Latest news with #DierksBentley
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dierks Bentley Talks ‘Mixing the Bluegrass With the Kickass' on New Album ‘Broken Branches' With Miranda Lambert & Riley Green
As he releases his 11th studio album Broken Branches, out today (June 13), Dierks Bentley knows more than a bit about constructing an album — and a career — that's going to endure. After two decades spent notching 18 chart-topping Country Airplay hits and establishing himself as seasoned headliner, the artist, who spent nights early in his career soaking in bluegrass music at Nashville's Station Inn and who collaborated with the bluegrass stalwarts Del McCoury Band on his debut 2003 album, says he's tried to approach his career like a bluegrass band does a performance. 'It's very collaborative, and all the pieces are important. You can't make bluegrass music without all those unique instruments and unique voices,' Bentley tells Billboard. 'I've tried to work with great people in every aspect of my career. It's mixing my love of bluegrass instrumentation with my love of playing big rooms, and that requires big electric guitars and drums and bass. The original idea was to mix the bluegrass with the kickass, and I'm still trying to do that.' More from Billboard Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Head to Florida for Stanley Cup Final Twenty One Pilots Drop New Single, 'The Contract,' Detail North American Tour Dates j-hope Heads to Memphis to Recruit GloRilla for 'Killin' It Girl' Single: Listen On Broken Branches, he collaborated with a tight-knit group of fellow artists, producers and writers, including Ross Copperman and Jon Randall, and feted musicians including Jedd Hughes, Rob McNelly, Bryan Sutton and Charlie Worsham (who also plays in Bentley's road band). 'They know my music and are able to take it places that maybe I hadn't even thought about,' Bentley says. 'They know it from underneath the car — I might be driving the car, but they know all the nuts and bolts of it, so it's great working with those musicians.' Bentley co-wrote four of the album's 11 songs, infusing witty lyrics into 'She Hates Me,' or examining the toils and rewards of working toward a goal on 'Something Worth Fixing.' But most of the project finds him locked in on highlighting the songs of other writers. 'There's people around me that are like, 'Hey, you need to have some more songs on there that you wrote.' I just want great songs,' he says. 'I love being a big fan and proponent of the Nashville songwriting community. Nobody writes songs like Nashville. I have such respect for it, and I feel lucky [and] grateful to have some temporary ownership of some of these great songs on this record.' Fifteen years ago, Bentley collaborated with Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson on 'Bad Angel' from his 2010 Up on the Ridge bluegrass album. On Broken Branches, Bentley and Lambert reunite for the banjo-inflected 'Never You.' 'She's someone I've known forever and whose voice I love,' he says. 'She's exactly who she is offstage as she is onstage, and she is awesome. I sent the song to her, and she was in Scottsdale [Arizona]. She went into a studio we found out there and put down the vocal. She's one of the true trailblazers in country music.' When Bentley heard the song 'Broken Branches,' written by Zach Abend, Beau Bailey and 'Oil Money' hitmaker Graham Barham, he says it 'gave us a story' to construct the album around.' He invited Riley Green and Country Music Hall of Fame member John Anderson to sing with him, linking together three generations of country hitmakers. Green was Bentley's first call. 'Right away he was in on it and a couple of days later we were in the studio. While he's singing, I was thinking, 'How can I make this even more special?'' he recalls. 'John Anderson came to mind, because the link between 'Broken Branches' and [Anderson's 1983 hit] 'Black Sheep,' just subconsciously hit me. He came in the studio by himself like a week later. What a legend. He came off the road—he drives himself in his RV to all his gigs, which is so classic. His RV had broken down in Valdosta, Georgia and he spent three days in a motel—hard M—waiting to get it fixed. He's the real deal and always has been.' The song wraps with a bit of good-natured, ad-libbed ribbing as Bentley, Green and Anderson ended up recording the ending together. 'You hear us talking [like on] Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett's 'It's Five O'Clock Somewhere,' I like that stuff,' Bentley says. 'It's funny and it sticks out in my mind when I listen to those records. This song, it was all done together. It wasn't no AI, no overdubbing or editing, just us around one mic kind of giving each other crap.' The song naturally felt like the title track that tied the project together. 'When I'm looking for songs, I'm trying to find those songs that are like little broken branches off the family tree,' Bentley explains. 