins, banjo, steel guitar, and a lot of acoustic instrumentation. It’s going back to my roots. As a teenager, I loved Glen Campbell and Mac Davis—artists I would now call country, though back then I’m not sure what genre they fit into. Glen Campbell was a musical hero for me. That influence runs through this project.
What’s the heart behind More?
The underlying theme is encouragement—giving people hope and faith. Some songs were born during the pandemic, when people were desperately seeking hope. For example, “Where Amazing Happens” resonates with someone going through a tough time, whose dreams feel like they’ve come to an end. It’s a reminder that God can bring a new beginning. This whole album is about hope and encouragement.
You mentioned this isn’t your first solo project.
Right. I actually did a solo record back in 1988. I was young, and that album went “aluminum”—basically, my family bought it. Ironically, one of those songs, “He Won’t Give Up Easy,” was featured on More. Gordon Mote, who produced several tracks, picked it out from my list of songs. That was confirmation for me that it deserved a fresh recording.
Looking back over the years, what’s it like to see how God has used you and the group?
Honestly, it amazes me. When we released our first Phillips, Craig & Dean album, I was in my early thirties. When I turned 40, I thought my career was coming to an end. I even refused a birthday party because I was convinced people in their forties didn’t last in Christian music. Well, here I am in my sixties, and we’re still traveling, still recording, and people are still showing up. God has been faithful.
What’s kept us together, I think, is that we live in different cities. We see each other on the road, then go home to our own ministries and lives. That space has kept us fresh, and when we do come together, we have a lot of fun.
Phillips, Craig & Dean have been part of some significant worship moments. Any highlights stand out?
Absolutely. Our first praise and worship album was a turning point. The label initially resisted because they saw us as a pop group. However, when we released “Let My Words Be Few” with Nathan Nockels, it relaunched our careers. Later, Fearless with Bernie Herms gave us “Revelation Song,” which revolutionized our ministry. Every time we think God’s done with us, something happens, and we get a new beginning.
Collaboration is a big part of this solo album. How did that come together?
Dave Clark encouraged me to record with people I’ve always wanted to sing with. So, we brought in The Isaacs, Emily Ann Roberts, and Christine D’Clario, who sings on a song I wrote about my mom. Of course, Phillips, Craig & Dean are on there, too—we did “Traveling Light,” which is upbeat with mandolin and banjo.
One of my favorites is “Walk on Water,” which I co-wrote with Michael O’Brien at Prestonwood Baptist. And I can’t forget the song with my son, Devin. He wrote it, sang harmony, and took verse two. That was such a special moment.
Fans will want to know—will there be any new music coming from Phillips, Craig & Dean?
Funny you ask. After working on this solo project, the guys came into the studio and loved it. Just this week, I texted them asking if they’d be open to recording again, and both said yes. Hopefully, in the next few months, we’ll be working on something new. Every time we say “this is the last one,” somehow another album happens.
How can we be praying for you in this season?
Thank you for asking. Physically, it’s been a tough stretch. I’ve had about 12 surgeries in the last 10 years—hips, knees, back—all due to arthritis and spinal stenosis. I’m blessed, but I do live with daily pain, sleepless nights, and medication. So, a prayer for my health would mean a lot.
This interview was transcribed and edited with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI product developed by OpenAI.
Bradden Ford is a Christian music junkie charged with maintaining NewReleaseToday's new release database of artists and releases. He lives just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
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