In the very early years of Dierks Bentley’s arrival to Nashville he was banned from the Grand Ole Opry.
Bentley’s ban gave him access to a small club of others who have “defiled” the Opry stage and been stripped of their performing rights at one of country music’s holiest places.
Bentley wasn’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol, cursing on stage, or kicking out the footlights like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and others did.
Bentley was banned before he had even stepped foot onto the stage at the Opry.
When Bentley first arrived in Nashville he worked as a researcher at The Nashville Network where he followed news on the latest country songs and albums.
The Nashville Network was located on Opryland grounds, so Bentley was in close proximity to the Opry House every day.
So Bentley began sneaking over to hang out backstage with the artists who were performing.
Bentley’s hit song “What Was I Thinkin'” was even written about a girl he met there on his early visits!
But of course he got caught by the Opry’s general manager and he permanently revoked Bentley’s access.
The ban didn’t last forever and was lifted in 2003.
Then in 2005 Bentley was inducted as a member of The Grand Ole Opry.
Photo: Reuters
Source: Whiskey Riff
