Blake Shelton
Encyclopedia
Blake Tollison Shelton (born June 18, 1976) is an American country music
artist. In 2001, he made his debut with the single "Austin
". Released as the lead-off single from his self-titled debut album
, "Austin" went on to spend five weeks at Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs
charts. This song was the first single from his gold-certified debut album
, which also produced two more Top 20 hits. Although the album was released on Giant Records Nashville, Shelton was transferred to Warner Bros. Records
Nashville after Giant closed in late 2001.
His second and third albums, 2003's The Dreamer
(his first for Warner Bros. proper) and 2004's Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill
, were each certified gold as well. Shelton's fourth album, Pure BS
, was issued in 2007, and re-issued in 2008 with a cover of Michael Bublé
's pop hit "Home
" as one of the bonus tracks. This cover was also that album's third single. A fifth album, Startin' Fires
, was released in November 2008. It was followed by the extended plays Hillbilly Bone
and All About Tonight
in 2010, and the album Red River Blue
in 2011. He is currently a vocal coach on the NBC
reality talent show The Voice with Adam Levine
, Christina Aguilera
, and Cee Lo Green.
Overall, Shelton has charted seventeen singles on the country charts, including ten Number One hits: "Austin
" (2001), "The Baby
" (2003), "Some Beach
" (2004–2005), "Home
" (2008), "She Wouldn't Be Gone
" (2009), "Hillbilly Bone
" (2010), a duet with Trace Adkins
, "All About Tonight
" (2010), "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking
" (2011)", "Honey Bee
" (2011), and "God Gave Me You
" (2011) . Additionally, three more of his singles have reached Top Ten: a cover version
of Conway Twitty
's "Goodbye Time
", "Nobody but Me
", and "I'll Just Hold On
".
to Richard, a used car dealer, and Dorothy, a beauty salon owner. He began singing at an early age and by age 12, he learned to play guitar. By age sixteen, Shelton had received a Denbo Diamond Award in his home state. On November 13, 1990, his older brother Richie, who was 24 at the time, died in a car accident. He has an older sister, Endy.
At age 17, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee
in pursuit of a singing career.
" as a single. Staff at the label considered the song unsuitable for a lead-off single, however, and the song was eventually recorded by Toby Keith
, whose version was a Number One hit.
Instead, Giant released "Austin
" as Shelton's debut single. Shortly after its release, however, Giant Records was dissolved, and Shelton was transferred to Warner Bros. Records
, the parent company. "Austin" went on to spend five weeks at Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs
) charts. His self-titled debut album
also produced the No.18 "All Over Me" (which Shelton co-wrote with fellow country artist Earl Thomas Conley
) and the No.14 "Ol' Red", which was a cover version of a George Jones
song. Although Shelton's rendition of "Ol' Red" was not a major radio hit, he considers it his signature song
, and it has become popular in concert. Blake Shelton is certified gold by the RIAA.
, was first released on February 4, 2003 on Warner Bros. Records. Its lead-off single, "The Baby
", reached Number One on the country charts, holding that position for three weeks. Although the second and third singles ("Heavy Liftin'" and "Playboys of the Southwestern World", respectively) only reached No.32 and #24, The Dreamer earned gold certification as well. He, along with Andy Griggs
and Montgomery Gentry
, sang guest vocals on Tracy Byrd's mid-2003 single "The Truth About Men
".
was the title of Shelton's third studio album, released in 2004. Its lead-off single, the Harley Allen
co-write "When Somebody Knows You That Well", peaked at No.37 on the country charts, while the follow-up "Some Beach
" became his third No.1 hit, holding that position for four weeks. It was followed by a cover of Conway Twitty
's 1988 single "Goodbye Time
". Both this cover and its followup, "Nobody but Me
", reached Top Ten for Shelton as well. As with his first two albums, Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill was certified gold. Accompanying the album's release was a video collection entitled Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill: A Video Collection.
On December 18, 2005, several of Shelton's songs, including "Nobody but Me", appeared on the TV movie The Christmas Blessing
, starring Neil Patrick Harris
, Rebecca Gayheart
, Angus T. Jones
, and Rob Lowe
. Shelton had a small role at the end of the movie, playing himself at a benefit concert
, singing "Nobody but Me".
, in early 2007. Unlike with his first three albums, which were produced entirely by Bobby Braddock
, Shelton worked with Braddock, Brent Rowan, and Paul Worley
as producers for this album. Its first two singles – "Don't Make Me
" and "The More I Drink
" – were both Top 20 hits on the country charts, respectively reaching No.12 and #19. Also in late 2007, Shelton made appearances on television shows: first as a judge on the talent competition Nashville Star
, and later on Clash of the Choirs
.
