Dustin, originally from Jefferson, GA, arrived in Nashville in the fall of 2004 within just hours of being discharged from the Marine corp. During his time serving our country as a US marine he received the Us Navy and Marine Corp Achievement medal, the only marine in history to receive a medal for writing a song. Dustin wrote “One Toy at a Time” for the Toys for Tots foundation that ultimately raised over $350,000 for children nationally.

Since then Dustin has made a career entertaining Country Music fans on Broadway in downtown Nashville. His incredible high energy on stage draws a crowd ready to party. He has a passion for not only music but a passion to entertain. He rarely, if at all, breaks during a show to keep his fans entertained. Dustin Wilkes 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 has been a two-time regional finalist in the Colgate Country Showdown, country music’s largest and oldest talent contest in the world. Most recently, Dustin was a top ten finalist on USA Network’s Nashville Star, which drew 9 million viewers nationwide. Before every show Dustin made an effort to spend time with his fans in the crowd and his success was imminent. Comparing Dustin to country music’s biggest star, Randy Owens says, “You were great. The first time I saw Garth Brooks he was a bit like you tonight.” Walt Belcher of the Tampa Tribune comments on Dustin’s performance saying, “Among this year’s contestants are five men and five women ages 18-36. The one to watch is country rocker Dustin Wilkes, 26, of GA.”

One comment that stands out for Dustin personally is that of Jan Duke “Your Guide to Nashville” saying, “We thought that several original songs stood out above the rest including two, which were miles apart in styles, the first being “School Girl” by Amanda Williams and “I Bleed Country” by Dustin Wilkes.” “I Bleed Country” is proof Dustin Wilkes is not only a singer but a successful songwriter. Any free time Dustin has is spent writing music of his own. Dustin Wilkes is an enthusiastic entertainer, singer and songwriter that will draw a crowd begging for more.