Before launching his 2018 MOUNTAIN HIGH TOUR this week, award-winning entertainer Dierks Bentley assembled his band and crew along with tour opener LANCO today at Nashville’s Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. The group helped launch the “Hunger Free Summer” campaign where they packaged over ten thousand pounds of food to supply more than 8,600 meals to families in need when school meals are not available during the summer months.

“Typically when a tour is a about to launch, you get your band and crew together for some drinks before the run, but I wanted to make sure we did something different this year,” said Bentley. “We got everyone together to really start off with what it’s all about for me right now…gratitude. The more we get to do and grow out there on the road, the more I want to make it all mean something and Second Harvest is doing great work to make a difference in our community.”

Bentley has built a reputation as both a forever-young drifter and a dedicated family man, put in millions of miles on headlining tours and taken the fearless stylistic detours of a truly authentic artist. He continues that journey with his highly anticipated ninth studio album, THE MOUNTAIN (Capitol Records Nashville), set for release June 8th. Reaching a new creative high, Bentley co-wrote 10 of the 13 new tracks that are unified by themes of presence and positivity, and range in style from textured rock to acoustic folk, feeling both rooted and expansive at the same time. After his 2017 tour claimed the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Tours selling over 750,000 tickets, Bentley will fuel arenas and amphitheaters throughout the summer with his 2018 MOUNTAIN HIGH TOUR launching this weekend in Columbia, MD (5/18), Holmdel, NJ (5/19) and Camden, NJ (5/20). For more information visit www.dierks.com.

For 40 years, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee has followed its mission of feeding hungry people and finding innovative ways to solve hunger issues in our communities.  As a private, not-for-profit and tax-exempt organization, Second Harvest distributes food and other products to approximately 490 nonprofit Partner Agencies in 46 counties in Middle and West Tennessee. Our partners include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, childcare facilities, senior centers, group homes, and youth enrichment programs. For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, its mission and programs, please visit secondharvestmidtn.org.

Dierks Bentley will release his highly anticipated ninth studio album, THE MOUNTAIN (Capitol Records Nashville), June 8th. Reaching a new creative high, Bentley co-wrote 10 of the 13 new tracks that are unified by themes of presence and positivity, and range in style from textured rock to acoustic folk, feeling both rooted and expansive at the same time.

THE MOUNTAIN’s story begins in the Rocky Mountain resort town of Telluride, Colorado, which every summer plays host to a celebrated bluegrass festival. Owing to his well-documented love of the genre, Bentley has attended the festival multiple times over the years, always making a point to slow down and tune back in to the world around him. But after performing on the festival’s main stage in 2017, the idyllic surroundings became more than a much-needed getaway.

“I found myself there, constantly reaching for my guitar,” Bentley said. “It was like a gravitational pull. That town and those people just make you want to be creative, I couldn’t describe it. I was like ‘How do I tell everyone in Nashville this is what I want to write about?’ I realized I couldn’t bring it back, so I had to take everyone out there.”

Returning that August with six of his most trusted songwriting collaborators, Bentley and his fellow ‘Telluwriters’ all bunked up in a small house, explored the area and dug deep into the peaceful, reflective vibes he was feeling. They had five days to work with and were hoping to write eight songs…but ended up with nearly twice that number, forming the core of the record. Bentley returned to Telluride with his production team Ross Copperman, Jon Randall Stewart and Arturo Buenahora Jr to a tucked-away hideout called Studio in the Clouds last November to record. Perched high on a mesa, its tracking room overlooking the endless Rocky Mountain landscape, THE MOUNTAIN rose up in earnest.

“For me it’s the best of both worlds, and it feels like something new. It’s powerful but also happy, with acoustic sensibility mixed in with the big sounds I like to have for the road,” Bentley added. “They are the songs I’d play for somebody to say, ‘This is who I am right now.’”

THE MOUNTAIN Track Listing:

1. Burning Man (Feat. Brothers Osborne)

2. The Mountain 

3. Living

4. Woman, Amen

5. You Can’t Bring Me Down

6. Nothing On But The Stars

7. Goodbye In Telluride

8. My Religion 

9. One Way

10. Son Of The Sun

11. Stranger To Myself

12. Travelin’ Light (Feat. Brandi Carlile)

13. How I’m Going Out

After 15 years in Country music, the mountains Bentley has climbed could form a range of their own. To date, the Arizona native has scored 17 No. Ones and 13 GRAMMY nominations – including at least one stemming from each of his last six albums. Bentley has amassed more than one billion digital streams, countless additional nominations from the ACM, CMA and Billboard Music Awards and has been a Grand Ole Opry member for over a decade. After his 2017 tour claimed the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Tours selling over 750,000 tickets, Bentley will fuel arenas and amphitheaters throughout the summer with his 2018 MOUNTAIN HIGH TOUR, launching May 18th in Columbia, MD. For more information visit www.dierks.com.

