Country Hitmaker Dean Dillon Signs With River House Artists & Sony Music Publishing

Legendary songwriter and Country Music Hall of Famer Dean Dillon has signed a global publishing deal with River House Artists in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.

Dillon, who was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002 and into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2021, is known for his long association with George Strait. He has written more than 70 Strait hits, including “The Chair,” “I’ve Come to Expect It From You,” “Easy Come, Easy Go” and “The Best Day.” Dillon was named the BMI Country Icon in 2013, and he has amassed a combined total of 31 BMI Country and Pop Awards. In 2011, he was nominated for a Grammy for country song of the year for Strait’s “Breath You Take.” Most recently, he was named a nominee for the 2024 Songwriters Hall Of Fame induction.

Dillon moved to Nashville in 1973. In addition to his songs for Strait, he also co-wrote such hits as Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius’ “Lying Here in Love With You,” which reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart in 1979, and George Jones‘ “Tennessee Whiskey,” which has gone on to become a signature song for Chris Stapleton. Dillon’s songs have also been recorded by artists including Toby Keith (“It’s a Little Too Late”) and Kenny Chesney & Dave Matthews (“I’m Alive”).

“We are thrilled to have Dean Dillon join our River House roster. His songwriting is unparalleled, and this is such an exciting time for us,” Zebb Luster, vp/GM of River House Artists, said in a statement. “I have been a true fan of his songwriting for years and how it has forged a path in country music history. We are honored that he trusts us to continue to further his incredible songwriting legacy.”

Dillon added, “I’m so excited to be part of the River House family. The team has an excellent track record and are such thoughtful stewards of great songs. I’m looking forward to working with them to further my lasting legacy as a songwriter.”