| Dennis Dearing was just 4
years old when he fell in love for the first time. It was Christmas
morning 1965, and he'd just unwrapped a gift from his parents that
would change his life forever: A tiny Roy Rogers acoustic guitar.
Mesmerized by the music he coaxed from the instrument, he refused
to put it down. He's been hooked ever since. By the time he was 6,
he was taking piano lessons; by 8, guitar lessons; and in high school,
music filled his every waking moment. He played guitar in the school's
jazz band and string bass and percussion in concert band. On the weekends,
he played guitar in a local rock band and sang in his church's youth
choir. After high school, he moved to Nashville to attend Belmont
University, an institution which boasts such former students as country
stars Vince Gill, Trisha Yearwood and Christian artist Steven Curtis
Chapman. Dennis studied Music Business, played guitar for the university's
group, The Belmont Reasons, and received his BBA. Upon graduation in 1984, Dennis went on the road, touring with such artists as Farrell and Farrell, Geoff Moore and country artist Charley McClain. When at home he was in demand as a session guitarist. He went on to open his own recording studio, Menace Music, in Franklin, Tennessee, in 1990. Since that time, he has lent his producing, writing, engineering and performing talents to projects featuring such contemporary Christian artists as Kathy Troccoli, Sara Evans, The Martins, Nicol Smith, Aaron-Jeffrey, Pat Boone, Larnelle Harris, Rick Cua, Scott Krippayne, David Phelps, Sheri Easter, Karen Peck, The Ruppes, Kenny Marks, Crossway and Tonya Goodman. He has performed on numerous No. 1 singles, including 4HIM's "Basics of Life," "Why," and "He Never Changes," as well as Greg Long's "Mercy Said No," Al Denson's "To Forgive," and Billy and Sarah Gaines' "Same all the Time." Dennis has produced recordings for fledgling singers and established artists, with his name appearing on projects by EMI Christian Music Group, Benson Music Group, Word Entertainment, Song Time Kids, Butterfly Kids, Spring Hill Music Group, Broken Records and many more. He also has been involved in artist development for companies such as the Benson Company and Chimney Hill Productions. He produced the first solo project of the Peasall Sisters, who are featured on the multi-platinum-selling soundtrack for the hit movie, "Oh Brother Where Art Thou." Currently Dennis is producing Doxology Records artist Anthem Ave, country artist Woody Bradshaw and new CCM independent artist Noah Barlass. In 2002 and again in 2004, he was honored with Gospel Music Association Dove Award nominations for Children's Music Album of the Year for production. "My favorite part of being in music is being creative and getting to do something that I love to do every day," Dennis says. "My biggest goal for the next year is to continue producing and writing music that has a positive influence on people's lives." Several years ago, he fell in love again, this time with his lifelong mate, Karen. They have a 6-year-old son, Micah. |
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