Pure BS was re-released in 2008 with three bonus tracks, including a cover of Michael Bublé
's hit single "Home
". This cover, released in early 2008 as the album's third single, became his fourth No.1 hit in July.
", his 14th chart entry and his fifth No. 1 hit. It was the first time in his career that he had two consecutive Number Ones. "She Wouldn't Be Gone" is the lead-off to Shelton's fifth studio album, Startin' Fires
, which has also produced the single "I'll Just Hold On
." This album also includes "Bare Skin Rug," a duet with Lambert. It was produced by Scott Hendricks
, except for one track which was produced by Brent Rowan, and another ("I Don't Care", which carried over from Pure BS) was produced by Braddock.
titled "Hillbilly Bone
." It was the lead-off single on Shelton's EP, Hillbilly Bone
, released on March 2, 2010 through Reprise Records Nashville
. After "Hillbilly Bone" reached No.1 in February, came the August release of "All About Tonight
", the lead-off single to his EP of the same name
. In September, he released the second single from All About Tonight, "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking
", his 18th single release. He released his first greatest hits album, Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton
in November 2010.
Shelton was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry
during the September 28, 2010 "Country Comes Home" concert celebrating reopening of the Grand Ole Opry House after the Cumberland River flooded the Opry House in May 2010. The formal invitation was extended on his Twitter account and was announced by Opry star Trace Adkins
. He was formally inducted by Adkins at the Saturday, October 23, 2010 Opry performance.
Blake Shelton appeared on the 44th Annual Country Music Awards on November 10, 2010 where he performed "All About Tonight" and won Male Vocalist of the Year.
Shelton will serve as a judge/coach to singers on the 2011 NBC reality television series The Voice.
on July 12, 2011, led by the single, "Honey Bee
". The song received 138,000 downloads in its first week and was certified gold in its seventh week, setting a new record for the fastest gold certification by a male country singer.
On June 13, 2011, in its tenth chart week, "Honey Bee" went to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, becoming Shelton's fastest climb to number one and his ninth number one country single. The album is expected to debut at number-one on the Billboard 200
chart with around 110,000 copies sold. "God Gave Me You
", a cover of a Dave Barnes
song, is the album's second single. Shelton later appeared in the music video for Cady Groves "This Little Girl".
Shelton was a coach on the NBC show The Voice
. His finalist Dia Frampton came in second and he is set to return for a second season of the show.
Later in 2006 Shelton began dating fellow country singer Miranda Lambert
, whom he met at the CMT's 100 Greatest Duets Concert. Lambert also sang background vocals on his cover of Michael Bublé
's song, "Home
", which became a Number 1 single on the Hot Country Songs chart.
On May 9, 2010, after dating for four years, Shelton proposed to Miranda, after seeking (and receiving) her father's blessing.
Shelton and Lambert were married on May 14, 2011 at Don Strange Ranch in Boerne, Texas
. 550 people were in attendance, including many celebrities, such as Reba McEntire
, Cee Lo Green, Martina McBride
, Kelly Clarkson
, Dierks Bentley
, Charles Kelley
, and the Bellamy Brothers. After the wedding, Shelton expressed his joy stating, "I wanted to be married to Miranda the day I proposed. Finally, it's official!"
Extended plays
Compilation albums
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
artist. In 2001, he made his debut with the single "Austin
Austin (song)
"Austin" is the debut single of American country music artist Blake Shelton.The single was released in April 2001 on the Giant Records label; however, that label closed its doors as the single was climbing the charts, with Shelton and his single being transferred to the Warner Bros. Records label....
". Released as the lead-off single from his self-titled debut album
Blake Shelton (album)
-Album:-Singles:-Certifications:...
, "Austin" went on to spend five weeks at Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs
Hot Country Songs
Hot Country Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States.This 60-position chart lists the most popular country music songs, calculated weekly mostly by airplay and occasionally commercial sales...
charts. This song was the first single from his gold-certified debut album
Blake Shelton (album)
-Album:-Singles:-Certifications:...
, which also produced two more Top 20 hits. Although the album was released on Giant Records Nashville, Shelton was transferred to Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
Nashville after Giant closed in late 2001.
His second and third albums, 2003's The Dreamer
The Dreamer (Blake Shelton album)
-Album:-Singles:-Certifications:...
(his first for Warner Bros. proper) and 2004's Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill
Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill
Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill is the third studio album by American country music artist Blake Shelton. Released in 2004 on Warner Bros. Records Nashville, it is his third consecutive album to achieve RIAA gold certification...
, were each certified gold as well. Shelton's fourth album, Pure BS
Pure BS
-Producers:*Paul Worley – tracks 1, 6, 8*Brent Rowan - tracks 2, 3, 5, 7, 14*Bobby Braddock - tracks 4, 9-13-Album:-Singles:-Certifications:...
