Born Frederick Dierks Bentley on 20 November 1975 in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2003 with the release (via Capitol Nashville) of his self-titled album, Bentley found almost instant success. His single “What Was I Thinking” reached Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks, and the album reaching platinum status. His sophomore album, “Modern Day Thriller” released in 2005 also reached platinum and had two singles reach Number One on the charts as well. That same year he also received the CMA Horizon Award (now known as Best New Artist award) and was invited to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
Bentley continued to find success, releasing “Long Trip Alone” in 2006 producing two charting singles, and in 2007 he released a DVD of his live performance in Denver, Colorado. Bentley also went on tour in 2006 with Kenney Chesney, as well as Sugarland, Carrie Underwood and Jake Owen. His next few albums were met with just as much success and Bentley continued to extensively tour as both a support for other country artists, as well as a few headline tours. His eighth studio album, “Riser,” was released on 25 February 2014, and while the first single became his lowest charting single, the three singles that followed maintained high numbers on the charts.
Multi-platinum selling country music heartthrob Dierks Bentley certainly knows how to put on a show. The Arizona-born crooner, who has been hitting the Number 1 spot in the US charts since his debut, ‘What Was I Thinkin’ in 2003, still dominates the popular country and bluegrass scene, and sells out arena tours worldwide. His tell-it-like-it-is lyrical style and amped-up, guitar-led country jives are part of radio-friendly appeal, and as a live act Bentley doesn’t disappoint either, with a live band behind him as well as showing his prowess on guitar and melodically throaty vocals, and always showing his charisma and appreciation of the fans who come to his shows. He was extra-appreciative the night I saw him headline the AK-Chin Pavilion in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona last month- telling the excitable crowd on multiple occasions throughout his set that ‘this is where the dream of being a country singer began for me’, and that ‘this is easily the best night of the tour’. Of course, the crowd went wild for such ecstatic words, and really let loose for all his hits, such as the foot-stomping ‘Lot Of Leavin’ Left To Do’ and the singalong favourite, ‘Drunk On A Plane’. The highlight though was when Bentley showcased his newer bluegrass material with a beautiful rendition of ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’. This was fun-filled night of pure, no-nonsense country music that got the entire arena dancing.
louise_h
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