Announcing: DBC Bracket Championship Round Results

Dierks Bentley fans have spoken!  In the DBC Bracket Championship Round vote, I Hold On took top honors, upsetting The Mountain 81% to 19%!

Click here for a larger view of the final DBC Bracket.

Congratulations to the Grand Prize winner for the Dierks Bentley personalized video from the random drawing, Jenny Bable!  

Thank you all for voting, retweeting and following us!  We hope you had as much fun as we did!

See full DBC Bracket rules here.

Special Grand Prize Announced For The DBC Bracket Championship Round

Round Five voting for the DB Congress Bracket resulted in the final Dierks Bentley Single and the final Deep Cut!

Dierks' Number One Single, I Hold On will compete against a DB Congress favorite Deep Cut, The Mountain, in the Championship Round!

Click here for a readable version.

Congratulations to the winner for the Dierks Bentley "Gone" T-shirt from the Round Five random drawing, @GinaVerst!  

Voting will begin tomorrow on Twitter for the Championship Round! When the votes are all in, and the Champion Dierks Bentley Song is declared, we will draw a random winner from all those who voted, retweeted with #DBCBracket and follow @dbcongress on Twitter.  

SPECIAL CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND PRIZE: No, it's not a T-shirt!  The random drawing winner will receive a personalized video from the man himself--Dierks Bentley--via email!

So get ready to vote, follow and retweet! And tell all your friends!  We're looking for at least 100 votes in this final DBC Bracket poll!

See full DBC Bracket rules here.

Cajun Congress Member Dies 'Holding On' to Dierks Bentley Memories

I first met Sylvia Silva in 2013, at Dierks Bentley's Last Call Ball 9 in Nashville--one of the Louisiana DB Congress reps known as the Cajun Congress.  I never met her mom, Ramona Ramos, also a DBC rep, but was saddened to read of her passing a few weeks ago.  Sylvia wrote the following tribute to her mom:
==============================

I send this ”Thank You” via FB because my Mom Ramona Ramos and I met these amazing people through FB. Many we have never personally met, so it seems fitting to extend my gratitude here.

My Mom loved dancing and MUSIC and we shared many good times centered around just that! I invited my Mom to join DB Congress, Dierks Bentley fan club and Mom easily fell right into the mix! We would join other Congress Members at concerts and meet ups and #DRT’s (Dierks Road Trips). Mom joined in our antics of dressing the part at our #1 celebration parties and wearing matching shirts at concerts, although Mom always added her own little flair to hers!

Mom was lucky enough to land several Meet & Greets with Dierks. She loved her front row seats or front row PIT! Her last front row PIT was at the young age of 73, at Champion Square in New Orleans, LA. She always brought little gifts to hand deliver to Dierks.

During the “I Hold On” campaign, I asked my Mom what does she hold on to and I’ll submit a picture. She took the picture of Jesus off of her wall and held it tight. It is one of my favorite pictures of my Mom. 

At the young age of 70, we brought her grandchildren to Nashville for the CMA Music Fest. We had the week pass which covered a week’s worth of craziness and country music from sun up to well past midnight. We all had a tough time keeping up with Mom! During that week, we landed Last Call Ball 9 tickets. At this very personal concert/fan party, Mom got a better feel of Dierks “the man” rather than “the performer.”  The music pulled her in but the “Dierks” he allows us to know is why Mom thought he was “A Doll." His love and devotion to his family and his faith, his love of country and respect for “Mother Earth” ~ all character traits they shared. She witnessed first hand his commitment to his fans as he stood at the front of Belcourt Theater and met with each person present.