, was issued in 2007, and re-issued in 2008 with a cover of Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé
Michael Steven Bublé is a Canadian singer. He has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards and multiple Juno Awards. His first album reached the top ten in Canada and the UK. He found worldwide commercial success with his 2005 album It's Time, and his 2007 album Call Me Irresponsible was...
's pop hit "Home
Home (Michael Bublé song)
"Home" is a song recorded by Canadian pop-jazz musician Michael Bublé. It was released on March 31, 2005, as the second single from his album It's Time. The song was written by Bublé, along with Alan Chang and Amy Foster-Gillies. "Home" was a hit for Bublé in both Canada and the United States,...
" as one of the bonus tracks. This cover was also that album's third single. A fifth album, Startin' Fires
Startin' Fires
-Critical reception:CM Wilcox of The 9513 gave the album 3.5 stars out of 5. He referred to the material on the album as "consistent" but states that the album takes few chances...
, was released in November 2008. It was followed by the extended plays Hillbilly Bone
Hillbilly Bone
Hillbilly Bone is the first extended play, and seventh studio release overall, by American country music singer/songwriter Blake Shelton. It was released on March 2, 2010 via Warner Music Group Nashville, his first album under its Reprise label. Its only single is the title track, a duet with...
and All About Tonight
All About Tonight
Upon its release, All About Tonight received generally positive reviews from most music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 71, based on 5 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable...
in 2010, and the album Red River Blue
Red River Blue
-Album:-Singles:*A Current single.-Certifications:-Notes:...
in 2011. He is currently a vocal coach on the NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
reality talent show The Voice with Adam Levine
Adam Levine
Adam Noah Levine is an American singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the front man and guitarist for the pop rock band Maroon 5. He is also a coach on the American talent show The Voice.-Early life:...
, Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera
Christina María Aguilera is an American recording artist and actress. Aguilera first appeared on national television in 1990 as a contestant on the Star Search program, and went on to star in Disney Channel's television series The Mickey Mouse Club from 1993–1994...
, and Cee Lo Green.
Overall, Shelton has charted seventeen singles on the country charts, including ten Number One hits: "Austin
Austin (song)
"Austin" is the debut single of American country music artist Blake Shelton.The single was released in April 2001 on the Giant Records label; however, that label closed its doors as the single was climbing the charts, with Shelton and his single being transferred to the Warner Bros. Records label....
" (2001), "The Baby
The Baby
"The Baby" is a song sung by country music singer-songwriter Blake Shelton. The song became Blake's second number-one hit, where it remained for three weeks in early 2003. It was the lead-off single to his second album, 2003's The Dreamer.-Content:...
" (2003), "Some Beach
Some Beach
"Some Beach" is the title of a song written by Rory Lee Feek and Paul Overstreet, and recorded by American country music singer Blake Shelton. It was released in July 2004 as the second single from Shelton's 2004 album Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill, and his third Number One hit...
" (2004–2005), "Home
Home (Michael Bublé song)
"Home" is a song recorded by Canadian pop-jazz musician Michael Bublé. It was released on March 31, 2005, as the second single from his album It's Time. The song was written by Bublé, along with Alan Chang and Amy Foster-Gillies. "Home" was a hit for Bublé in both Canada and the United States,...
" (2008), "She Wouldn't Be Gone
She Wouldn't Be Gone
"She Wouldn't Be Gone" is the title of a song written by Jennifer Adan and Corey Batten, and recorded by American singer Blake Shelton. It is his fourteenth single, and the first release from his fifth studio album, Startin' Fires, which was released on November 18, 2008...
" (2009), "Hillbilly Bone
Hillbilly Bone (song)
"Hillbilly Bone" is the title of a song written by Luke Laird and Craig Wiseman, and recorded by American country artist Blake Shelton for his extended play Hillbilly Bone...
" (2010), a duet with Trace Adkins
Trace Adkins
Tracy Darrell "Trace" Adkins is an American country music artist. He made his debut in 1996 with the album Dreamin' Out Loud, released on Capitol Records Nashville. Since then, Adkins has released seven more studio albums and two Greatest Hits compilations...
, "All About Tonight
All About Tonight (song)
"All About Tonight" is the title of a song written by Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, and Ben Hayslip and recorded by American country music artist Blake Shelton. It serves as the first single from All About Tonight, his second extended play, and seventh studio release.-Content:The lyrics in All...
" (2010), "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking
Who Are You When I'm Not Looking
"Who Are You When I'm Not Looking" is the title of a song written by Earl Bud Lee and John Wayne Wiggins and recorded by American country music artist Joe Nichols for his 2007 album Real Things. Blake Shelton covered the song for his EP All About Tonight, from which it was released as a single in...
