Country music star Ira Dean is paying tribute to legendary patriot Charlie Daniels on the fifth anniversary of his passing with a bold, unapologetically pro-American anthem, “What Would Charlie Daniels Do?” Dean, a multi-platinum artist known for collaborations with country legends and co-writer of Aaron Lewis’s hit “Am I the Only One,” says the new track channels Daniels’ love for God, country, and truth.
“Charlie was a patriot. He loved God, family, country, and the flag. He was like Jesus and John Wayne all wrapped into one,” Dean told Breitbart News Daily. The track, co-written with Nashville Hall of Fame songwriter Jeffrey Steele, appears on Dean’s new album I Got Roads and immediately resonated with fans, debuting as the #1 video across all genres on iTunes.
Dean pulls no punches in the track, calling out left-wing rocker Neil Young, praising Ted Nugent, and standing up for patriotic Americans who feel alienated in today’s divisive political climate. “I can wear an American shirt with a flag on it now and I’m called a racist,” Dean said. “America doesn’t have a color. We’re mutts here… and I’m proud of this country.”
Ted Nugent was more than just a name-drop. After hearing his lyric, Nugent offered to contribute a guitar solo to the track. “I went down to Waco, Texas, and hung out with Ted and cut the song,” Dean recalled.
Dean’s connection to Charlie Daniels is deeply personal. After opening for Daniels in 2002, Dean—then struggling with addiction—was approached by the country legend who offered not just words, but prayer and support. “He took his hat off, got on a knee, and prayed for me,” Dean remembered. Years later, Daniels told a now-sober Dean, “I can see you now,” a moment Dean calls unforgettable.
Proceeds from “What Would Charlie Daniels Do?” will support The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, a nonprofit aiding veterans transitioning to civilian life—an effort Daniels helped launch in 2014.
Dean and Steele also co-wrote the 2021 anthem “Am I the Only One,” a Billboard chart-topper that pushed back on cancel culture, riots, and attacks on American heritage.
