DIERKS BENTLEY PILOTS BREAKOUT YEAR IN 2014

Grammy Nominee Ends 2014 On "Best Of" Lists

By iTunes, Rolling Stone And Billboard

 

Nashville, TN – Dec. 18, 2014 – When Dierks Bentley titled his seventh album Riser, the point was to call attention to the resilience and determination at the core of life. But the title took on a second meaning over the course of 2014 as Bentley became country music’s most impressive riser, catapulting an already successful career into one that blends his long-held critical acclaim with A-level commercial success.

“We put the music first,” Bentley told Billboard, “and when you do that, good things can happen far beyond what you could actually try to make happen.” 

To watch a recap of Bentley's unforgettable year, click here:

Bentley’s album managed to balance the strengths of country music, focusing on powerful, reflective material prompting USA Today to note "Bentley bares his soul" while deftly weaving in some lighter material to bring an ironically comedic twist. Bentley’s success was evident during awards season as Riser notched GRAMMY and CMA Nominations for "Best Country Album."  Additionally, the album's first two singles "I Hold On" and "Drunk On A Plane" scored nominations on their own, to make the singer/songwriter the most nominated male artist at this year's annual CMA ceremony.  

Bentley and the album certainly connected and with the first two songs, he became one of only three country acts to register two Platinum No. one singles during 2014, giving him a career total of 12 radio chart toppers and pushing digital downloads beyond the 2 million mark.  He anchored high profile television appearances on Good Morning America, Today, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The View, The Late Show with David Letterman, PBS Front and Center, The CMA Awards, The ACM Awards and the CMT Awards shows, and a special episode of CMT Crossroads with OneRepublic, among others.

Bentley’s music and fortitude collided for his inaugural amphitheater headlining tour, taking him to new heights as capacity crowds reached upwards of 21,000  in venues across the country.  The tour left music critics inspired, praising Bentley for his “high-energy and emotion-packed” sets (San Diego Union-Tribune) and noted he "rose to the occasion like a pro, as though headlining is what the man was born to do” (Arizona Republic).

“I’ve always done my own thing, and it’s led me here,” says country’s Riser. “I wouldn’t change anything about it.  It seems like so much came together all at once, and it truly has been a year I will never forget.”

As 2014 winds down, the Capitol Records Nashville's artist lands among the year’s top albums, featured by iTunes, Rolling Stone and Billboard on their "best of" year end lists. The year marks $3 million in charitable donations raised by his annual Miles & Music For Kids event, a passion project now in its ninth year and benefitting the Monroe Carroll Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, and 2015 will kick-off with a weekend stacked full of performances and appearances at the Super Bowl when it descends in his hometown of Phoenix at the end of January. For more information and for a full list of upcoming appearances, visit www.dierks.com.

Dierks Bentley's "I Hold On" Certified Platinum!

DIERKS BENTLEY ASCENDS BEYOND THE

PACK TO EARN TWO PLATINUM CERTIFIED

NO. ONE HITS IN 2014

"I Hold On" And "Drunk On A Plane" Also Honored By

The NSAI For "Songs I Wish I Had Written" This Year

Nashville, TN – Dec. 3, 2014 – Momentum for singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley continues to build as he becomes one of only three country artists to earn two RIAA certified PLATINUM and No. one radio singles in 2014. "I Hold On" was certified PLATINUM this week and now joins "Drunk On A Plane" to give Bentley two of the year's biggest back-to-back hits. He joins Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line as one of only three artists to accomplish this in 2014.    

"When Dierks played us the ‘RISER’ album for the first time, we knew it was something special,” commented Cindy Mabe, President, Universal Music Group Nashville. “But having two back-to-back #1 Platinum hits within a year shows the real power of how Dierks’ music has resonated and how he’s connected with the fans."

In addition to his success on the sales and radio charts, Bentley was also recently honored as a songwriter for both tracks by the NSAI as two of this year’s 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written, an honor voted on by other songwriters.

