Dean Friedman

Dean Friedman first marked his entry into pop consciousness with the Top 20 chart success of his infectious hit single, Ariel, a quirkily irresistible and uncategorizable pop song about a free spirited, music loving, vegetarian Jewish girl in a peasant blouse who lived, as the lyric goes, "...way on the other side of the Hudson".

Friedman scored again with the release of his follow up album, “Well, Well,” Said the Rocking Chair’, and the now classic hit single, Lucky Stars. This magical duet, performed with singer, Denise Marsa, zoomed to the top of the UK singles charts, going instantly gold. Lucky Stars paved the way for a slew of Friedman hits in the UK, including familiar radio staples such as Lydia, Rocking Chair and Woman of Mine.

2009 marked the 30th anniversary of those classic hits and over that period of time, Friedman’s consummate songwriting and performing, have earned him a loyal international following, devoted to the sophisticated, funny and profound work of a master songsmith.

“Stunning Musicianship” - Hot Press, "Songsmith Extraordinaire! A Great Performer!" - Music Week , "An Amazing Talent" - The Sun, "An American Classic" - Tribune, "Pop Troubador of Choice" - Scotsman, are just of few of the superlatives used to describe Friedman's powerfully unique and original talent.

Friedman’s recent run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival garnered similar critical praise: “Every song in this Edinburgh show is a classic. You won't see a better show.” – London Theatre Guide. "Sophisticated and humorous work from an old master!" Scotland on Sunday / Festival Critic's Music Choice. “With his mix of jaunty ditties, sentimental ballads and bashful charm, Friedman is the pop troubadour of choice.” The Scotsman.

Although Friedman’s next single, McDonald's Girl was officially banned by the BBC for mentioning the tradename of the fast food restaurant in its chorus, the irrepressible pop song has been successfully covered by a number of acclaimed contemporary bands including the Canadian group Barenaked Ladies [WEA]. (BNL member, Steve Page, sings background vocals on Dean’s double album, 'Songs for Grownups'.)

Friedman also composes and produces music soundtracks for TV and film, including the music to the Central TV series BOON and the soundtrack to the underground cult horror film classic ‘I Bought A Vampire Motorcycle’ (Hobo Films/U.K.) in which he performs the unforgettable track, ‘She Runs on Blood, Not Gasoline’. Friedman also serves as presenter/producer of the acclaimed radio series, ‘Real American Folk’, featured the past two summers on BBC Radio Scotland.

One of Friedman's recent tours was almost cancelled when it was announced that his tour sponsor www.goldenseeds.co.uk would distribute packets of cannabis seeds to the first ten people that purchased CD's at each of Friedman's gigs. The controversy was only resolved after Friedman promised not to distribute the seeds within 50 yards of the venue premises. ( click to see Songwriter's Cannabis Controversy).

Despite Friedman's apparent absence from the popular music scene, evidence that his name and music have made a lasting impact on pop music can be found in repeated appearances in popular media: The British band Half Man Half Biscuit released a best selling EP containing the incredibly titled, The Bastard Son of Dean Friedman. (Dean emphatically denies this claim.) With his influence evident in the music of contemporary bands like Barenaked Ladies, the Blenders and Ben Folds Five, Friedman states, ‘It’s nice to see that my music has made an impact on a new generation of artists.’

Friedman’s latest CD, ‘Squirrels in the Attic’ – comedy songs for adults, has been receiving rave reviews from fans and critics, alike. An original Flash animation of one the lead track, ‘I Miss Monica’ (ode to Washington’s favorite intern, Monica Lewinsky), was winner of the People’s Choice Award as the #1 Download on the HuffingtonPost.com’s ‘Contagious Festival’. Another track, ‘Doint, Doint, It’s Just a Little Joint’ won the top prize for Best Comedy Song at the American Marijuana Music Awards 2006. The CD carries a Parental Advisory Warning: This CD contains obscene language, gratuitous depictions of violence, rude references to perverse sexual acts, disparaging remarks about Republicans and an irresponsible endorsement of illegal substances. Parental discretion is advised! Friedman is currently at work on a new CD scheduled for release in July, 2010.

Friedman, 63, makes his home in Peekskill, NY where he lives with his wife and two children, plus assorted live stock - including a monkey named Amelia.