From Banned to Beloved: Dierks Bentley Shines at Opry 100

The “Opry 100: A Live Celebration” was on Wednesday, but the country music world is still reeling from all the big stars and great collaborations we saw.

One of the best parts of the night was when Dierks Bentley came out with Jamey Johnson and fiddle player Ketch Secor for their Charlie Daniels Band tribute.

So, would it surprise you to know that Dierks Bentley was once BANNED from the Grand Ole Opry before he ever performed there?

Before Dierks was famous he used to work as a researcher for the Nashville Network, so he would sneak backstage to gain access to the country stars.

That was until the General Manager caught wind of it.  And Dierks got his access to the Opry PERMANENTLY REVOKED.

But turns out it wasn’t permanent at all.  The ban was lifted in 2003 when he played his first show there, and in 2005 he was inducted as a member.

Pretty good decision on the Opry’s part, because Dierks crushed it at their 100th anniversary special.

(Whiskey Riff)