Bentley’s latest single “Say You Do” is now available at Country Radio as he wraps the second leg of his  2014 RISER TOUR this weekend in Canada amid sold out crowds. For more information, visit www.dierks.com.

DB Congress Feature Rep of the Month: Rita Eaton, Ireland

She's never seen Dierks Bentley perform live, yet Rita "Reet" Eaton proudly promotes our president daily from across the pond.  

Our newest DB Congress rep from Ireland tells us about the unique way she came to know and love Dierks Bentley, his band and his music.

"Earlier this year, a Saturday morning, I was scrolling through my Tweets when I noticed one from Whispering Bob Harris raving about some Country Singer named Dierks Bentley. Who? Never heard of him. So, being a music lover, I immediately went on YouTube and checked him out. 

The first song I played was "I Hold On".....liked it. The next? "Bourbon in Kentucky." REALLY liked it and kept going. "Am I The Only One," "Up On The Ridge," "Come A Little Closer."  It's not very often music appeals to me straight away, it usually takes a few listens before I really get into it. 

I tweeted Whispering Bob Harris back saying "Why in the hell have I not heard of @DierksBentley before?" I was hooked, immediately got onto Amazon and ordered "Riser" and I haven't stopped playing it since. It is on constantly in my car going to and from work. It sets the mood for the day and gets rid of the stresses on the way home. I bop around to it in my kitchen whilst cooking, and you will quite often see me, a 53 year old girl, playing air guitar along with Brian Layson (I love his playing). 

Since then I have purchased all of Dierks CD's that are available and have played little else since. "Riser" and "Up On The Ridge" probably being the most played.

Music has always been a major part of my life. I have been lucky enough to see some great bands and artists over the years ranging from Fleetwood Mac to Michael Jackson, Mary Chapin Carpenter to Robert Plant, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, the list goes on. I even sang in a band a good few years back (albeit for fun more than anything). 

I'm a lyrics person, it's always the lyrics of a song that appeal to me first, and I think that's why I love Dierks. His songs are a mix of fun, loving, meaningful, and some really make you think. "Here on Earth" is one particularly close to my heart. Of course it helps that he's not too hard on the eyes either. 

I follow the band on Twitter and Facebook (if they don't come to Ireland or the UK it's probably the closest I'll get to them!). I like that they are fun - Cassady's [Feasby, bass] humour in particular appeals to me.  As we say here in Ireland "he's a gas man." That doesn't mean you suffer with flatulence by the way Cassady, it means you're funny....in a good way. 

So, I've been introducing Dierks to my friends. Earlier this year I was travelling back to Ireland from my annual trip home (the UK) waiting to board my car onto the ferry.  It was a sunny day, the window was down and Riser CD was playing.  Next thing I know half a dozen people are stood around the car having a listen. That's when you know you're onto something good. 

Anyway, after all is said and done, I love Dierks Bentley's music.  It cheers me up, it makes me feel good, and to me that is what music is about. So keep doing what you're doing Dierks, only please come to Ireland soon."

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Thanks for sharing your story, Reet!  We hope Irelend lands on Dierks' tour schedule soon for you!

Follow @Reeteaton on Twitter and our list of DBC Reps on our @dbcongress page!

Celebrating Dierks Bentley's 39th Birthday in Huntington, West Virginia

If someone had told me ten years ago I would be celebrating Dierks Bentley's 39th birthday at my 60th Dierks show, I wouldn't have believed them.  But it happened on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Big Sandy Arena in Huntington, West Virginia!

It only took three airports, two planes, and a DRT (Dierks Road Trip) buddy to drive six hours up the mountain, through tunnels and tolls to get there, and that's just one way!  But this was a special occasion and I've traveled 15 states to see Dierks so...no big deal. Every mile a memory, right Sandra?

Every DRT is special, not just because of Dierks, but because of all the Dierks fans I've met and traveled with along this 10-year journey.  It's a unique bond of friendships that one man started and continues to hold together.

What other group of fans do you know who would huddle together in 30 degree weather 5 hours before a show to be first in line? Thanks, Gina and Justin for the hot...beverage, and heaters and blankets!

