Dierks Bentley had just released the song that would launch him into overnight stardom when he made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry on April 18, 2003.
What Did Dierks Bentley Perform at His Grand Ole Opry Debut?
Bentley performed his debut single, “What Was I Thinkin’,’ during his first-ever performance on the hallowed stage of the country music institution.
According to the Opry’s website, the song was actually inspired by a girl Bentley had met backstage at the Opry long before he was signed to a label deal.
Why Did Dierks Bentley Get Banned From the Grand Ole Opry?
He was working a day job at the Nashville Network, which was located on the grounds of Opryland where the Opry House also resided, and Bentley would stay late on weekends and slip into the backstage at the Opry to hang around and visit with the musicians.
He did it so many times that Opry management had to start banning him, but Bentley got the last laugh when Opry fixture Ricky Skaggs personally introduced him at his debut performance.
READ MORE: See Inside Dierks Bentley’s Southwestern-Style Mansion in Nashville
“I just want to add my name to the list of people that said this was the biggest night of their life, because this really is a dream come true,” Bentley told the audience.
“What Was I Thinkin'” reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart in September of 2003, launching Bentley on a career path that would see him become one of the most consistent hitmakers of his generation.
When Was Dierks Bentley Inducted Into the Grand Ole Opry?
He was inducted into the Opry two years after his debut, and performing there remains an important part of his career.
“I actually come to the Opry even when I’m not playing,” Bentley says. “I just come out because there’s always great music.”
6 Stars Banned by the Grand Ole Opry (and Why They Got the Boot)
Just because the Grand Ole Opry invites you to perform on their stage once doesn’t mean it’s necessarily an open invitation. These six performers were all asked to leave at one point or another — and some never got invited back!
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
31 Country Stars You Won’t Believe Aren’t Grand Ole Opry Members
That answer is often difficult to determine, but this list of stars you won’t believe aren’t members suggests reasons where appropriate.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