" (2011)", "Honey Bee
Honey Bee (Blake Shelton song)
"Honey Bee" is the title of a song written by Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip, and recorded by American country artist Blake Shelton. It was released in April 2011, and appears on his sixth studio album, Red River Blue, for Reprise Nashville.-History:...
" (2011), and "God Gave Me You
God Gave Me You
"God Gave Me You" is the title of a song written and recorded by American contemporary Christian music singer Dave Barnes. It was released in January 2010 as the lead single from the album, What We Want, What We Get.-History:...
" (2011) . Additionally, three more of his singles have reached Top Ten: a cover version
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
of Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty , born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was an American country music artist. He also had success in early rock and roll, R&B, and pop music. He held the record for the most number one singles of any act with 55 No. 1 Billboard country hits until George Strait broke the record in 2006...
's "Goodbye Time
Goodbye Time
"Goodbye Time" is the title of a song recorded by American country music singer Conway Twitty. It was released in February 1988 as the first single from Twitty's 1988 album Still in Your Dreams. The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.In 2004, a cover was recorded by...
", "Nobody but Me
Nobody but Me (Blake Shelton song)
"Nobody But Me" is the title of a song written by Shawn Camp and Philip White, and recorded by American country music singer Blake Shelton. It was released in August 2005 as the third and final single from his 2004 album, Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill. The song reached number 4 on the U.S...
", and "I'll Just Hold On
I'll Just Hold On
"I'll Just Hold On" is the title of a country music song written by Ben Hayslip, Troy Olsen, and Bryant Simpson. It was recorded by American singer Blake Shelton on his fifth studio album, Startin' Fires...
".
Early life
Shelton was born in Ada, OklahomaAda, Oklahoma
Ada is a city in and the county seat of Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 16,008 at the 2000 census. As of 2009, the city population was estimated at 17,019....
to Richard, a used car dealer, and Dorothy, a beauty salon owner. He began singing at an early age and by age 12, he learned to play guitar. By age sixteen, Shelton had received a Denbo Diamond Award in his home state. On November 13, 1990, his older brother Richie, who was 24 at the time, died in a car accident. He has an older sister, Endy.
At age 17, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
in pursuit of a singing career.
Musical career
1998–2002: Blake Shelton
After several years in Nashville, he signed to Giant Records in 1998. In 2001, he was slated to release a song entitled "I Wanna Talk About MeI Wanna Talk About Me
"I Wanna Talk About Me" is the title of a song written by Bobby Braddock and recorded by American country music artist Toby Keith. It was released in August 2001 as the second single from Keith's album Pull My Chain...
" as a single. Staff at the label considered the song unsuitable for a lead-off single, however, and the song was eventually recorded by Toby Keith
Toby Keith
Toby Keith Covel , best known as Toby Keith, is an American country music singer-songwriter, record producer and actor. Keith released his first four studio albums — 1993's Toby Keith, 1994's Boomtown, 1996's Blue Moon and 1997's Dream Walkin, plus a Greatest Hits package for various divisions of...
, whose version was a Number One hit.
Instead, Giant released "Austin
Austin (song)
"Austin" is the debut single of American country music artist Blake Shelton.The single was released in April 2001 on the Giant Records label; however, that label closed its doors as the single was climbing the charts, with Shelton and his single being transferred to the Warner Bros. Records label....
" as Shelton's debut single. Shortly after its release, however, Giant Records was dissolved, and Shelton was transferred to Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
, the parent company. "Austin" went on to spend five weeks at Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs
Hot Country Songs
Hot Country Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States.This 60-position chart lists the most popular country music songs, calculated weekly mostly by airplay and occasionally commercial sales...
) charts. His self-titled debut album
Blake Shelton (album)
-Album:-Singles:-Certifications:...
also produced the No.18 "All Over Me" (which Shelton co-wrote with fellow country artist Earl Thomas Conley
Earl Thomas Conley
Earl Thomas Conley is an American country music singer-songwriter. Between 1980 and 2003, he recorded ten studio albums, including seven for the RCA Records label. In the 1980s and into the 1990s, Conley also charted more than thirty singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, of which...
) and the No.14 "Ol' Red", which was a cover version of a George Jones
George Jones
George Glenn Jones is an American country music singer known for his long list of hit records, his distinctive voice and phrasing, and his marriage to Tammy Wynette....
song. Although Shelton's rendition of "Ol' Red" was not a major radio hit, he considers it his signature song
Signature song
A signature song is the one song that a popular and well-established singer or band is most closely identified with or best known for, even if they have had success with a variety of songs...
, and it has become popular in concert. Blake Shelton is certified gold by the RIAA.