And it's not just Dierks that keeps us coming back.  He surrounds himself with the best of the best--from his tour manager team to the stage crew, lighting, sound, and talented band of brothers-- together they make him look and sound awesome every night on the Riser Tour stage and they are all so nice to the fans--especially the DB Congress.

Gina, Sandra, Kathy, Chris Reade (lighting), Ashley, 
Ronna after the show Front of  House (FOH)

Sandra's 'almost' selfie with Tim Sergent (steel guitar) and DBC

Opening with "5-1-5-0", Dierks and his band - Steve Misamore, Tim Sergent, Brian Layson, Dan Hochhalter, and Cassady Feasby, emerged from under the Riser stage to the roar of nearly 6,000 in the crowd.

Dierks continued his own party with a killer set list, telling the crowd, there was no place he'd rather be on his birthday.

On this night, we DB Congress reps were especially thankful for being chosen to be a part of the big birthday 'surprise' that Dierks knew nothing about.  During "Drunk On A Plane," confetti fell from the rafters, blow up 'Riser Air' planes flew threw the arena as we ran through the crowd, giving high fives and throwing out Mardi Gras beads. What a special experience!  DBTV coming soon, but in the meantime, thank Justin for the video!  Looks like D came over to our side a few times but we weren't there...we left our front row spot to pass out beads!

Anybody who's been to a DB show knows he rarely stands still long enough to capture a great shot, but I did manage to catch him 'peacocking!'

And a few other cool shots.

Dierks showing Tim he's been practicing the steel

Dierks pointing to lucky section #7

Brian Layson, Cassady Feasby, Tim Sergent, Dierks
in a fog from Up On The Ridge

The Meet and Greet before the show featured Dierks on acoustic guitar, with DB Congress getting to enter a different door than the other 100, and brought within 3 feet of the backdrop, while the others filed in behind us. Talk about up close and personal!  Mel told us to make sure to sing along, and in fact it was very awkward for him if we didn't.

When he got to the chorus for DOAP, we apparently didn't sing loud enough, so he said, "you can do better than that!" and started again.  Second time was better.

During my turn, I showed him my 60th poster and reminded him about last year in West Palm Beach, when he wrote 'Let's make it 100' on my 50th poster. So he wrote that again.  I didn't look at what he wrote until later, but I was the last one out and walking down the long hall, he was walking out the other way and called me back.  "I'm such an idiot," he said.  "Let me see that poster again...I know there's no D in your name, let me fix it." And he did.  No, D, you're NOT an idiot! Thank you for remembering!

On our way back to Charlotte, another group of DBC reps were headed to the next night's show in Roanoke, so we met for hugs and pics and exchanged stories at exit 14 on I-77!

Carrie, Steph, Ronna, Amy, Sandra (Photo Credit: Jennifer)

Hopefully, I will get another 10 shows in over the next 12 months and be celebrating his big "4-0" birthday for my 70th show!

Every mile a memory!

Ronna
DB Congress Chair
Florida

We Celebrate Dierks Bentley: A 48th Annual CMA Awards Winner!

It’s very difficult to write a positive blog about Dierks Bentley and The 48th Annual CMA Awards results. Many of us thought that this would be Dierks’s year as Riser, most certainly his best work to date (not counting Up on the Ridge), was pretty much universally praised. So far, it has produced two number one singles, one hilarious video, and a successful tour that has catapulted him to another level as an artist. 

The morning of the show, we celebrated when he won the CMA Award for Video of the Year for “Drunk on a Plane,” which was announced prior to the televised awards show--the first of five nominations, the most of any male artist this year. However, as we went into watching the CMA Awards with high hopes, we came out three hours later utterly disappointed. 

Dierks and his wife Cassidy

“I Hold On,” which was as personal a song as one can get, also became an anthem for many—a perfect combination to ensure a Song of the Year win. Alas, Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally took home the award for “Follow Your Arrow.” 

We watched as Single of the Year and Album of the Year went to his friend and tour mate, Miranda Lambert.  