'Not the big popular ones, not the ones that sound like a big hit on radio. Those are great, but I'm trying to find songs that are a little bit different.' He adds, 'That really started with the [2014] Riser record and the song 'Riser.' I heard 'Broken Branches' and thought it's a great song because I'm a broken branch. Most of my friends are broken branches. All the people I know that came to Nashville to do something in music are doing something that their family probably didn't do. And they're doing it; they love country music.' Throughout his career, Bentley has prioritized lifting up the next generation of artists, sifting through sounds and championing those artists whose music catches his ear. Burgeoning artist Stephen Wilson Jr. co-wrote two songs on the album, 'Cold Beer Can' and 'Something Worth Fixing.' Bentley has also shared the stage with recent breakout artists like Red Clay Strays and Zach Top, the latter of whom is opening for Bentley on his the Broken Branches tour. 'I love the spot I'm in in country music. I've been around a lot of the older cats, and I love those guys—but I also love watching what the younger artists are doing,' he says. 'I love what's happening in country music right now and I love seeing those guys have that success. I first saw Red Clay Strays play at our Seven Peaks Festival a while back. I probably personally told like 500 people about those guys. Same with Zach. I've known about him since his bluegrass days, just [through] having a bunch of bluegrass guys in my band. Watching him come over to country and do what he's done, it's been fun to watch.' The album ends with the reflective 'Don't Cry For Me,' which Bentley wrote with Jim Beavers. The song finds him taking stock of his life and career thus far and assuring that he's happy with how it's all turned out. 'It's very personal for me just knowing that one day it all does come to an end, whether it's your music career or your life,' he says. 'I've been really blessed in my time here in Nashville. It's just been a great career and I've still got a lot left, hopefully, to do.' One thing not on that list? Making movies. Though many of Bentley's music videos, including the clip for 'She Hates Me,' make use of his natural comedic talents, that's as far as he's likely to go as an actor. 'I love making music videos, but I don't have any desire to do anything beyond that,' he explains. 'I get sent some stuff, and sometimes people think, 'Hey, everyone just wants to be in a movie,' and I just don't. I love film and movies and shows, but I think I'm pretty good in my lane.' But it's likely fans could see him once again revisiting his bluegrass roots: 'I think about that all the time when I'm listening to [SiriusXM channel] Bluegrass Junction. It'd be fun to make another record like that.' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dierks Bentley Makes Tour Opener Zach Top Take Part in an Icy Challenge on the Road & He ‘Took It Like a Champ'
'It's not a summer tour without a cold plunge,' Dierks Bentley wrote on his Instagram on July 8, as he gave fans an insider's glimpse as he welcomed his tour opener Zach Top into what has become a bit of a tradition for a Bentley tour. Previous tour openers who have taken part in Bentley's cold-plunge tradition include Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum and Caylee Hammack. On his current Broken Branches Tour, Bentley dared Top to take a dip in a tub of ice water. Holding up a thermometer that read 29 degrees, Bentley said in the video, 'Let's see how Zach does this.' More from Billboard How Zach Top Is Crafting Country's Future With an Old-School Sound Dolly Parton Puts Songwriting 'On Hold' Following Husband's Death Benny Blanco on Wedding With Selena Gomez: 'It'll Be Chill' 'I need a fresh beer and a cigarette,' Top said, to which Bentley remarked, 'The cigarette might provide some warmth…might spark the heat.' 'That's the strategy here, Dierks,' Top said, later lighting up a fresh cig and getting into an ice-cold tub. Top didn't have to brave the ice alone: Bentley got into his own ice-filled can. Quickly after Top got in, holding his beer and cigarette aloft, Bentley said, 'Do we have an extra bag of ice?' 'No! No more ice in mine!' Top shouted laughing and adding, 'They snuck some warm water in yours.' For his part, Top seemed right at home in the freezing temps (he is a Washington state native, after all). Bentley noted that Top also fared better than some of his previous tour openers. 'I can tell you he's already done more than Riley Green,' Bentley said. 'Get f—ed, Riley Green!' Top said jokingly, before quickly adding, 'Just kiddin' brother, I love you.' 'Parker McCollum, you [did better] than Parker,' Bentley said. 'That doesn't surprise me,' Top said, before Bentley added, 'Travis Denning was in it for about two seconds…Jordan Davis, you've already smoked Jordan Davis.' On Instagram, Bentley also added, 'Zach Top took it like a champ!' Of course, some of those previous openers had their own viewpoints in the post's comments. Denning wrote, 'I did two-ish minutes, thank you very much!,' while Davis wrote, 'I was trying to show respect to you, Dierks Bentley…didn't want to beat you at your own game.' Bentley's Broken Branches tour, which takes its name from his recently-released album, continues July 10 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. See the video below: Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Crowds fill Downtown Nashville for 'Let Freedom Sing' July 4th event with music, fireworks
