Dirk has lived in Athens, Georgia since he was three years old. His family sang together often, so his appreciation for music developed early. Dirk acquired his first guitar when he was eleven and began performing for school functions as well as with local dance bands. The soul sounds of Motown and Philadelphia held an attraction for him that is still evident today in his style.
While attending the University of Georgia in Athens GA, he became friends with Tony Brown & formed the partnership of "Dirk & Tony."