And as we longed for the tide to turn in the Male Vocalist category, Blake Shelton walked away with the award for another year.  

The one bright spot of the evening, was Dierks and the guys’ performance of “Drunk on a Plane.” Although sound quality was not at its best (for many of the performers) you could see Dierks and company put their all into the song which undoubtedly was the song of the summer.

Dierks himself said, "I've got my 'Yay, somebody else won, congratulations' face down pat. But we're winning right now." 

They most certainly are. 

With the success that 2014 has brought, one can only believe that 2015 will only see his star shine brighter and the industry take note to soon bestow on him the accolades of which he is most deserving. Until then, he will most certainly remain a winner in our eyes.

Tara

DBC Rep, NY

Dierks Bentley Fans React to Miles and Music For Kids Record-Breaking Event

Dierks Bentley had plenty of reason to smile big, in awe of the crowd on September 28, 2014.  He broke his own record Sunday, raising $335,479 for the kids at Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, in Nashville, Tennessee. That topped the 2013 amount of over $307,000.

The Miles and Music For Kids celebrity motorcycle ride and concert marked his ninth year and more than $2.6 million for the kids all total.

This year, a pre-event creative campaign gave a jump start to the annual fund-raiser with, Riser bird flockings and "flock" insurance.

DB Congress (fan club) reps were feeling a mix of emotions-reverence, respect, and pride for our DB Congress president and all he has accomplished because of  his huge heart! He truly does 'give it all he has to give,' to borrow a line from "Up On The Ridge." Many of them shared their most memorable moments below, happy to support him and the kids in this worthwhile event.

I loved it when he gave a shout out to George Jones' wife, Nancy, (who was watching from a roof top building) and talked about how he influenced him.  When he gave a shout out to DB Congress for being there and mentioned Riser birds and the pilots in the crowd, I know my friend Jessica and I were proud to be part of congress and we were repping our pilot outfits! It was fun having people ask us for pictures and why we did it.  Loved Dierks' reaction to the total dollar amount raised! I honestly thought he was gonna cry. - Adrian Taylor, NC

It was my first MM4K. I loved everything. The way people from all over the country gathered to support Dierks and his cause was amazing. Dierks had so much positive energy and it radiated to the crowds.  I will make this a definite annual trip!  I just love my DB Congress buddies. Best fan club ever! - Brandy Knight, MS

My two favorite parts were when he presented the check to the hospital and his intro to "I Hold On." That story never grows old. The truck, the guitar with George Jone's autograph....awesome when a superstar remembers and appreciates where they came from. Class act, DB!
- Greg Birkmann, MO

Watching Dierks hang out with his peers side stage is always fun, you know he's having a blast. It really does feel like CMA fest, except the weather is better and you know your money is going towards something worth while! - Takara D., MO

I love seeing the families of Dierks, Dude Inc., and the guests. The fact that the event is family-oriented makes it all more special. Here is a great pic that I love.  - Meredith Mauer, SC

Brian Layson (lead guitar) and his kids

Funny thing though... Moses was trying to take pics or videos of dad, Brian Layson! He was so focused! - Kristin Houghland, IN

Dierks is one of a kind! He has a heart of gold and appreciates his fans! He knows without the fans he wouldn't be where he is today! Proud to be a member of DB Congress and a long time fan! 

- Lee Ann Boyle, NE

My favorite part was that he acknowledged that we had been with him on the road the last four days. He knows when we are there! - Sandra Grubb, NC

I love how excited he is about playing in Nashville, not only that but the joy he gets from giving back to people. He's such a humble, great guy! I also loved how he brought his mom along with him! 

- Katie Prater, TN

I love both making new friends and meeting up with "old" friends. Traveling alone isn't so bad when you know your DRT friends will be there. Picking them up from the airport and sharing a favorite spot for lunch is especially fun. For me, Saturday night's Indy concert was the first time D never seemed to know I was at a show. Knowing he's gotten so big that so many people are there to see him and that he is so in the moment of entertaining and enjoying every minute of it is bittersweet. Seeing him on Sunday at the dealership saying quick hellos to everyone, getting a hug and a how are ya... Always great. When I told him awesome show last night, he looked at me and questioned "you were there?" I think he felt bad for not having seen me, and yet you could tell he seemed humbled that fans would drive such distances to attend multiple shows back to back. He's the real deal folks! 

