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Dierks Bentley Reveals Private Meeting With President Obama

Dierks Bentley shared a secret with the sold-out crowd at his May 20 Washington, D.C. concert. He met with President Barack Obama earlier that day.

"Where were we walking again? Down a street called Pittsburgh?," Dierks jokingly remarked to the Travelin' McCourys and the Punch Brothers, who backed him during the show. "No, it was called Pennsylvania ... I went in and dropped off a copy of my latest CD at the Oval Office."

Of course Dierks was talking about his 'Up On the Ridge' disc that will be officially released on June 8. No further details about the private meeting are available, says Dierks' publicist. But just the mention of the musician's visit to the White House elicited whoops and cheers from his fans.

Dierks told the story after he thanked the crowd for buying tickets to his show despite the tough economic times caused by the ongoing recession. He also mentioned sitting in a bar last July when his cell phone "lit up" with messages. The first, from Miranda Lambert's tour manager, told the whole story: President Obama had quoted Dierks during the White House music series.

"I said country music was the best shrink $15 can buy," Dierks repeated to the crowd. Those who doubt the statement need only watch the video of the exuberant concert audience filmed for an upcoming television special.

Dierks' next show -- which is sold out -- is Saturday, May 22, at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Special guests joining him will include Del McCoury and the Punch Brothers.

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lovymyers

George showed his respect for the Military by not showing up for duty. AWOL from the Texas Air Guard for a whole year while other soldiers gave their lives.

May 29 2010 at 12:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lovymyers

Obama can't destroy America, George already did that in eight short years.

May 28 2010 at 11:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lovymyers

Obama can't destroy America because George already took care of that in eight short years.

May 28 2010 at 11:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lovymyers

For your information, Toby Keith is a Democrat and probably voted for Obama so there goes his albums as well. He just likes to make money off the wars like a Republican so I can see how you would be confused. Although confused is not the right word for someone dumb enough to be fooled by George and the Rethugs.

May 28 2010 at 11:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Marianne

You mean respect a president that doesn't even have enough respect for our veterans to stick around Washington to pay respects like EVERY president before him on Memorial Day. Oh gee it would interfere with his vacation with Michelle. Bentley has every right to do as he wishes politically, but we also have the right to show our disapproval by not buying his music. Oh well!!

May 27 2010 at 9:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
HagenMrk

Grow up you sniveling little children. Anybody sane who gets invited to speak with a President is going to speak with him no matter what his politics. While I'm sure plenty of the immature savages commenting on here wish Dierks Bentley would have made fools of themselves trashing the President personally, but you nonetheless represent a small-minded wingnut minority as evidenced by the fact that crowds cheered when Bentley mentioned his chat with him. It's hard to convey just how much of an embarrassment you unimaginable neanderthals are on the country music community. Slither back into the holes you came from and let the adults of the community respect the office of the Presidency as Bentley did.

May 27 2010 at 12:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mark

I wonder how many folks here saying "politics and music should stay separate" have absolutely no problem with Darryl Worley's "Keep the Change."

May 26 2010 at 12:09 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sheila

It didn't say he was there for a social call. Maybe he was there trying to get help for Nashville. I don't support Obama but I do like Dierks. I want to hear the full story before I judge his motives.

May 24 2010 at 10:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jthieleman85

He is an artist and not a politician. Just because he met with the president people are now saying they don't want to buy his music. Maybe he wouldn't care one way or the other if you bought his music. How narrow minded if someone doesn't necessarily follow your politics you won't buy their music. For the record, I am neither Republican nor Democrat!!! I am for freedom of speech and I am for the music, whatever your political views may be!!!!

May 23 2010 at 6:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
afari91

Wow...just because he meet with the President you don't like, you can't buy his music? So ya'll gonna treat him the same way ya'll treated the Dixie Chicks. I guess people are not suppose to have a mind of their own in this country. It's a shame how everyone is so quick to point the finger...grow up people. It's the same ignorant, close-minded people commenting on these AOL posts. I'm probably gonna get a low rating becuase I don't believe what the majority of you all think. Tsk tsk...

May 23 2010 at 2:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply