Dean's professional career started as the lead singer/songwriter for the Canadian rock/pop band "The Arrows" in 1981.  An independent release"Misunderstood" was followed by two albums for A&M records which produced the hit singles  "Meet me in the Middle","Talk Talk", and "Heart of the City". When the band broke up in 1986 Dean went on to be a staff songwriter penning many hits including "Heaven Help my Heart" a top ten song for country superstar Wynonna Judd , " Darkhorse" a number one in Canada for Amanda Marshall which Elton John called a sure fire hit on Rosie O'Donnell,"Birmingham' a top twenty song worldwide for Amanda Marshall as well as hits for Anne Murray, Australian superstar Tina Arena, Terri Clark, Kelly Coffee, John Berry, Rita Coolidge, The Guess Who, Johnny Reid, John McDermitt, The Rankin Family, blues artists Shakura S'Aida, Danny Brooks, Suzie Vinnick, and many others. Dean was twice nominated for a Juno for Songwriter of the Year!