My Dad, myself, my sisters and brother have so much gratitude for the DB Congress not only for extending your condolences, the beautiful plant (#Bentley)and for donating to my Mom’s favorite charities but also for embracing my Mom in the DB Congress and filling my Mom’s life with much love and friendship and MUSIC. We thank all of you and of course “The Dude” for bringing all of us together!  I’m sure my Mom is in Heaven singing... #BeautifulWorld, #LongTripAlone, #IHoldOn #FreeAndEasy, #Home, #Living

Special thanks to:
Cecia Guidry Benoit, Darrell A Benoit, Tracy Walters Carter, Marycoleen Geiger, Sherrie McKenzie Shamon, Nancy Harwood Eaton, Janet Marlborough, Amanda Morris, Nicole Dalton, Heather Ashley, Jenny Bable, Michelle Ly Wilson, Harriett Dickerson Watkins, Keri Nutt, Tom Underberg, Miranda Martinez, Christa Thornton, Mary Lou Greene, Ronna Clark, Jasmine Sanchz, Adrian Taylor, Renèe Glennon, Cheryl Parr, Carrie Srebro and Georgenne Joakim Foley.

================

 

 

 

 

======================

Ronna Clark

DB Congress Chair (FL)
 

 

 

Dierks Art that Lasts Forever

On July 13, DB Congress member Rebecca Scott posed a great question to the Facebook page:

As someone with numerous tattoos adorning my body, I find this to be a perfect question, as I, too, have considered which Dierks lyric or image I should get. I was so excited to see I'm not the only one who feels this way!

DBCers shared their photos and inspiration in response to our question of, "Got Dierks [ink]?" Here is some of the art you shared!

Sandra Bowers Grubb shared, "In Sept. 2012, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and the song "Every Mile A Memory" became my Walk Team name because "Every Mile I Walk is a Memory." The orange ribbon on the butterfly represents MS. Fast forward to 2014 and "Riser" was release, then that one became my anthem. This tattoo reminds me every day that I am a Riser and that I am a fighter, a survivor."

Nicole Snell said, "Here’s my Riser bird/long trip alone db! I wanted a Riser bird as a tattoo because of how much the song Riser means to me, but I wanted to make it unique, and something else I love about Dierks, and so I decided on the db symbol from the Long Trip Alone album. I love that song and album a lot, and always loved that db symbol so I thought it was perfect! I decided I HAD to get a tattoo of him in some way, after all these years of following him around 😉 It’s a perfect tattoo to show me everyday that I’m a Riser, and I get asked all the time what that symbol is and people get to learn about Dierks that way haha"

Elise Benjamin Taylor shared, "My “Riser” tattoo. There are several reasons behind this tattoo, because I’m a Riser. But mostly because my Dad was a Riser and taught me to be one too. His final days were fighting stage IV lung cancer and he fought like a “Riser”. He had a tumor on his spine and we all knew that when it grew he would lose his ability to walk. So up to that point every single day my Dad got up and would work on his farm. Every. Single. Day. Through radiation and chemo he never stopped. He just kept fighting. During this time, my mother in law was also diagnosed with stage IV cancer, and I lost several friends to cancer, other illnesses, accidents and suicide. There were days I was so depressed I didn’t want to get out of bed, but I did, every single day. The song and the album “Riser” helped me through these hard times. “I Hold On” and “Here On Earth” also have so much special meaning. “Riser” will always be my favorite album."

Kathy Butler shared, "It's the LTA db symbol w/ lyrics that have a lot of meaning to me."

Meredith Mauer shared, "I got this tattoo while in Nashville, on an impromptu trip to see Deirks at the Station Inn with Kathy Butler. When Riser came out, it resonated with the with me on several levels. At the time, I was struggling (and still am) with some health issues and the recent loss of my best friend, who was KIA in Afghanistan. This was MY SONG! I incorporated the American flag into the Riser bird, and placed it on my wrist so it would fly proud when my arm was raised above my head. Funny side story to this: after the show at the Station Inn, we got to talk to Dierks and he signed some Hashprints for some fellow DBC members who weren't able to make it to the show. When he saw my tattoo, he did a double take and asked if it was real. He said he asked to send a pic of it to him, which Kathy did for me. I MAY have had a few beers that night, so I proceeded to tell him the story of the flag placement on my tattoo. Then, I went on this long spiel about the history of the way the military carries the flag. Poor guy! 😂😂. My tattoo was also featured in the DBTV video from that night. It was a great night with a lot of laughs."

