Dierks Bentley Lays Down Stellar Cover Of Keith Whitley’s “I’m No Stranger To The Rain” For New “The Sessions (Live)” EP

There’s no doubt that Dierks Bentley has been one of the most important and ultimately intriguing artists in the mainstream. From his longtime relationship with Cross Canadian Ragweed’s Cody Canada to his unabashed love for bluegrass, namely working with the likes of Billy Strings and recently The Band Loula, the “Sideways” singer has always been an interesting figure in the genre.

Of course, you have his early hits such as “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go),” “Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do,” “Every Mile a Memory” and “Settle for a Slowdown,” all of which were certifably classics of their era. With that being said, Bentley did slightly fall into the trap of bro/pop country during their height in the mid 2010s with the release of some misteps like “Black,” “Different for Girls” with Elle King and the duology of “Drunk On a Plane” and “Somewhere on a Beach.” Though there’s no denying that those songs aren’t nearly as bad as some of the absolute dumpster fires that were coming out during that era, it’s clear that a spark was missing when you compare them to his earlier output.

Since the release of The Mountain back in 2018,  it seems as if Bentley has been on an absolute tear and ultimately releasing the music he wants to put out. The last few years, in particular, have been really exciting to watch. Beyond employing the likes of Billy Strings and Ashley McBryde on 2023’s Gravel & Gold, the 49-year-old singer/songwriter featured Stephen Wilson Jr., John Anderson, Riley Green and Miranda Lambert on his recent record, Broken Branches.

Couple that with the fact that he took both Zach Top and the aforementioned The Band Loula out on his summer tour this year, also named Broken Branches, it’s become abundantly clear that Bentley is not only fully embracing some of the most exciting artists of the past and present, he’s becoming a torchbearer for the future of new talent as well.

After wrapping up the Broken Branches Tour last month, Bentley continued his streak of paying homage to the past and present with the release of his new The Sessions (Live) EP, which features the pre-released “Get Down On Your Knees And Pray” with The Band Loula, “What Was I Thinking” with Jordan Davis, “Heartbreak Drinking Tour” and most notably, a cover of Keith Whitley’s classic, “I’m No Stranger To The Rain.”

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“I’m No Stranger To The Rain” hardly needs an introduction. Being one of the most iconic songs in Whitley’s discography, it was the final single released before his untimely death in 1989. Along with reaching #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and receiving a gold certification from the RIAA, the track would also win Single of the Year at the 23rd CMA Awards, just five months after his passing.

There’s always an added amount of pressure when you cover any song from a legend such as Whitley, let alone what can arguably labeled his signature hit. With that being said, however, he absolutely crushes this cover. Giving one of his best performances I’ve heard from the “I Hold On” singer, Bentley nails the performance with some lush, albeit tender vocals throughout the track. Couple his vocals with the excellent backing band, highlighted by Tim Sergent on pedal steel, and you have yourself a cover that honors the “Don’t Close Your Eyes” singer’s legacy beautifully.

If you’re a fan of both Whitley and Bentley, you won’t want to miss this performance.

“I’m No Stranger To The Rain”

“Get Down On Your Knees And Pray”

 The post Dierks Bentley Lays Down Stellar Cover Of Keith Whitley’s “I’m No Stranger To The Rain” For New “The Sessions (Live)” EP first appeared on Whiskey Riff.