Thousands of people braved temperatures in the 90s to flood the streets of Downtown Nashville in celebration of America's 249th birthday. The "Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th" event is produced by Music City Inc. and has provided fireworks and fun to the Middle Tennessee community for more than 40 years. The fireworks spectacular has regularly drawn more than 200,000 attendees with a record-breaking 355,000 in 2024. 'Welcome to Independence Day in Music City USA, where we let Freedom Sing,' Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell said. 'We're going to have a great show tonight!' The 2025 celebration featured an instrument petting zoo, food trucks and an array of interactive displays. In addition to the variety of activities offered to all ages, the event also featured a Sober Space. Unveiled at the 2024 New Year's Eve concert, the Sober Space offers a welcoming environment for individuals, families and allies of those in recovery from addiction and alcoholism. Prior to the fireworks, guests were able to enjoy a free concert from artists including award-winning guitarist, songwriter and bandleader Grace Bowers and The Hodge Podge and a headlining set from 14-time Grammy nominee Dierks Bentley. The fireworks show is set to start at 9:30 p.m. and plans call for it to feature eight pyrotechnicians firing close to 40,000 pounds of explosives. Accompanying the fireworks will be the Grammy Award-winning Nashville Symphony along with a special drone show presented by Crav'n Flavor. Viewing for the fireworks is set along the Cumberland River with an additional viewing on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge. 'Everybody who's here, you have one year to learn an important word,' O'Connell said. 'The word is 'semiquincentennial' because next year is 250 years of America, and it'll be back bigger and better than ever here in Nashville.' In anticipation of next year's celebration, Music City Inc. has announced that Let Freedom Sing! 2026 will be a two-day event, with festivities on July 3 and 4. Additional information about Music City Inc.'s various events and the 2026 celebration can be found at This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville celebrates 4th of July with 'Let Freedom Sing' celebration
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Crowds fill Downtown Nashville for 'Let Freedom Sing' July 4th event with music, fireworks
Thousands of people braved temperatures in the 90s to flood the streets of Downtown Nashville in celebration of America's 249th birthday. The "Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th" event is produced by Music City Inc. and has provided fireworks and fun to the Middle Tennessee community for more than 40 years. The fireworks spectacular has regularly drawn more than 200,000 attendees with a record-breaking 355,000 in 2024. 'Welcome to Independence Day in Music City USA, where we let Freedom Sing,' Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell said. 'We're going to have a great show tonight!' The 2025 celebration featured an instrument petting zoo, food trucks and an array of interactive displays. In addition to the variety of activities offered to all ages, the event also featured a Sober Space. Unveiled at the 2024 New Year's Eve concert, the Sober Space offers a welcoming environment for individuals, families and allies of those in recovery from addiction and alcoholism. Prior to the fireworks, guests were able to enjoy a free concert from artists including award-winning guitarist, songwriter and bandleader Grace Bowers and The Hodge Podge and a headlining set from 14-time Grammy nominee Dierks Bentley. The fireworks show is set to start at 9:30 p.m. and plans call for it to feature eight pyrotechnicians firing close to 40,000 pounds of explosives. Accompanying the fireworks will be the Grammy Award-winning Nashville Symphony along with a special drone show presented by Crav'n Flavor. Viewing for the fireworks is set along the Cumberland River with an additional viewing on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge. 'Everybody who's here, you have one year to learn an important word,' O'Connell said. 'The word is 'semiquincentennial' because next year is 250 years of America, and it'll be back bigger and better than ever here in Nashville.' In anticipation of next year's celebration, Music City Inc. has announced that Let Freedom Sing! 2026 will be a two-day event, with festivities on July 3 and 4. Additional information about Music City Inc.'s various events and the 2026 celebration can be found at This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville celebrates 4th of July with 'Let Freedom Sing' celebration
Axios
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Stuff to do July 4 weekend: Fireworks, live music and leopards
In addition to shotgunning hot chicken, you can spend Friday celebrating our nation's independence. Why it matters: The city's free July 4 celebration, called Let Freedom Sing!, is a very Nashville-y mix of world-class musicians, food trucks and an enormous fireworks display. Zoom in: The Nashville Symphony performs during the fireworks show to cap a free all-day music festival. Dierks Bentley headlines this year's concert. Grace Bowers and the Hodge Podge, Keesha Rainey, Charlie Worsham and Les Kerr and the Bayou Band are among the notable artists who will perform. If braving throngs of people downtown isn't your thing, many of Nashville's suburban cities also do fireworks shows. WSMV compiled a list of fireworks and other festivities on Friday.