Cecia Guidry Benoit shared, "I incorporated a few things into my tattoo. There’s the RISER bird because this song means so much to me. The palm trees symbolize “Somewhere On A Beach.” (Dierks is obviously my favorite and the beach is my happy place.) The stars and lightning represents my favorite band, The Cadillac Three, which also represents the Tennessee state flag. All of these things are all inside of a music symbol. I guess you can say it’s kind of a collage of all of my happies! ☺️"

Leanna Gasiewicz shared, "I got this after I called my wedding off, 'my faith your love our freedom is what keeps me going strong' and nothing can hold me back!"

Kelsey Hodges shared, "Had this for about 7 years now, ready to [get] something "mountain" themed soon."

Kimberly Fischer shared this photo. No caption needed!

Elena Lotten shared, "My husband had Dierks sign his arm at a meet and greet and got it tattooed the next day!!!"

Stefanie McNelis Alyssa shared, "😘😘 Upper left corner picture you can see we have “every mile a memory.” Very meaningful ❤️ that was a weekend of 3 shows in 3 or 4 days. Bloomington IL - Franklin WI -Chicago IL. It was Franklin, Wisconsin, where it was POURING down rain during “Home”... it was amazing to say the least! Every time I hear that song I am reminded of that experience."

Stacy Sievers shared, "I have this one on my left leg, I'd like to someday get a song lyric around it!"

Cassie Robinson shared, "I had him write out grateful for me last month ❤️"

If you have Dierks ink, we'd love to see it! Please share in the comments!

Jessica Borrelli

DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

New Single Released, "Woman, Amen"

Only 17 days into January and the year has already been full of confusion, anticipation and elation.

After a week and a half of teasing something big, Dierks Bentley announced on Jan. 10 that his new album, The Mountain, is available for preorder, and BONUS, the new single, "Woman, Amen," was set to be released in one week!

Well, amen and hallelujah! Here we are.

all my roads led to her

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Jan 16, 2018 at 4:32pm PST

THE MEANING
For those who have gotten to know Dierks over the years, "Woman, Amen" is clearly a reflection of who he is and where he stands in his priorities. For those who don't know him as well as we do, there will be no doubt now how much he loves his bride.

In an interview with Billboard, Dierks said, “I feel like it all starts at home with my wife. She is who grounds me; she is also the one who has helped me to grow as a person over all these years, so I feel if I’m going to tell these stories [on this album] right, I need to start with her."

"Our journey together has made me the man I am today. I doubt my heart would even recognize the old me,” shared Bentley. "This song addresses that in the most direct possible way. The personal gratitude expressed in the lyrics, mixed with a track that leans heavily on some bigger sounds, is the perfect way to introduce the album.”


THE SONG
Written by Dierks, Josh Kear and Ross Copperman, "Woman, Amen" seems to channel Dierks' heroes U2, and classic Mumford & Sons, with the flavor of Dierk's Riser album. Described by Billboard as a "mid-tempo track [that] features bright, ringing guitars and vocals [as] if shouted from a hilltop, while a rolling drumbeat embodies an avalanche of devotion for one's significant other." Taste of Country finds it similar to "I Hold On," building like "Home" and celebrating like "Freedom." "The result is a deeply sincere and personal message of love and gratitude made universal and then freed to soar with signature acoustic instrumentation and a full-throated anthemic chorus."

And the drums. Let's take a moment to talk about that drumline. In what has been described as mountainous, propulsive or even tribal, the drums that carry "Woman, Amen" through the full three minutes have potential to take over but always seem to find the perfect balance with the rest of the band. Drummer Matt Chamberlain--who has worked with Pearl Jam and Soundgarden--played with this beat when they were recording. "We all just sat in the control room watching him play," Dierks recalls. It was a bucket list for some to watch that control room magic. And the magic continues every time we click "play."

