Grand Ole Opry Member Spotlight: Dierks Bentley

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Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

Dierks Bentley - The Opry's Youngest Member

The distinction of "Youngest Current Member" of the Grand Ole Opry goes to the curly-haired heartthrob Dierks Bentley, who has continued to have a string of top hits since the debut of his self-titled album. Bentley and other similar young artists have been dubbed "New Traditionalists" due to a style that is reminiscent of more traditional country "lovin', drinkin', and cheatin'" songs, as opposed the more pop-influenced tunes of the polished "Nashville Sound."

Background and Early Career

Bentley was born on November 20, 1975 in Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated from the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey before moving to Nashville at the age of 19 to attend Vanderbilt University and pursue a career in music.
His debut album was released by Capitol Records, and all three releases from the album peaked high on the country charts, including the #1 hit "What Was I Thinkin'." Subsequent albums have included Modern Day Drifter and Long Trip Alone.

Grand Ole Opry Induction

Bentley's induction into the Grand Ole Opry was unique in that the Opry went to him on the road to extend the invitation. Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart surprised Bentley on stage at a show in Los Angeles, asking if he would "marry the Grand Ole Opry." Bentley accepted the "proposal," a WSM Grand Ole Opry microphone was brought onto the stage and Bentley was inducted as the youngest current member of the Opry.

Dierks Bentley at the Opry

Although a hectic touring schedule keeps Bentley criss-crossing across the United States, he still makes frequent appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. Check out our Grand Ole Opry Blog for up-to-date schedules to see when Dierks will be standing behind the WSM Grand Ole Opry microphone again next.

Notable Hits You Might Hear at the Grand Ole Opry

"What Was I Thinkin'"
"How Am I Doin'"
"Lot of Leavin' Left To Do"
"Come a Little Closer"
"Settle for a Slowdown"
"Every Mile a Memory"

More Information

See the complete list of current Grand Ole Opry members!

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Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

We had a blast! I've watched this several times on television and just to be there was an experience. A good wholesome family show. We were able to go down to the stage and take plenty of pictures. My girls who range in age from 20 to 9 loved the show.

-Roger Compton, Willis, VA

Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

Great experience, my no-choice seats were okay I thought when I saw what row we were on but we were against the wall on the outside aisle. However, the entertainment was good. Porter Waggoner is still going strong and Little Jimmy Dickens is a hoot. Loved Josh Turner. Need to get my husband up to the Grand Ole Opry before long!!

-Linda Cockrill, Corpus Christi, TX

Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

Title

I was born in Carthage Tennessee and grew up around country music, my dad played guitar and sang on the radio in Carthage when there was only 1500 to 2000 people there.They had the radio station in a small building where the farmers brought their milk in a five gallon can. They played and sang country and gospel music. I play ,my son playes country music. Take it from me when you ae in Nashville go to the Grand Ole Opry you wili love it. my wife and I are going to Nashville this Spring so be on the look out for two red necks coming to town.

-Freddie Hughes, Topeka , Kansas, my second Home

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