DIERKS BENTLEY BORROWS TOM PETTY’S RICKENBACKER GUITAR FOR “AMERICAN GIRL” VIDEO OUT NOW
Photo Courtesy: Big Machine Records
NASHVILLE, TN – Dierks Bentley has premiered the music video for his spirited cover of Tom Petty’s “American Girl” with CMT. The video for the lead single from Big Machine Records’ forthcoming tribute album, PETTY COUNTRY: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, opens with Bentley strapping on Petty’s own signature Rickenbacker guitar that was flown in from his archives in California for the shoot.
Shot at Nashville venue Clementine, the performance-forward video focuses on musicianship as Bentley and his band (which includes Charlie Worsham) circle up at golden hour with light pouring into the room, offering up a sense of sanctification and celebrating the fellowship, joy of playing and spirit that defined Tom Petty and his seminal band the Heartbreakers. Directed by Wes Edwards, the clip focuses on Bentley’s rugged features, the appropriate solos and chemistry between road-honed musicians. Their seemingly clubhouse jam is interpolated with Americana images, forward travel and other articles from Petty’s archive, including cases and concert memorabilia.
“Holding an instrument that carries so much musical history and significance was surreal, you could almost feel the stories resonate from it as I played it,” Bentley shared. “Tom Petty’s lyrics and delivery were a huge part of what made his music so impactful.”
Long a Bluegrass-forward artist with a commitment to playing for the people and creating music that merges high spirits with the reality of living in today’s America, Bentley’s take on this classic hit (produced by multiple GRAMMY® winner Jon Randall) delivers the grit and authenticity of the 15-time GRAMMY nominee and Rock & Roll Hall inductee, Tom Petty. The song, out on Country radio now, landed at No. 25 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in its second week, has been hailed for its “spright banjo, mandolin and guitar fusions” that “meld perfectly with Bentley’s own grainy, Rock-leaning vocal” (Billboard) and has garnered more than 3.4 million streams.
The official track list and release date for PETTY COUNTRY: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty will be announced in the coming weeks.
What people are saying about Bentley’s “American Girl”:
“I’ve got to say that this is the cover song I had no idea I needed. Petty’s catalog can often be intimidating to cover (maybe other than “Free Fallin’”), but Dierks looked quite comfortable belting out the words to the Tom Petty classic.” – Whiskey Riff
“Unique bluegrass style, and fans are absolutely loving it…” – American Songwriter
“The high-powered, breakdown-fueled reimagining sounds even more soaring and free-spirited.” – Holler
“Bentley’s interpretation injects the iconic track with a bluegrass-tinged charm, offering a fresh perspective on Petty’s timeless anthem.” – Country Central
“The cover smoothes the edges of the familiar, gritty rock beat while simultaneously paying perfect homage to the melody.” –iHeart Country
“With the quick-picking sounds of mandolin, guitar and fiddle coming through, Bentley reimagines the classic hit while keeping its original message and feeling intact.” –Wide Open Country
For more information, visit www.dierks.com.