A post shared by Ashley Eicher (@ashleyeicher) on Jan 14, 2018 at 9:13pm PST

THE CHARTS
"[Woman, Amen is] relatable, even though it's such a different title," he said to Rolling Stone. "It's so different than what I had envisioned this record might be, or the lead single might be, but you have to go where the music leads you."

We're so glad the music led him this way. This song--and what we can assume for the entire album at this point--will be a standout among current country tracks. For those who have been dreaming of more classic country, it looks as if Dierks will deliver. As of the first day of release, "Woman, Amen" is #1 on Spotify Hot Country, #6 on the iTunes Country Chart, and is on the Hot Tracks on Apple Music. A well-deserved start for what we "pray" is recognized as an award-winning album across the board. How can it get to #1? Call or tweet your local radio stations and request this track!

You can see Dierks perform this live on The Ellen Show tomorrow (check your local listings for show times).

In the meantime, don't forget to purchase your "key to The Mountain" at dierks.com and use your code to download this single for free! (Now we know the meaning behind the "keys to The Mountain" Faith, Grace, Hope and Strength!) You can also purchase the song on iTunes, Amazon and other music channels.


THE VIDEO
DB Congress reps anticipate the music video will be available in the next month. Stay tuned! In the meantime, enjoy this behind-the-scenes imagery audio version his team released today:




THE LYRICS
I'd lose my way, yeah 
I'd lose my mind 
If I faced one day on my own 
I know I was saved 
The night that she gave 
This drifter’s heart a home 

Every night I should be on my knees 
Lord knows how lucky I am 
I never say it near enough 
Thank God for this woman, amen 

This world has a way of shaking your faith 
I’ve been broken again and again 
But I need all the cracks 
In my shattered heart 
Cause that’s where her love gets in 

Every night I should be on my knees 
Lord knows how lucky I am 
I never say it near enough 
Thank God for this woman, amen 

She gives me faith 
She gives me grace 
She gives me hope 
She gives me strength 
She gives me love, love without end 
Thank God for this woman, amen 

Thanks for the moon and the stars up above 
Forgiveness of sin and your undying love 
Every twist every turn for the way you made sure 
All my roads lead to her 

So tonight I will fall down on my knees 
'Cause Lord knows how lucky I am 
I’m going to shout at the top of my lungs 
Thank God for this woman, amen 
Yeah thank God for this woman, amen 

She gives me faith 
She gives me grace 
She gives me hope 
She gives me strength 
She gives me love, love without end 
Thank God for this woman, amen



Jessica Borrelli and Ronna Clark
DB Congress Reps, WA and FL
@AllTheWayToMe @RonnaFL

Behind the Scenes at GMA's Block Party, Featuring Dierks Bentley

The summer of 2017 held countless barbecues and block parties for DB Congress reps around the country. But there is one block party that brought a few DBC reps together and had the entire nation looking in--and it featured our president, Dierks Bentley.

Dierks knows how to party 🎉 Thanks for an amazing Block Party morning with us in Texas! @dierksbentley #DierksOnGMA 📷: @thetonymorrison/ABC

A post shared by Good Morning America (@goodmorningamerica) on Oct 17, 2017 at 10:34am PDT

On Tuesday, Oct. 17, Good Morning America with King's Hawaiian hosted a Summer Block Party in Austin, Tx. The location was selected as the host site as a result of a contest that was announced in May. Thousands of photo and video entries were submitted, all vying for the chance to host a summer concert with Dierks Bentley, right in their neighborhood. While a DBC member wasn't selected, a handful of reps had the opportunity to attend. It was a morning they will never forget (and the lost sleep was completely worth it).

GMA host Ginger Zee, when gearing up for the show, even had the chance to talk with DBC reps in the audience.