- Kristin Houghland, IN

Two highlights for me were the check presentation and his shout out to us for following him for four shows in a row. -Kathy Butler, IN

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David Mattingly, DBC rep in Kentucky, coordinated the annual pre-party for MM4K9. They had dinner/drinks and some card signing at Joe's Crab Shack in downtown Nashville Saturday night before the ride/concert on Sunday.   Reps brought with them some 'Get Well' cards for the children at Vanderbilt. "This is a huge hit and the hospital staff appreciates and acknowledges our efforts," David posted.

Each rep and each of the 176 get well cards received a Dierks Bentley guitar pick from the current Riser Tour. Janet Marlborough flew in from California to help sign cards and posted this photo:

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Storme Warren, Sirius XM The Highway (Master of Ceremonies) and Ricky Kelley, Harley-Davidson of Columbia tell the crowd all the many states and Canada that all the riders came from!

Special Guests

Eric Close (Teddy on ABC's Nashville)

Chip Esten (Deacon on ABC's Nashville)

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People magazine captured Dierks and baby boy Knox (who turns one on 10/9) and Dierks and his mom, Cathy, who rode on the back of his bike with him to the Riverfront

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The music

Dee Jay Silver warmed up the crowd, followed by Riser Tour opener, Jon Pardi

Randy Houser, backed by Dierks band, wowed us. Then finished his set solo, with a goose-bump version of "Like A Cowboy"

Steve Misamore, Cassady Feasby

Tim Sergent, Dan Hochhalter

Kip Moore performed a moving acoustic rendition of "Hey Pretty Girl" after several of his hit songs with Dierks's band backing him.

Chris Young couldn't say enough good things about Dierks, after being on the Riser Tour with him, then launched into his power ballads

And the main man....Dierks!

Dierks said he saw a lot of fans in the audience that came to show after show and he was always trying to find something to make the same show a little different and special for them.  One way he thought was to sing his new single, "Say You Do":




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It is about the money... "We've come a long way from passing a Gatorade bucket around with Dalton."



Guess all that pre-event flocking helped boost the total!



And the final bow...the "I'm not worthy" bow...(yes you are!)

And one final with Brian Layson's son Moses!

We can't wait for #MM4K10 to set a new record again!

"Say You Do" Single Review: Poised To Be Dierks Bentley's Next No. 1

Dierks Bentley’s versatility cannot be denied. He consistently and successfully releases songs that span a spectrum of emotions, from the humorous (“Drunk On A Plane,” “5150”), to the patriotic (“Home”) to straight up bluegrass (Up On The Ridge). But the one type of song he always does extremely well is the romantic-whether it is sexy, hopeful or yearning.

“Say You Do,” Dierks' third single (fourth if you count Bourbon In Kentucky) from this year’s CMA nominated Riser, combines all three. The song, written by Matt Ramsey, Shane McAnally and Trevor Rosen, is sensual, yet melancholy. “Say You Do” encompasses a yearning for someone so intensely that you are able to forego, as the opening line states, “the damage done” for another night together.

It’s having a desire so strong that one is willing to be with someone who broke their heart regardless of how it happens; whether it be through alcohol, leading him on or as he sings, begs even, to “let those words roll off your tongue even if you’re lying.” 

The yearning one hears in Dierks’ voice is deep and real to the point of being painful. It’s 3:40 of pure emotional aching and desperation pleading for someone he still loves to voice the same “even if you don’t…..couldn't you say you do.”

“Well couldn't you

 Say you do

 Say you might

 For tonight

 Have a heart

 Bend the truth

 Even if you don't

 Couldn't you”

“Say You Do” seems poised to give Dierks his third consecutive number one.

