When Dierks Bentley arrived in Nashville after making the cross-country drive from Phoenix, the budding musician was overwhelmed. At just 19 years old, he took on a sizable task—trying to get the attention of Music Row executives in a city full of aspiring songwriters. In 1994, Music City was riding high on the success of one of country music’s groundbreaking performers: Garth Brooks. A masterful showman, Brooks managed to bring country music into the mainstream of contemporary music.
Bentley knew he wasn’t going to become the next Garth Brooks; he wanted to make his own mark. Staying true to one’s artistic vision is a noble—yet often lonely—endeavor. While trying to find his footing in the bustling Southern town, Bentley longed to find a musical home away from home.