Here is a behind-the-scenes look from Texas DBC Lobbyist Meredith Mauer:

"[Attending the block party] was unplanned and unexpected on my part, so when I found out at 10:30 p.m. the night prior that this was happening, I made the decision that I was just going to be pulling an all-nighter!

What a great experience! Thanks to those that made it happen! #GMABlockParty with @dierksbentley

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on Oct 17, 2017 at 6:38am PDT

"I downed a couple cups of coffee, threw on my jeans, boots, Riser hat, and DB Congress sweatshirt before heading out the door for my 2-hour drive. When I reached the neighborhood where the block party was taking place, the whole place looked pretty much asleep. I parked my car, then headed to the stage area on foot, walking by a sleeping [Dierks Bentley] Goldie Bus. It was literally set up in the middle of the street, with homes on both sides. Production equipment and tents were set up in front yards, and there were maybe a dozen people present when I got there. ... Over the next couple hours, I watched a few more people trickle in and listened to the production meeting in front of the stage, so I was able to get a general idea on how this was going to play out.

"The area in front of the stage was set up for VIPs on the left, first responders in the center, and ADA accessible on the right. The area directly behind was for the first 200 people in line with wristbands. The area behind them was pretty much general admission with wristbands. Those who live on the street were given lawn passes, which allowed them to watch the concert from the lawn on the left side of the stage. I'm not exactly sure how many showed up, but I did hear someone mention 1,000 people were expected.

"Once 5 a.m. rolled around, it didn't take long for the crowds to start flooding in. King's Hawaiian sponsored the block party, and provided a fun area for concert goers to grab a water, a sandwich made with their yummy rolls, a t-shirt, sunglasses, and some game fun, such as a giant game of Jenga. Standing on the lawn with those who live on the street, I spent some time talking to a few. I didn't realize that at one point I was standing next to Scott and Ashley Cooper, the winners of the block party. I learned that the block got to enjoy watching Dierks and the guys do a soundcheck the day prior, and Dierks spent some time with the Coopers.

"Once GMA started on the East Coast, things started happening. Without a doubt, it was a production put together for live TV. There was a crew of about 10 people there from GMA New York. There was a live teleprompter attached to the camera near me, and I watched it scroll as Robin Roberts was speaking in NY. ... Before coming to the stage, Dierks was escorted into the crowd to do a quick live shot in the middle of the crowd, saying "GOOD MORNING, AMERICA!"

Honoring the first responders was my highlight of the morning. And this guy's face agrees! 💛💛 #GMABlockParty with @dierksbentley

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on Oct 18, 2017 at 4:11am PDT

From there, they took him to the King's Hawaiian party tent, and did another live shot of him playing Jenga with a child from the crowd. Meanwhile, our guys from the band came up on stage for a short soundcheck. From the look on Cassady's face, it looks like they may have just crawled out of bed on a cold, dark morning!

I think it was an early morning for someone, @captchet 😉 #GMABlockParty

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on Oct 18, 2017 at 7:22am PDT

"They warmed up with "I Hold On," with Carlos strumming along using Dierks' guitar. Those of us in the lawn were able to participate in a number of live shots, from the weather with Ginger Zee to Dierks passing between us on the way to the stage. Of course, what was live on television took a few minutes prior to set up. I only participated in the live shot of Dierks heading to the stage. I was standing closest to the stage with my DB Congress sweatshirt on!

This is why no one saw me in the crowd. I was in the lawn next to the stage. #representing @dbcongress #GMABlockParty #DierksonGMA

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on Oct 18, 2017 at 3:10am PDT

"Dierks played five songs. He performed "5-1-5-0" while it was still dark out, then talked to the crowd a little bit about his time in the neighborhood. About 18 minutes later, he got on stage and joked about being so cold (it wasn't, really) and the irony of his next song "Somewhere on a Beach" for a GMA live performance. At least the sun was coming up at this point!

