Memorial Day and Every Day, How Dierks Bentley Honors Those who Died for our Freedom

You only need to listen to his music or see him perform live to know how much America means to Dierks Bentley.   His patriotism is on full display every day. And on Memorial Day, a day to remember and honor those who fought and died for our country's freedom,  we couldn't help but think about how his words and music do just that.

The most obvious song is "Home," from the 2012 album of the same name. Written by Dan Wilson, Brett Beavers and Dierks, the lyrics subtly serve as a reminder that many of our military gave their life for something they believed in--freedom. 

brave, gotta call it brave, to chase that dream across the sea
names, then they signed their names, for something they believed
red, how the blood ran red, and we laid our dead in sacred ground
just think, wonder what they’d think if they could see us now
it’s been a long hard ride, got a ways to go
but this is still the place that we all call home
it’s been a long hard ride, and i won’t lose hope
this is still the place that we all call home

Several years ago, Dierks performed "Home" at Country Music: In Performance at the White House--a series of events created to showcase the music that's contributed to the fabric of American culture.



"'Home" has been a staple in Bentley's set list since 2012 and fans capture that image of freedom every night at his live shows, where he sometimes brings members of our military on stage.



Photo by Stephanie Lanham, DBC Rep, Missouri



Photo by Stephanie Lanham, DBC Rep, Missouri

Photo by Marycoleen Geiger, DBC Rep, Louisiana




Photo by Dan Foley, DBC Rep, Massachusetts and featured in "The Mountain" video

Many fans in the audience come prepared to show their love of America during Dierk's performances.

 

Photo by Meghan Dunphy



Photo by Roger Stroupe, DBC Rep, Ohio

His father, Leon, served as a First Lieutenant in WWII and during Dierks' performances of  "I Hold On" you can see his image in the flag on the big screen as Dierks sings, I hold on Like the stripes to the flag, Like a boy to his dad I can't change who I am, right or wrong So I hold on.  Leon Bentley died June 1, 2012 and for many shows after that, Dierks would sing Home and pay homage to his dad by changing the lyrics slightly: just think, wonder what He'd think if He could see Me now.

He'd be so proud, Dierks!


Photo by Carrie Srebro, DBC Rep, North Carolina


In 2016, the Black album brought us "Freedom," more evidence of Dierks' love of our country.  Written By Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman and Dierks, he sings: That flag on a solider's sleeve
All around the world they know what it means, And they all just wanna little piece of freedom, yeah

These are just a few examples of how Dierks honors our country every day and those who fell defending it.

Don't miss seeing Dierks on the Mountain High Tour this year with Brothers Osborne and LANCO.  See tour schedule here.


Ronna Clark (FL)
DB Congress Chair

For Your 2012 CMA Consideration.... Dierks Bentley!

It was a Monday and Dierks was headed to the studio: "...it's just a matter of taking the time now to make sure everything is totally right." That extra time he took was the right thing to do!  It resulted in a #1 album debut for "Home."

The release of Home also led to a performance at The White House, a partnership with Ellen Degeneres to donate $50,000 to a military family, a partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project, a plug from U2 front man himself, Bono, and five--count 'em--five categories to be considered for CMA nominations!

I think I can speak for all DB Congress members that we believe there's hope for you yet, Mr. President!  You deserve all five nominations and all five wins!  Too bad we can't vote on this one, 'congress!

Click here to watch this moving recap video.

Members of the CMA started voting in the second round of CMA nominations today through August 21 and the final ballot voting is October 4-22.

The 46th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Brad Paisely and Carrie Underwood, will air on ABC on November 1, 2012 at 8 p.m. eastern.

Happy July 4th from DB Congress!

Happy birthday, America!  We hope everyone enjoys all their freedoms today in a safe and fun way! About 6 years ago, Dierks performed on The White House lawn on Independence Day and it was broadcast on PBS!

Here's our DB Congress president, Dierks Bentley, singing his patriotic #1 hit, "Home," from The Grand Ole Opry stage!



"God Bless the USA...God bless The Grand Ole Opry...and all you country fans."

 Leave a comment and let us know how you'll be celebrating today!

Dierks Bentley Guest on Lon Helton's Country Countdown USA

Listen in as Dierks joins Lon Helton on CMT's Country Countdown USA this week.  Dierks talks about his trip to the White House last fall and performing, "Home," at such a historic location.  Dierks says he tried to go up on the roof but ended up in the basement.  Find out what he did down there!

Videos: Dierks Performs at The White House!

How appropriate for our president of the Dierks Bentley Congress (Dierks), to open the "Country Music: In Performance at the White House" show with his newest single, "Home."   The PBS music special aired last night from the East Room of the White House, hosted by President and Mrs. Obama.

What an honor for Dierks to represent country music in our nation's home, along with eight other artists who performed: Lauren Alaina, who did a duet with Dierks (see video below), The Band Perry, Alison Krauss, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Mickey, Darius Rucker and James Taylor.

"Standing in the East Room of The White House last night rehearsing ‘Home’ was a surreal feeling,” Dierks said. “No matter who you vote for or what you believe, it is one of the greatest symbols of our country. It is our nation’s ‘Home.’ I’m honored to have been asked to perform there, and tonight when I sing this song, I will definitely be thinking about all of the men and women in the military.”



What's Your Favorite Song?


From The Washington Post:

Dierks Bentley on being excited to be here:

"On my phone... I keep going to down to my Google maps, trying to get my blue dot to go on the White House. Hey! It worked! ... I guess ‘cause we’re outside... [Let me] take a screen saver shot of that blue dot.”

Bentley on why we should support our returning veterans:

“Now is the time that these guys are coming back, you know, with health problems and obviously they’re trying to put their families back together. And the economy’s crap. Now is the time to really show your patriotism, your support, and do something... It’s more than just a yellow ribbon... How do we incorporate these folks back into our society, into our economy, so they can have productive lives?”

In case you missed the show, here are a few videos for you. 

1-Behind the scenes, with DB interviewing the other artists.  Check out the "hugs" at the end!

2-President Obama's opening remarks

3-Dierks performs "Home," and dedicates it to the guys and girls in the military who are coming "home." (Thanks to Janet, NJ rep)

4-Lauren Alaina performing the Willie Nelson classic, "You Are Always On My Mind," duet with Dierks.













The show ended with Kris Kristofferson singing "Bobby Magee" and all the artists joined him on stage and sang a line or two.  Then, as the credits rolled, President and Mrs. Obama thanked each performer by shaking hands and freely giving out hugs.  Another great feat for the history books!

DB Congress President To Perform for the US President

Our DB Congress President--Dierks Bentley--will perform for the President of the United States of America on Monday, November 21, 2011.

"Country Music: In Performance at the White House" is a PBS music special in the East Room of the White House, hosted by President and Mrs. Obama. The evening celebrates Country music, whose roots run deep throughout American history. Taping on November 21, this concert honors the rich history and resilience of this uniquely American musical form. Leading contemporary Country artists pay tribute to many of Country’s iconic figures, tracing the history of Country music through performed songs.
Among those performing Monday night: Lauren Alaina, The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Alison Krauss, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Mickey, Darius Rucker and James Taylor.

Some of the performers also will take part in an afternoon workshop at the White House for 120 local students about the history of country music and its cultural significance.

The 2 p.m. EST workshop and the 7 p.m. EST concert will stream live on www.whitehouse.gov/live.

The concert also will be broadcast by PBS on Nov. 23 at 8 PM ET.

Be sure to tune in!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.

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