Billy Dean to perform in Sandy

Things weren't looking up for Billy Dean. His marriage ended in a bitter divorce, and — although he had success with such hits as "Billy the Kid" and "Somewhere in My Broken Heart" — his musical career was tanking.

What's a country boy to do?

For Billy Dean, it wasn't a hard decision. It was time to be dad to his two kids, Eli (age 12) and Hannah (10). Dean took a break from the music business, but after six years, it's time to make a comeback.

Dean will be performing on Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Sandy Amphitheater, 1300 E. 9400 South, in Sandy. Admission is $13-$20 (phone 467-8499 or 568-2787, or go online to www.sandy.utah.gov).

He has put his hard experiences to good use, creating the material for a new album. Drawing on his experience as a single dad, "Let Them Be Little" comes out with fresh energy and creativity, with all of the songs but one are original (there's a cover of John Denver's "Thank God I'm a Country Boy").

When he couldn't get a record label to produce his newest album, "Let Them Be Little," Dean literally "bet the farm," and funded the project himself. The risk has paid off. The album made its debut at No. 8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, and "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" has made an appearance on the charts, as well.

In addition to reviving his career, Dean has revived his family life; he recently remarried.