Down time #GMABlockParty with @dierksbentley

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on Oct 18, 2017 at 3:58am PDT

"He then joined the first responders in front of the stage for some pictures, selfies and a live shot. They were some excited fans! It tickles me to see others appreciate the great guy Dierks is! Soon after, Ginger did a live interview with Dierks from the stage where he praised the first responders, mentioned the tragedy in Las Vegas, talked about the movie "Only The Brave."



"Dierks then performed "Black" live.

Ben being awesome, as usual. #GMABlockParty with @dierksbentley @bhelson

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on Oct 18, 2017 at 7:33am PDT

"For the next live shot, they brought the Coopers, their neighbors and the first responders on stage. He performed one more song for the crowd, "Riser," then was whisked away to catch his shuttle to NY for his appearance on Fox News with Dana Perino.

"As the crowd dispersed, I waited to walk back by the buses to my car. I was glad to find my car wasn't towed, and drove off to find my next cup of coffee for the drive home. It was definitely worth the all-nighter!"

THANKS AUSTIN! @dierksbentley #DierksOnGMA

A post shared by Good Morning America (@goodmorningamerica) on Oct 17, 2017 at 6:37am PDT

(You can watch the entire concert here.)

With recent (potential award) buzz about Dierks' hit song, "Hold the Light" for the movie "Only the Brave" and his advocacy for first responders in light of the Las Vegas tragedy, more and more people are learning about the man we already know and love. This was one more way for the DBC and the country to see him in action. What an unforgettable morning!

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Dierks Bentley Nominated for Lucky 7 Academy of Country Music Awards!

On the heels of five CMA Awards nominations in November, comes Dierks Bentley's lucky number seven nods for the Academy of Country Music Awards, airing it's 50th anniversary show live April 19, 2015 at 8 pm eastern on CBS from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Once again, he leads the male nominees with 7, only surpassed by female gal-pal, Miranda Lambert with 8 nominations. Bentley was also the most-nominated male artist at the Country Music Association's Awards in November.

"I like the number seven. It's my hockey number. It's my lucky number. This is my seventh album. It's always been my number, and it wraps this whole album up really well to have seven nominations. It's like it was meant to be, but it sure was unexpected. I'm just thrilled for sure. I've just got great people who believe in me, sometimes more than I believe in myself and really go to the wall to get my songs heard."

Not to mention he grabbed a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album (Riser)--his 12th Grammy nod, winners to be shown on the February 8 CBS broadcast at 8 pm.

While the five CMA nods garnered Dierks a win for Video of the Year, Drunk On A Plane, it was awarded off-air.

With seven ACM nominations this year, do we dare get our hopes up that he gets at least one win, and can we go one step further and cross all our fingers that he gets to give a speech live, on the show?  This has got to be his year, right congress?

Here's who he's up against:

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR [TIE]
Jason Aldean
Dierks Bentley
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton


ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
"Old Boots, New Dirt" – Jason Aldean
Producer: Michael Knox
Record Label: Broken Bow Records

"Pain Killer" – Little Big Town
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

"Platinum" – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville

"Riser" – Dierks Bentley
Producers: Ross Copperman, Jaren Johnston
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

"The Outsiders" – Eric Church
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: EMI Records Nashville


SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
"American Kids" – Kenny Chesney
Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Record Label: Blue Chair Records/Columbia Nashville

"Automatic" – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville

"Dirt" – Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Joey Moi
Record Label: Republic Nashville

"Drunk On A Plane" – Dierks Bentley
Producer: Ross Copperman
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

"I Don't Dance" – Lee Brice
Producer: Lee Brice
Record Label: Curb Records


SONG OF THE YEAR [TIE] [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
(Dierks is nominated for both Artist and Songwriter)
"American Kids" – Kenny Chesney
Songwriters: Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally
Publishers: Big Red Toe Music (BMI), Creative Nation Music (BMI), Farm Town Songs (BMI), Smack Ink (ASCAP), Songs Of Universal, Inc. (BMI), Twangin And Slangin Songs (BMI), Universal Music Corporation (ASCAP)