~Tara

DB Congress Rep

New York

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Be sure to vote for Dierks' "Say You Do" video on CMT's Hot 20 Countdown here! Voting starts Friday's at 1:00 pm through Wednesday mornings at 1:00 am.

Help us promote Dierks and this single at radio!  Call, Tweet, email, text, post on your favorite DJ's pages and request it daily. Say please and thank you for playing "Say You Do!"

Dierks Bentley Celebrates #1 Hit "Drunk On A Plane"

Nashville celebrated Dierks Bentley’s multi-week No. one and Platinum certified “Drunk On A Plane” in Nashville last night at the newly opened venue The Sutler.

Photo L to R: Katie Dean (UMG), Shane Allen (UMG), Royce Risser (UMG), Bentley,
Chris Thompkins, Steve Hodges (UMG) and Mike Sistad (ASCAP)

Industry friends gathered to honor Bentley and co-writers Chris Thompkins and Josh Kear (who was out of the country and unable to attend) for the smash hit, which is the second consecutive No. one off Bentley’s critically acclaimed album RISER and the 12th of his career as both a singer and a songwriter.  

Univeral Music Group's promo team helped celebrate in style, complete with pilot hats, aviator sunglasses and fake mustaches, commemorating Bentley's chart-topping hit, which is nominated for “Single Of The Year” and “Music Video Of The Year” for the upcoming 48th Annual CMA Awards.

See other photos here.

Dierks Bentley Shines In "Say You Do" Music Video

Dierks Bentley's third single from CMA nominated Album of the Year, Riser, doesn't go for radio adds until 10/6, but the video for "Say You Do" made a smokin' hot entrance online today - 9/22.

Written by Matt Ramsay, Shane McAnally and Trevor Rosen, Dierks sings the song with such strong emotion, it's as if he wrote it himself.  In the video, filmed in Canada, he plays the main character with powerful want and hurt and yearning on his face and in his voice, all the while leaving the viewer wondering how in the world anybody would not 'say they do.'

Director Wes Edwards (Tip It On Back, 5-1-5-0, I Hold On) does it again, and will have you begging for more."Today is all about tryin' to capture the loneliness, the yearning, the conflict of the song, and it's all focused on Dierks...no actors," he told ETOnline, who posted behind the scenes footage of Dierks on the set of filming the video.

"I think it's pretty evident there is a hardcore yearning going on in this song, and personally, it's something I've experienced in the worst ways in past relationships," Bentley tells ET. "The song is about wanting something so badly even if it's not good for you, just wanting that love back, which is something I think everyone can relate to at some point in their life."

Ok, we'll go ahead and say it.  Our president is pretty smoking hot in this video!  We don't mind a little smoke getting in our eyes!  No, we're not bending the truth! See for yourself!




View exclusive photos on the "Say You Do" set from US Weekly here.

Dierks Bentley Rises to Lead the 48th CMA Awards Male Nominees with Five

Dierks Bentley is a riser.  If you're a hard-core DB Congress member you already knew that.  But today, the members of the CMA proved they know it, too, by nominating him in five CMA Awards categories: Male Vocalist, Single, Song, Music Video and Album Of The Year.

The number "Five" is significant.  It's the total number of awards the CMA was given for their consideration to vote for Dierks, and its a song on his Album Of The Year nominated, Riser.  Not only is that more nods than the rest of the guys, but only one other artist, his pal Miranda Lambert, earned more with nine nominations.

"I feel like every record I've made I've always given it my all as a songwriter, but for some reason this record came together to make that one album that you always dream of putting out there," Bentley told Rolling Stone Country immediately after getting the good news.

While we guessed the win that would mean the most to Dierks would be Album Of The Year for Riser, he also told Rolling Stone how special the Song of the Year nod for I Hold On is for him:

"...when you think of the craft of songwriting, being nominated for Song of the Year is really special. Every 10 years something like that comes along, and it all works out. ['I Hold On'] wasn't a song that I was even trying to write. I was just talking about the death of my dad, and asked a lot of personal questions about myself."

Read more of Dierks' reaction here.

We could not be happier that the country music industry and his peers are finally taking notice and recognizing Dierks for all his talent that we've been in awe of  for years!