2002–2003: The Dreamer
Shelton's second album, The DreamerThe Dreamer (Blake Shelton album)
-Album:-Singles:-Certifications:...
, was first released on February 4, 2003 on Warner Bros. Records. Its lead-off single, "The Baby
The Baby
"The Baby" is a song sung by country music singer-songwriter Blake Shelton. The song became Blake's second number-one hit, where it remained for three weeks in early 2003. It was the lead-off single to his second album, 2003's The Dreamer.-Content:...
", reached Number One on the country charts, holding that position for three weeks. Although the second and third singles ("Heavy Liftin'" and "Playboys of the Southwestern World", respectively) only reached No.32 and #24, The Dreamer earned gold certification as well. He, along with Andy Griggs
Andy Griggs
Andrew Tyler "Andy" Griggs is an American country music artist. He has released three albums for RCA Records Nashville and a fourth for Montage Music Group...
and Montgomery Gentry
Montgomery Gentry
Montgomery Gentry is an American country music duo composed of vocalists Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry. The two began performing in the 1990s as part of a band which also included Eddie Montgomery's brother John Michael Montgomery, and founded the existing duo in 1999.Signed to Columbia Records,...
, sang guest vocals on Tracy Byrd's mid-2003 single "The Truth About Men
The Truth About Men (song)
"The Truth About Men" is the title of a song written by Paul Overstreet, Rory Lee Feek and Tim Johnson, and recorded by American country music singer Tracy Byrd. It is the title track to, and first single from, his 2003 album The Truth About Men. The song peaked at number thirteen on the Hot...
".
2004–2006: Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill
Blake Shelton's Barn & GrillBlake Shelton's Barn & Grill
Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill is the third studio album by American country music artist Blake Shelton. Released in 2004 on Warner Bros. Records Nashville, it is his third consecutive album to achieve RIAA gold certification...
was the title of Shelton's third studio album, released in 2004. Its lead-off single, the Harley Allen
Harley Allen
Harley Lee Allen was an American bluegrass and country singer and songwriter.-Early life:He was born in Dayton, Ohio, the son of the bluegrass performer Red Allen.-Film career:...
co-write "When Somebody Knows You That Well", peaked at No.37 on the country charts, while the follow-up "Some Beach
Some Beach
"Some Beach" is the title of a song written by Rory Lee Feek and Paul Overstreet, and recorded by American country music singer Blake Shelton. It was released in July 2004 as the second single from Shelton's 2004 album Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill, and his third Number One hit...
" became his third No.1 hit, holding that position for four weeks. It was followed by a cover of Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty , born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was an American country music artist. He also had success in early rock and roll, R&B, and pop music. He held the record for the most number one singles of any act with 55 No. 1 Billboard country hits until George Strait broke the record in 2006...
's 1988 single "Goodbye Time
Goodbye Time
"Goodbye Time" is the title of a song recorded by American country music singer Conway Twitty. It was released in February 1988 as the first single from Twitty's 1988 album Still in Your Dreams. The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.In 2004, a cover was recorded by...
". Both this cover and its followup, "Nobody but Me
Nobody but Me (Blake Shelton song)
"Nobody But Me" is the title of a song written by Shawn Camp and Philip White, and recorded by American country music singer Blake Shelton. It was released in August 2005 as the third and final single from his 2004 album, Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill. The song reached number 4 on the U.S...
", reached Top Ten for Shelton as well. As with his first two albums, Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill was certified gold. Accompanying the album's release was a video collection entitled Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill: A Video Collection.
On December 18, 2005, several of Shelton's songs, including "Nobody but Me", appeared on the TV movie The Christmas Blessing
The Christmas Blessing
The Christmas Blessing is a 2005 television film directed by Karen Arthur. It first aired on December 18, 2005 on the CBS networks. It also featured songs by country artist Blake Shelton, including the hit "Nobody But Me", and "The Christmas Blessing" by Newsong...
, starring Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris is an American actor, singer, director, and magician.Prominent roles of his career include the title role in Doogie Howser, M.D., Colonel Carl Jenkins in Starship Troopers, the womanizing Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother, a fictionalized version of himself in the Harold...
, Rebecca Gayheart
Rebecca Gayheart
-Early life:Gayheart was born in Hazard, Kentucky and raised in Pine Top, Kentucky, the daughter of Floneva , who worked as a Mary Kay independent beauty consultant, and Curtis Gayheart, a miner and coal truck driver. She is of Irish, Italian, and German descent...
, Angus T. Jones
Angus T. Jones
Angus Turner Jones is an American actor, widely known for his role as Jake Harper in the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men .-Career:...
, and Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe
Robert Hepler "Rob" Lowe is an American actor. Lowe came to prominence after appearing in films such as The Outsiders, Oxford Blues, About Last Night..., St. Elmo's Fire, and Wayne's World. On television, Lowe is known for his role as Sam Seaborn on The West Wing and his role as Senator Robert...
