Introduction to Dean Friedman
Dean Friedman (born in 1955 in Paramus, New Jersey) is an American singer-songwriter best remembered for his Top 40 hit “Ariel” during the mid-70s music era. He was already playing music at weddings and bar mitzvahs as a member of Marsha and the Self-Portraits. In 1975 he was signed to Lifesong label. His first single on that imprint was “Ariel,” which peaked at #26 in 1977, and he had no other US hits than that so he can be considered as a one-hit wonder. But Friedman did have a few more hits in the UK – “Woman of Mine” (at #52), “Lucky Stars” (his highest there at #3) and “Lydia” (at #31). Friedman has also been engaged in other projects other than music-related ones, including authoring a book called Complete Guide To Synthesizers, Sequencers and Drum Machines in the light of the then-new synthesizer industry. He still writes and records material into the 21st century.
The early life and music career of Dean Friedman
Known mainly with the 1970’s oldies classic hits such as “Ariel” and “Lucky Stars” Dean Friedman is an American singer and songwriter born on May 23, 1955 in Paramus, New Jersey where he also grew up. Friedman is also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist. He was only nine years old when he had his first guitar and started writing his own composition as well. When he reached his teens, Friedman was already earning by being a member of the Martha and the Self-Portraits. The band usually performed at wedding and bar mitzvahs. While majoring in music at a university in New York, he was also trying his luck in the recording industry, submitting demos to record companies. Eventually, the 20-year old Friedman was signed to Lifesong imprint in 1975.
Friedman’s lone hit “Ariel” and other recordings
Releasing his first single in 1977 called “Ariel,” that would become his first and only hit. The song reached its peak position at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and enjoyed its stay for five months. It also made to the Cash Box Top 100 at #17. At the end of the year, the song landed at #69 as one 1977’s biggest hits. “Ariel” was also a hit in Canada, charting at #19 there.
The successful song was followed by three lesser hits in 1978: “Woman of Mine,” “Lucky Stars” and “Lydia.” However, the second mentioned, “Lucky Stars” became a big hit in the UK as it ranked at #3 there in late 1978. Featuring singer Denise Marsa, “Lucky Stars” was included in his sophomore album Well Well Said the Rocking Chair.
Friedman in th 1980’s and recent
Friedman found musical employment during the 1980’s as a composer, performer and producer working for several TV series and movies. In 1985 Friedman wrote a book called Compelte Guide to Synthesizers, Sequencers and Drum Machine. It became one of the most influential works during the dawn of the synthesizer industry.
Despite his brief success in the 1970’s, Friedman has never stopped writing and performing up to the 21st century.