Check out the categories and other nominees below. Which one(s) do you think Dierks has the best chance of winning? Post your thoughts in the comments!

Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban

Album of the Year
Crash My Party, Luke Bryan
Fuse, Keith Urban
Platinum, Miranda Lambert
Riser, Dierks Bentley
The Outsiders, Eric Church

Song of the Year (Award goes to songwriters)"Automatic," written by Nicolle Galyon, Natalie Hemby and Miranda Lambert
"Follow Your Arrow," written by Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally
"Give Me Back My Hometown," written by Eric Church and Luke Laird
"I Don't Dance," written by Lee Brice, Rob Hatch, and Dallas Davidson
"I Hold On," written by Brett James and Dierks Bentley

Single of the Year (Award goes to artist and producer)"Automatic," Miranda Lambert
"Drunk on a Plane," Dierks Bentley
"Give Me Back My Hometown," Eric Church
"Meanwhile Back at Mama's," Tim McGraw featuring Faith Hill
"Mine Would Be You," Blake Shelton

Music Video of the Year"Automatic," Miranda Lambert
"Bartender," Lady Antebellum
"Drunk on a Plane," Dierks Bentley
"Follow Your Arrow," Kacey Musgraves
"Something Bad," Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood

The 48th Annual CMA Awards will air live on November 5th at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

Grace, The Happy Intern, Gets Surprised by Dierks Bentley

Grace Lenehan is a long time member of the Dierks Bentley Congress, representing Ohio.  But this summer she interned for Sirius XM The Highway and on her last day, Storme Warren surprised her with getting Dierks to stop by the studio on August 14.

Grace found an emotional connection with Dierks's music after watching him perform Long Trip Alone on the Opry on GAC TV in 2006.

Right before he played the song he said, “I don’t know if you’re the praying kind, but if you are, make this your prayer tonight.” I realized that listening to the song in that way put an entirely new meaning on it, and it really hit me hard.  Many artists have music that have said something to me...but Dierks’ music was the first one to really hit me in the face and make me fall in love with country music.

During his visit to The Highway, Dierks did an on-air interview with Storme, who will also be hosting Dierks' Miles and Music For Kids event in Nashville, September 28 at the Riverfront.  Dierks admitted that DB Congress flocked his yard and Storme mentioned Grace was a DB Congress member and she told him she had been to a few Last Call Balls "back in the day."  I had the pleasure of meeting Grace and her mom Carrie at Last Call Ball in 2009.

At the end of the interview, Dierks said he would be filming his next video that weekend for "Say You Do," so I think it's safe to say that's the next single!

Grace was so surprised by his visit, she said that her summer was "complete" and tells how much Dierks and his music means to her in this blog.  She also got a chance to tell Dierks he was one of the artists that got her into country music, and Dierks thought that was the best compliment!

You can listen to the 20 minute audio of the interview with Dierks here.

One of my favorite parts of the audio is toward the end when Dierks reminds everyone again that Grace is a part of the DB Congress.  That emotional connection keeps us fans for life!

Ronna
DB Congress Chair (FL)

Dierks Bentley... For Your CMA Consideration

Watch and listen to hear if Dierks Bentley's name is called Wednesday morning, September 3 on ABC's Good Morning America, when Little Big Town and Darius Rucker announce live the final nominees in five award categories for "The 48th Annual CMA Awards."  The announcement will air in the 8:30 AM/ET half-hour segment.

According to countrymusicislove.com, "Following “Good Morning America,” Little Big Town and Rucker will be at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square to announce the finalists in the remaining seven categories..and this event will be streamed live via CMAawards.com beginning at 10:00 AM/ET."

Dierks could be nominated in as many as five categories, as his press kit sent to CMA members suggested the following "for your CMA consideration."

• Male Vocalist of the Year
• Album of the Year - Riser
• Single of the Year - "Drunk On A Plane"
• Song of the Year - "I Hold On"
• Music Video of the Year- "Drunk On A Plane"

The vote-prompting packet also included Riser, the CD and Riser the documentary film, along with an assemble-your-own Riser Air paper/plastic airplane and flying instructions.