. Shelton had a small role at the end of the movie, playing himself at a benefit concert
Benefit concert
A benefit concert or charity concert is a concert, show or gala featuring musicians, comedians, or other performers that is held for a charitable purpose, often directed at a specific and immediate humanitarian crisis. Such events raise both funds and public awareness to address the cause at...
, singing "Nobody but Me".
2006–2008: Pure BS
Shelton issued his fourth studio album, Pure BSPure BS
-Producers:*Paul Worley – tracks 1, 6, 8*Brent Rowan - tracks 2, 3, 5, 7, 14*Bobby Braddock - tracks 4, 9-13-Album:-Singles:-Certifications:...
, in early 2007. Unlike with his first three albums, which were produced entirely by Bobby Braddock
Bobby Braddock
Robert Valentine Braddock is an American country music songwriter and record producer. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Braddock has contributed numerous hit songs during more than 40 years in the industry, including 13 number-one hit...
, Shelton worked with Braddock, Brent Rowan, and Paul Worley
Paul Worley
Paul Worley is an American record producer and session guitarist, known primarily for his work in country music. Formerly a vice president at Sony BMG, he later joined the staff of Warner Bros. Records' Nashville division as chief creative officer...
as producers for this album. Its first two singles – "Don't Make Me
Don't Make Me
"Don't Make Me" is the title of a song recorded by American country music singer Blake Shelton. It was released in November 2006 as the first single from his album, Pure BS. It was written by Marla Cannon-Goodman, Deanna Bryant, and Dave Berg.-Content:...
" and "The More I Drink
The More I Drink
"The More I Drink" is the title of a song recorded by American country music singer Blake Shelton. It was released in July 2007 as the second single from his album, Pure BS...
" – were both Top 20 hits on the country charts, respectively reaching No.12 and #19. Also in late 2007, Shelton made appearances on television shows: first as a judge on the talent competition Nashville Star
Nashville Star
Nashville Star is an American reality television program. It was transmitted during mid-2008 on NBC, following five seasons on USA Network. It premiered on March 8, 2003, and its five seasons on USA made it the longest-running competition series on cable television. In Canada, the show aired on CMT...
, and later on Clash of the Choirs
Clash of the Choirs
Clash of the Choirs is a reality talent contest miniseries that debuted on NBC in the United States on December 17, 2007. There were four episodes scheduled in the “quick competition”...
.
Pure BS was re-released in 2008 with three bonus tracks, including a cover of Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé
Michael Steven Bublé is a Canadian singer. He has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards and multiple Juno Awards. His first album reached the top ten in Canada and the UK. He found worldwide commercial success with his 2005 album It's Time, and his 2007 album Call Me Irresponsible was...
's hit single "Home
Home (Michael Bublé song)
"Home" is a song recorded by Canadian pop-jazz musician Michael Bublé. It was released on March 31, 2005, as the second single from his album It's Time. The song was written by Bublé, along with Alan Chang and Amy Foster-Gillies. "Home" was a hit for Bublé in both Canada and the United States,...
". This cover, released in early 2008 as the album's third single, became his fourth No.1 hit in July.
2008–2009: Startin' Fires
"Home" was followed in August 2008 by the single "She Wouldn't Be GoneShe Wouldn't Be Gone
"She Wouldn't Be Gone" is the title of a song written by Jennifer Adan and Corey Batten, and recorded by American singer Blake Shelton. It is his fourteenth single, and the first release from his fifth studio album, Startin' Fires, which was released on November 18, 2008...
", his 14th chart entry and his fifth No. 1 hit. It was the first time in his career that he had two consecutive Number Ones. "She Wouldn't Be Gone" is the lead-off to Shelton's fifth studio album, Startin' Fires
Startin' Fires
-Critical reception:CM Wilcox of The 9513 gave the album 3.5 stars out of 5. He referred to the material on the album as "consistent" but states that the album takes few chances...
, which has also produced the single "I'll Just Hold On
I'll Just Hold On
"I'll Just Hold On" is the title of a country music song written by Ben Hayslip, Troy Olsen, and Bryant Simpson. It was recorded by American singer Blake Shelton on his fifth studio album, Startin' Fires...
." This album also includes "Bare Skin Rug," a duet with Lambert. It was produced by Scott Hendricks
Scott Hendricks
Scott Hendricks is an American record producer who has worked with several country music artists. He has had over 80 top 10s, and 45 number 1 hits. Between 1995 and 1997, he was also the president and chief executive officer of Capitol Records Nashville...
, except for one track which was produced by Brent Rowan, and another ("I Don't Care", which carried over from Pure BS) was produced by Braddock.
