Chris Gaines
11-14-2003, 12:02 PM
Before Dierks Bentley gave vent to every tomcat's rowdiest dream -- and darkest nightmare -- with "What Was I Thinking," he did a lot of volunteer work for the Country Music Association, including assisting backstage at the CMA Awards show. It was here that he became acquainted with the show's producer, Walter Miller. Bentley's recent success with "What Was I Thinking" -- it went No. 1 -- convinced him he deserved a spot on this year's show.
Earlier this summer, Capitol Records had sent a television crew on the road with Bentley to tape footage of his opening slots for Pat Green. Bentley had these tapes edited and then sent a sampler to Miller, reminding him of his past free labors for the show. He even found out Miller's cell phone number and made a personal pitch. "You know, I've got to give it to him," the sometimes-volcanic Miller told a Capitol publicist, "the kid's got some guts."
And the kid got his spot.
Earlier this summer, Capitol Records had sent a television crew on the road with Bentley to tape footage of his opening slots for Pat Green. Bentley had these tapes edited and then sent a sampler to Miller, reminding him of his past free labors for the show. He even found out Miller's cell phone number and made a personal pitch. "You know, I've got to give it to him," the sometimes-volcanic Miller told a Capitol publicist, "the kid's got some guts."
And the kid got his spot.