The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by more than 7,000 professional members of CMA, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958. 

The eligibility period for the 2014 CMA Awards is July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.

The 48th Annual CMA Awards will air on ABC on Wednesday, Nov. 5 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET).

We would love if he was nominated for and won all five--he totally deserves them, but if he could only win one, which award do you think would mean the most to Dierks?  Leave your answer in the comments!

DIERKS ANNOUNCES 2ND LEG OF 2014 RISER TOUR

PLATINUM selling singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley announced that a second leg has been added to his 2014 RISER TOUR.  The 20 city run begins Oct. 2 in Stockton, CA and runs through the  end of the year with special guests Randy Houser and Eric Paslay on the US dates and Houser and rising Canadian artist Tim Hicks on the stops north of the border. Fans can now purchase tickets for the first announced dates at www.dierks.com with more details to be revealed over the next few weeks.

“It’s going to be tough to top this summer, but every night I get more excited and don't want this run to end.  I'm just living in the moment as much as I can and taking it all in…it really has been the best summer of my life," said Bentley.  “I'm looking forward to having Randy, Eric and Tim out on the road for the next leg…all three of them are crazy talented."

While capacity crowds have filled amphitheaters across the country, Bentley’s tour has also caught the attention of critics who note headlining is “what the man was born to do” (Arizona Republic).

  

First Announced Cities on the 2014 RISER TOUR’s Second Leg:

Stockton, CA

Fresno, CA

Las Vegas, NV

Boise, ID

Missoula, MT

Edmonton, AB

Saskatoon, SK

Calgary, AB

Winnipeg, MT

Fargo, ND

Bismark, ND

Brookings, SD

Hershey, PA

Bethlehem, PA

Uncasville, CT

Utica, NY

Huntington, WV

Roanoke, VA

Baltimore, MD

Ottawa, ON

Hamilton, ON

Oshawa, ON

London, ON

Bentley’s smash hit of the summer, “Drunk On A Plane,” continues to gain momentum as it closes in on the No. one position, selling an average of over 65,000 singles a week.  The single is off his critically acclaimed and No. one selling new album, RISER, which has tallied more than 1.5 million digital track sales to date and has already claimed a chart topping hit with the deeply personal "I Hold On."  His six previous studio albums have sold more than five million copies, notched 11 chart-topping singles and earned 11 GRAMMY nominations, countless CMA, ACM and CMT nominations and membership at the Grand Ole Opry.

Randy Houser took country fans and industry insiders by storm with the 2013 release of his Stoney Creek Records album How Country Feels. Scoring three consecutive No. one hits with the title track, “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” and “Goodnight Kiss,” Houser also earned the American Country Award for Most Played Radio Track: Male (“How Country Feels”) and his first No. one as a songwriter (“Goodnight Kiss”). His new single, “Like A Cowboy,” is the fourth release from How Country Feels and was written by Houser and Brice Long. 

EMI recording artist Eric Paslay released his self-titled debut album February 2014 featuring his No. one hit single “Friday Night” and current Top 15 single “Song About A Girl.” A GRAMMY, ACM and CMA nominated artist, Eric has co-penned five No. one hits including “Friday Night,” “Rewind,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” and “Angel Eyes.”

Multiple 2014 CCMA Award nominee Tim Hicks has already achieved four Top 10 singles in Canada, two JUNO Award nominations and his third GOLD-certified single. His sophomore album, 5:01, shot to No. one on the Canadian iTunes Country chart, and the lead single “Here Comes The Thunder” has been added to rotation at SiriusXM’s The Highway.  In 2013, Hicks became the No. one highest selling digital Canadian Country Artist of the Year, as well as the Most Played Debut Artist overall at Canadian Country radio.

For the new dates, both Ole Smoky® Tennessee Moonshine® and Mountain Dew® will return as tour sponsors of the 2014 RISER TOUR. For more information and for a full list of tour dates, visit www.dierks.com.