ACM nominee and performer Dierks Bentley will share the story of real-life heroes Jennifer and Sydnee Floyd Tuesday (April 10th) across all Entertainment Tonight platforms with the exclusive music video premiere of his Top 10 single “Woman, Amen.” Directed by longtime collaborator Wes Edwards, a performance from Colorado’s stunning landscapes which also serves as the foundation of Bentley’s upcoming ninth studio album THE MOUNTAIN, coincides with the powerful story of Nashville’s Floyd family, a mother-daughter duo who drew from their own personal hardships to create positive change in their community.

“Jennifer and Sydnee make everyone around them want to do more, to be better…it was an incredible honor for me to honor them,” said Bentley. “I hope that by shining a light on the completely selfless volunteer work they do, it will maybe inspire other folks to do what they can in their own communities.  I was really drawn to their real-life experience, and I wanted to do a video based on real people with real struggles and real triumphs.  These are the people I get to meet every day, and they are really the ones who have inspired this music.”

To go behind-the-scenes to watch the Floyd family’s touching reaction to a surprise invitation from Bentley, click here: https://youtu.be/DHNum-gkjks

The “empowering single” (Rolling Stone) that “celebrates women in song” (Associated Press) shares a deeply sincere and personal message of love and gratitude that’s made universal, proving why Bentley is “one of the format’s leading male hit-makers,” (NPR). The “shimmering song of devotion” (Billboard) has been dubbed “insanely catchy” (CMT) and “feels arena-ready,” (Baltimore Sun). In addition to performing “Woman, Amen” at this weekend’s 53rd Annual ACM Awards (4/15 on CBS at 8:00P ET), it will serve as a pivotal performance during ABC’s WE Day primetime special (airing 8/17 at 8:00p ET) where Bentley will spotlight the Floyd family during the world’s largest youth empowerment event, alongside speakers and performers including Jennifer Aniston, The Chainsmokers, Morgan Freeman and Selena Gomez.

After his 2017 World Tour claimed the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Tours selling over 750,000 tickets, Bentley will fuel arenas and amphitheaters throughout the summer with his 2018 MOUNTAIN HIGH TOUR, launching May 18th in Columbia, MD. For more information visit www.dierks.com.

Shania Twain will appear on The Big Interview with Dan Rather on Tuesday (March 3rd) to talk about her career, her new album NOW and much more. The show will air at 9pm ET on AXS-TV.

Jordan Davis will perform Wednesday (March 4th) on Late Night With Seth Meyers.

Dierks Bentley is scheduled to perform at WE Day, an assembly of people to celebrate positive changes and continue to motivate youth to continue to inspire throughout the year. Dierks will be joined by The Chainsmokers, Jennifer Aniston, Selena Gomez, Paula Abdul, Nicole Richie and more at the event taking place at The Forum in Los Angeles on April 19th.

Some of the world’s biggest pop, rock and country artists are celebrating Elton John’s most beloved and legendary catalogue of hits with two albums Revamp (Island Records) and Restoration (Universal Music Group Nashville) to be released on April 6th. The superstar lineup features artists both new and iconic reinterpreting the timeless songs of the over 50 year writing partnership that Elton and Bernie Taupin share.  These renditions and artists show the depth of the catalogue these two icons have created, which can easily cross musical genres and their unparalleled influence across popular music of all styles.

Restoration highlights countries biggest stars with thoughtful interpretations by Dierks Bentley, Rosanne Cash and Emmylou Harris, Miley Cyrus, Vince Gill and Don Henley, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Brothers Osborne, Chris Stapleton, Rhonda Vincent and Dolly Parton and Lee Ann Womack.

Revamp features the hits reimagined by the best in pop, rock and urban with Mary J. Blige,  Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, The Killers, Mumford and Sons, P!nk and Logic, Q-Tip ft. Demi Lovato, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith.

“’It’s always a huge compliment when an artist loves your song enough to take the time and effort to rework it,” adds Elton John. “As songwriters, Bernie and myself are thrilled when singers we admire and respect as much as those on Revamp & Restoration choose to add their own unique twist in the process. It means that our music is still relevant and ultimately that our songs continue to reach new audiences. We’re humbled and thank them all for their generosity.”

“Because of our love of all kinds of music, we’re not stuck in one genre,” said Bernie Taupin. “From day one we borrowed from everything that’s good about American music – whether it’s blues, country, gospel, pop, pure rock – everything got thrown in the mix. I think that’s why our music over the years has been so varied. It would be tiring if you just got stuck in one niche your entire career, especially when it’s one as long as ours.”

The album art for Restoration was created by Bernie. The rustic musical instruments and flags from both nations is an extension of his mixed-media art that’s another form of expression. It symbolizes the role that U.S. culture and its native music has played as a driver in the John/Taupin canon.

“For me, there’s an irony about the American flag,” Taupin says. “It’s been battered and beaten and burned, but it’s resilient. It’s always come back. I incorporate it with other things, and lately I’ve done a lot of pieces with deconstructed guitars and other found materials: barbed wire, broken bottles, things that people identify with on an everyday level.  If it’s on the floor and it works, I’ll put it into the artwork. But it all goes hand in hand with my belief in America and my interest, I would say obsession, with Americana.”

“We have two completely different albums; Revamp being the pop one and Restoration being the country one and God we have so many great artists doing our songs, it’s quite incredible,” said Elton John. “Restoration was Bernie’s project and he’s a huge country fan. The ‘Revamp’ was more my project. He came up with an astonishing list of country performers both new and legendary.”

