Born in Phoenix, boarding school-educated Dierks Bentley moved to Nashville in 1994 to attend Vanderbilt University, but soon abandoned his book-learning in favor of paying his musical dues in Nashville's many clubs. Bentley gradually won over audiences with his classic sound that echoed country's honky tonk past. He was signed to Capitol Nashville in 2003, has scored several hit singles, and in 2005 became the youngest member of the Grand Ole Opry at the time.