"You can't write about stuff you don't know about. You have to live it. You have to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. Live life to be a good songwriter."

• Born Frederick Dierks Bentley Nov. 20, 1975, in Phoenix, Arizona

• Bentley's first single was also his first No. 1 hit on the country charts: 2003's "What Was I Thinkin'." It was one of three singles included on his eponymous debut album, which went platinum in the United States.

• Bentley's first GRAMMY nominations came for 2006 for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song for his No. 1 hit "Every Mile A Memory." He made his GRAMMY stage debut at the 55th GRAMMY Awards in 2013 with GRAMMY winner Miranda Lambert, performing her "Over You" and his "Home."

• Before his career as a musician, Bentley worked at a television network combing through old footage of country music performances.

• At Bentley's annual Miles & Music for Kids, motorcycle enthusiasts ride through Nashville, Tennessee, before attending a star-studded benefit concert. The event has raised $4 million for children's hospitals.