Restoration

1. Rocket Man – Little Big Town
2. Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters – Maren Morris
3. Sacrifice – Don Henley and Vince Gill
4. Take Me To The Pilot – Brothers Osborne
5. My Father’s Gun – Miranda Lambert
6. I Want Love – Chris Stapleton
7. Honky Cat – Lee Ann Womack
8. Roy Rogers – Kacey Musgraves
9. Please – Rhonda Vincent and Dolly Parton
10. The Bitch Is Back – Miley Cyrus
11. Sad Songs (Say So Much) – Dierks Bentley
12. This Train Don’t Stop – Rosanne Cash and Emmylou Harris
13. Border Song – Willie Nelson

Revamp

1. Bennie and The Jets – Elton John, P!nk, Logic
2. We All Fall In Love Sometimes – Coldplay
3. I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues – Alessia Cara
4. Candle In The Wind – Ed Sheeran
5. Tiny Dancer – Florence And The Machine
6. Someone Saved My Life Tonight – Mumford and Sons
7. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word – Mary J. Blige
8. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Q Tip feat. Demi Lovato
9. Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters – The Killers
10. Daniel – Sam Smith
11. Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me – Miley Cyrus
12. Your Song – Lady Gaga
13. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Queens of the Stone Age

The caliber of names contributing to Revamp and Restoration is another reminder of Elton’s enduring popularity at a busy and prolific time for the superstar. Last month Elton announced his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour. Comprising of over 300 dates across five continents over three years, the tour kicks off in the US in September and marks the finale of 50 years on the road. The first 60 dates sold out immediately after going on general sale, confirming that the farewell tour will be some of, if not the, hottest gig tickets of the coming three years.

Music stars honor Elton John’s illustrious career spanning five decades with a rockin’ tribute on ELTON JOHN: I’M STILL STANDING A GRAMMY SALUTE, to be broadcast Tuesday, April 10 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The concert showcases musicians from multiple genres performing classic songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, including Alessia Cara, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Kesha, Little Big Town, Chris Martin, Shawn Mendes, Maren Morris, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and SZA.

Dierks Bentley has been putting the finishing touches on his new album, The Mountain. Many factors have influenced the new music, including his fans and their stories.

“I’ve spent three hours a day before the show just hanging out with the fans in some different form whether it’s an acoustic show or several meet and greets. The stories you hear, everybody’s climbing some sort of mountain, right? Everybody’s just finding a way to put one foot in front of the other and just make it out to this concert tonight; the importance of that show to help them on their own journey, their own climb,” says Dierks. “So especially after this [past] summer, it seemed like it was a hard year for a lot of people, not only in our country music community but just in general, and the idea of that mountain that everyone’s climbing really resonated with me.”

Dierks is climbing the country music charts with his latest hit, “Woman, Amen,” which is the first release from his upcoming album, The Mountain.

Dierks is nominated for Video of the Year at this year’s ACM Awards, which will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas April 15th at 8pm ET on CBS.

Dierks Bentley’s “Woman, Amen” was heard during Sunday night’s premiere of ABC’s American Idol.

Shania Twain has signed on to be one of the judges on the reality series, RuPaul’s Drag Race, which features several female impersonators through a series of competitions and challenges.

Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley, Jordan Davis and Scotty McCreery are among the artists performing during the 14th Annual Drive for Show Rock Fore! Dough concert April 3rd prior to the 2018 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. All proceeds will benefit The First Tee of Augusta, which strives to impact the lives of young people by creating affordable and accessible golf facilities.

Sam Hunt won an iHeart Radio Award Sunday night for Country Song of the Year for his huge smash “Body Like a Back Road,” while Chris Stapleton’s From A Room: Volume 1 picked up the award for Country Album of the Year.

The Academy of Country Music® announced today that ACM Awards® nominee and performer Dierks Bentley will provide fans with an incredible chance to be a part of the live broadcast performance of his hit, “Woman, Amen,” at the 53^rd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™. Starting today, fans are invited to submit images of their everyday female heroes (e.g., mom, sister, wife, relative, friend, co-worker, doctor, teammate, coach) for consideration to be featured on screens behind Bentley during the live telecast of his performance.

You could be a part of the celebratory anthem by submitting a personal picture you have taken of the woman in your life who you want to honor. Images should be taken on a solid, neutral colored background and must be posted via Twitter or Instagram with the official hashtag #WomanAmenACM by Wednesday, April 4. Complete program rules and additional ideas can be viewed here: cbs.com/dierks.

The 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas April 15th at 8pm ET/PT on CBS.

Dierks is currently making his way up the country charts with his latest hit, “Woman, Amen,” which is from his upcoming album, The Mountain, due out later this year.

Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley are among the initial list of performers announced for this year’s ACM Awards. They’re joined by Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett and Bebe Rexha.

Luke is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, an award he’s won twice, and Dierks is nominated for Video of the Year for “Black,” which stars his wife Cassidy.

The 53rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Reba, will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 15th beginning at 8pm ET/PT on CBS.