2009–2011: Hillbilly Bone and All About Tonight
After "I'll Just Hold On" fell off the chart in October 2009, Blake Shelton released a duet with Trace AdkinsTrace Adkins
Tracy Darrell "Trace" Adkins is an American country music artist. He made his debut in 1996 with the album Dreamin' Out Loud, released on Capitol Records Nashville. Since then, Adkins has released seven more studio albums and two Greatest Hits compilations...
titled "Hillbilly Bone
Hillbilly Bone (song)
"Hillbilly Bone" is the title of a song written by Luke Laird and Craig Wiseman, and recorded by American country artist Blake Shelton for his extended play Hillbilly Bone...
." It was the lead-off single on Shelton's EP, Hillbilly Bone
Hillbilly Bone
Hillbilly Bone is the first extended play, and seventh studio release overall, by American country music singer/songwriter Blake Shelton. It was released on March 2, 2010 via Warner Music Group Nashville, his first album under its Reprise label. Its only single is the title track, a duet with...
, released on March 2, 2010 through Reprise Records Nashville
Reprise Records
Reprise Records is an American record label, founded in 1960 by Frank Sinatra. It is owned by Warner Music Group, and operated through Warner Bros. Records.-Beginnings:...
. After "Hillbilly Bone" reached No.1 in February, came the August release of "All About Tonight
All About Tonight (song)
"All About Tonight" is the title of a song written by Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, and Ben Hayslip and recorded by American country music artist Blake Shelton. It serves as the first single from All About Tonight, his second extended play, and seventh studio release.-Content:The lyrics in All...
", the lead-off single to his EP of the same name
All About Tonight
Upon its release, All About Tonight received generally positive reviews from most music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 71, based on 5 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable...
. In September, he released the second single from All About Tonight, "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking
Who Are You When I'm Not Looking
"Who Are You When I'm Not Looking" is the title of a song written by Earl Bud Lee and John Wayne Wiggins and recorded by American country music artist Joe Nichols for his 2007 album Real Things. Blake Shelton covered the song for his EP All About Tonight, from which it was released as a single in...
", his 18th single release. He released his first greatest hits album, Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton
Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton
Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton is the first greatest hits album by American country music artist Blake Shelton. It was released on November 9, 2010, via Warner Music Group Nashville, under its Reprise label. As of the chart dated July 16, 2011, the album has sold 334,283 copies in the US.- Track...
in November 2010.
Shelton was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry
Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly country music stage concert in Nashville, Tennessee, that has presented the biggest stars of that genre since 1925. It is also among the longest-running broadcasts in history since its beginnings as a one-hour radio "barn dance" on WSM-AM...
during the September 28, 2010 "Country Comes Home" concert celebrating reopening of the Grand Ole Opry House after the Cumberland River flooded the Opry House in May 2010. The formal invitation was extended on his Twitter account and was announced by Opry star Trace Adkins
Trace Adkins
Tracy Darrell "Trace" Adkins is an American country music artist. He made his debut in 1996 with the album Dreamin' Out Loud, released on Capitol Records Nashville. Since then, Adkins has released seven more studio albums and two Greatest Hits compilations...
. He was formally inducted by Adkins at the Saturday, October 23, 2010 Opry performance.
Blake Shelton appeared on the 44th Annual Country Music Awards on November 10, 2010 where he performed "All About Tonight" and won Male Vocalist of the Year.
Shelton will serve as a judge/coach to singers on the 2011 NBC reality television series The Voice.
2011–present: Red River Blue
Blake Shelton released an album entitled Red River BlueRed River Blue
-Album:-Singles:*A Current single.-Certifications:-Notes:...
on July 12, 2011, led by the single, "Honey Bee
Honey Bee (Blake Shelton song)
"Honey Bee" is the title of a song written by Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip, and recorded by American country artist Blake Shelton. It was released in April 2011, and appears on his sixth studio album, Red River Blue, for Reprise Nashville.-History:...
". The song received 138,000 downloads in its first week and was certified gold in its seventh week, setting a new record for the fastest gold certification by a male country singer.
On June 13, 2011, in its tenth chart week, "Honey Bee" went to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, becoming Shelton's fastest climb to number one and his ninth number one country single. The album is expected to debut at number-one on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
chart with around 110,000 copies sold. "God Gave Me You
God Gave Me You
"God Gave Me You" is the title of a song written and recorded by American contemporary Christian music singer Dave Barnes. It was released in January 2010 as the lead single from the album, What We Want, What We Get.-History:...
", a cover of a Dave Barnes
Dave Barnes
Dave Barnes is an American rock-R&B-contemporary Christian singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee.-Early life:...
song, is the album's second single. Shelton later appeared in the music video for Cady Groves "This Little Girl".
