Biography
Dustin, originally from Jefferson,
GA, arrived in Nashville in the fall of 2004 within just hoursof
being discharged from the Marine Corp. During his time serving
our country as a US Marine hevolunteered to package and sort
toys for the Toys for Tots Foundation. After watching a child
gaze longingly at the toys, Dustin sat
down and wrote "One Toy at a Time". This song was used for the
their nationwide campaign that ultimately raised over $350,000
for children nationally. Dustin received the US Navy and Marine
Corp Achievement Medal, the only marine in history to receive a
medal for writing a song.
Raised in rural Georgia and adopted
by his paternal grandparents Dustin began at an early age to
develop his love of music and songwriting. He would stay up all
night playing his guitar and writing. His southern roots
shine through his music.
He has been a two-time regional
finalist in the Colgate Country Showdown, country music’s
largest and oldest talent contest in the world. He was a top ten
finalist on USA Network’s Nashville Star, which drew 9 million
viewers nationwide.
Dustin has perfected the art of
entertaining Country Music fans in the clubs and bars in
downtown Nashville. He has a passion for not only the music but
a passion to entertain. Dustin is truly country music’s up and
coming artist for a modern day southern rock revival. But don’t
be fooled, though Dustin can work a crowd with his hard country
rock, he can turn into an instant crooner with that special slow
song.
Dustin is also committed to
fundraising for various charities that have been special to him
during his career thus far. On June 9, 2009, Dustin hosted the
“The Dustin Wilkes and Friends Fight to End Endometriosis”, an
annual event held during CMA Music Festival Week. Be sure to
visit the website www.end-endo.com for more information on this
charity.
Recently, Dustin was chosen to
participate in a project called Operation: Sound Off! which was
created by Grammy Award winner Robert Reynolds and
Producer/Arranger Scotty Huff. OSO is reaching out to talented
active duty and veteran status military personnel, who have put
their musical dreams on hold in order to serve their country.
OSO provides the unique opportunity for these brave individuals
to express themselves and tell their stories through music. They
will have the opportunity to record their music in a world class
recording studio with the best session musicians in the
business.
Dustin Wilkes is an enthusiastic
entertainer, singer and songwriter that will have the crowd
begging for more.
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