Dierks Bentley has a new song, out now, this one an ode to a rock music legend. The Arizona native just dropped his take on Tom Petty’s “American Girl,” a song from the upcoming Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty album.
“Petty’s southern roots shined through across his songwriting and storytelling,” Bentley says of the song. “He might not have ever been considered as country, but you can’t go into a bar in Nashville without hearing this song. It is one of the greatest songs in a life’s work of great American songs. The spirit of this woman, the idea of such relentless hope – and disappointment – ignites such a spark. Jon and I were driven to make that feeling of American roots stand tall.”
The new release comes as Bentley is preparing for his upcoming Gravel & Gold Tour in 2024, a tour he began last year with Jordan Davis and wanted to continue, this time with Chase Rice or Lee Brice serving as direct support for all dates.
“A big part of our tour is just who we’re touring with, and having Chase Rice out there this year as well as Lee Brice on some shows is gonna be so fun,” Bentley told UMG Nashville. “I love these guys. They’re just such great artists. They’re so fun to be around, [with] great songs. We’re gonna have fun on and off the stage.”
Bentley celebrated his 22nd No. 1 hit last year with “Gold,” the debut single from his Gravel & Gold album, released in early 2023.
“When we wrote ‘Gold,’ I wanted to write a song that captures the idea of enjoying the journey,” Bentley said at the time. “The reality is that there are a lot of rocky times that we all go through, but amongst all the tough stuff, when you look for the special moments it can change how you view the world. I know that’s a reminder I need for myself, so the fans and country radio embracing it means a lot.”
Whether his original music or a cover, the father of three’s biggest goal is to connect even more with his fans, a goal he began with his eponymous debut album, out in 2003.
“I found when I put songs out that are really personal, there’s a deeper connection because we’re all the same,” Bentley explained to Billboard. “We’re all going through the same struggles, and I feel like the song will connect in that way. It’s going to be a little slower rise to get there. I’ve had other songs that might have been quicker out of the gate, but I feel like this one will have a really important impact on people that listen to it and move them in a deeper way.”
Other artists joining Bentley on his Gravel & Gold Tour include Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Kaitlin Butts, Mae Estes, Ella Langley, Randy Rogers Band, Zach Top, Tanner Usrey, Bella White and more.
Find music and tour dates at Dierks.com.