"Automatic" – Miranda Lambert
Songwriters: Nicolle Galyon, Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert
Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI), Wruckestrike (BMI)

"Drink A Beer" – Luke Bryan
Songwriters: Jim Beavers, Chris Stapleton
Publishers: House of Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)

"Follow Your Arrow" – Kacey Musgraves
Songwriters: Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves
Publishers: 351 Music (BMI), Highway 508 Songs (ASCAP), House of Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), Smack Ink (ASCAP), Universal Music Corporation (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)

"Give Me Back My Hometown" – Eric Church
Songwriters: Eric Church, Luke Laird
Publishers: Creative Nation Music (BMI), Longer And Louder Music (BMI), Songs Of Universal, Inc. (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Twangin And Slangin Songs (BMI)

"I Hold On" – Dierks Bentley
Songwriters: Dierks Bentley, Brett James
Publishers: Atlas Holdings (ASCAP), Big White Tracks (ASCAP), External Combustion Music (ASCAP), Songs of Brett (ASCAP), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off Camera Award)
"American Kids" – Kenny Chesney
Director: Shaun Silva
Producer: Don Lepore

"Cop Car" – Keith Urban
Director: John Urbano
Producer: Michelle Abnet

"Drunk On A Plane" – Dierks Bentley
Director: Wes Edwards
Producer: Clarke Gallivan

"I'm Not Gonna Miss You" – Glen Campbell
Director: James Keach
Producer: Julian Raymond

"Somethin' Bad" – Miranda Lambert Duet With Carrie Underwood
Director: Trey Fanjoy
Producer: Trent Hardville


VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]*(Off Camera Award)
"Lonely Tonight" – Blake Shelton Featuring Ashley Monroe
Producer: Scott Hendricks
Record Label: Warner Bros. Records

"Meanwhile Back At Mama's" – Tim McGraw Featuring Faith Hill
Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw
Record Label: Big Machine Records

"Somethin' Bad" – Miranda Lambert Duet With Carrie Underwood
Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville

"The South" – The Cadillac Three Featuring Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley & Mike Eli
Producers: Dann Huff, Justin Niebank
Record Label: Big Machine Records

"This Is How We Roll" – Florida Georgia Line Featuring Luke Bryan
Producer: Joey Moi
Record Label: Republic Nashville

DBCongress.com Celebrates Six Years!

Long before DB Congress had a presence on facebook and Twitter, dbcongress.com launched six years ago today!  Happy anniversary to us!

On February 1, 2009, our welcome post proclaimed our mission: to actively campaign to make and keep Dierks Bentley #1! That remains our daily Dierks duty today, now with 802 DBC representatives in all 50 states and 12 countries, 1,112 facebook Likes and 4,349 Twitter followers!

With nearly half a million page views, dbcongress.com continues to spotlight not only all things Dierks, but special interviews with his band, songwriters and dedicated fans.

Six years ago, Feel That Fire was sitting at #4 and a week later Dierks released his Feel That Fire album, which debuted at #1.  Since then he's released a Grammy-nominated Bluegrass album-Up On The Ridge, CMA-nominated Home, and the biggest album of his career so far--Grammy, CMA and ACM nominated Riser, a total of 12 #1 singles, 2 Platinum singles (I Hold On and Drunk On A Plane) and a CMA Video of the Year win for Drunk On A Plane.

Let's not forget all the sold out shows in 2014 for the Riser Tour!

And today,  Dierks is performing the pre-game show in his hometown at the University of Phoenix Stadium before Super Bowl XLIX, part of which will be televised live as part of NBC's pregame show.

Each of you played an important part in that success, by promoting him daily, so keep up the great work!  Remember, we "wierk" for FREE, Dierks makes it EASY!

It is my pleasure to serve as your Chair person!  Together we 'hold on' and continue to promote our president to make and keep him #1!

Ronna
DB Congress Chair (FL)

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."

=================================================

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!