Dean Himes Inducted into Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame

On Aug. 21, Gunbarrel resident Dean Himes was inducted into the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame at a ceremony held at Dougie G's Lounge (VFW Post 7945) in Thornton, Colorado. The Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame was founded in 1998 and recognizes musical accomplishments of Colorado country musicians. Himes was one of seven inductees honored for his significant contribution to the country and western music scene.

Himes has been on the local country music scene since 1981. His signature song is "Seashell Memories," which he wrote and recorded in 2015. The singer-songwriter-guitarist has performed at Rock & Rails (most recently on July 28), at First Friday art walks and at other events in Niwot.

In addition to his musical efforts, Himes is also a voiceover talent, using his deep baritone voice for commercial purposes. He has his own recording studio and produces his own music.

HImes grew up in Pennsylvania. At the young age of eight, he recalls his first live performance with two of his grade school classmates. Himes graduated high school and went on to college, but found that music was his calling, so he dropped out of college and headed west to Santa Barbara, California, where he made his first recording - a two-song 45 rpm vinyl record engineered and produced by Terry Nelson who is famous for working with Michael McDonald and Joe Walsh.

After the record was cut, he headed back to Pennsylvania. But during his trip home, Himes briefly stopped to see a friend in Boulder and then decided to stay. He soon organized a five-piece band called "Horseplay," and they performed together for many years, playing throughout the Colorado country music scene.

Himes can be found performing throughout the front range. Check out Himes' music and learn more about him at https://deanhimes.com/