Shelton was a coach on the NBC show The Voice
The Voice (U.S. TV series)
The Voice is an American reality talent show that premiered on April 26, 2011 on the NBC television network. Based on the reality singing competition The Voice of Holland, the series was created by Dutch television producer John de Mol. It is part of an international series...
. His finalist Dia Frampton came in second and he is set to return for a second season of the show.
Personal life
Shelton married longtime girlfriend Kaynette Gern on November 17, 2003. They later divorced in 2006.Later in 2006 Shelton began dating fellow country singer Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert is an American country music artist who gained fame as a finalist on the 2003 season of Nashville Star, where she finished in third place and later signed to Epic Records. Lambert made her debut with the release of "Me and Charlie Talking", the first single from her 2005 debut...
, whom he met at the CMT's 100 Greatest Duets Concert. Lambert also sang background vocals on his cover of Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé
Michael Steven Bublé is a Canadian singer. He has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards and multiple Juno Awards. His first album reached the top ten in Canada and the UK. He found worldwide commercial success with his 2005 album It's Time, and his 2007 album Call Me Irresponsible was...
's song, "Home
Home (Michael Bublé song)
"Home" is a song recorded by Canadian pop-jazz musician Michael Bublé. It was released on March 31, 2005, as the second single from his album It's Time. The song was written by Bublé, along with Alan Chang and Amy Foster-Gillies. "Home" was a hit for Bublé in both Canada and the United States,...
", which became a Number 1 single on the Hot Country Songs chart.
On May 9, 2010, after dating for four years, Shelton proposed to Miranda, after seeking (and receiving) her father's blessing.
Shelton and Lambert were married on May 14, 2011 at Don Strange Ranch in Boerne, Texas
Boerne, Texas
Boerne is a city in the Hill Country of Texas in the United States. It is the county seat of Kendall County. Boerne was named in honor of Ludwig Börne, a Jewish German author and publicist, and its population was 10, 471 in the 2010 census. The city is noted for the landmark U.S. Supreme Court...
. 550 people were in attendance, including many celebrities, such as Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire
Reba Nell McEntire is an American country music artist and actress. She began her career in the music industry as a high school student singing in the Kiowa High School band , on local radio shows with her siblings, and at rodeos. As a solo act, she was invited to perform at a rodeo in Oklahoma...
, Cee Lo Green, Martina McBride
Martina McBride
Martina McBride is an American country music singer and songwriter. McBride has been called the "Céline Dion of Country Music" for her big-voiced ballads and soprano range....
, Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Brianne Clarkson is an American pop rock singer-songwriter and actress. Clarkson came into prominence after becoming the winner of the inaugural season of the television series American Idol in 2002 and would later become the runner-up in the television special World Idol in 2003.In 2003,...
, Dierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley is an American country music artist who has been signed to Capitol Records Nashville since 2003. That year, he released his self-titled debut album. Both it and its follow-up, 2005's Modern Day Drifter, are certified platinum in the United States. A third album, 2006's Long Trip...
, Charles Kelley
Charles Kelley
Charles Burgess Kelley is an American country music singer-songwriter and founding member of Lady Antebellum, a country rock trio formed in 2006 and signed to Capitol Nashville.-Early life and career:...
, and the Bellamy Brothers. After the wedding, Shelton expressed his joy stating, "I wanted to be married to Miranda the day I proposed. Finally, it's official!"
Discography
Studio albums- Blake SheltonBlake Shelton (album)-Album:-Singles:-Certifications:...
(2001) - The DreamerThe Dreamer (Blake Shelton album)-Album:-Singles:-Certifications:...
(2003) - Blake Shelton's Barn & GrillBlake Shelton's Barn & GrillBlake Shelton's Barn & Grill is the third studio album by American country music artist Blake Shelton. Released in 2004 on Warner Bros. Records Nashville, it is his third consecutive album to achieve RIAA gold certification...
(2004) - Pure BSPure BS-Producers:*Paul Worley – tracks 1, 6, 8*Brent Rowan - tracks 2, 3, 5, 7, 14*Bobby Braddock - tracks 4, 9-13-Album:-Singles:-Certifications:...
(2007) - Startin' FiresStartin' Fires-Critical reception:CM Wilcox of The 9513 gave the album 3.5 stars out of 5. He referred to the material on the album as "consistent" but states that the album takes few chances...
(2008) - Red River BlueRed River Blue-Album:-Singles:*A Current single.-Certifications:-Notes:...
(2011)
Extended plays
- Blake Shelton: Collector's Edition (2008)
- Hillbilly BoneHillbilly BoneHillbilly Bone is the first extended play, and seventh studio release overall, by American country music singer/songwriter Blake Shelton. It was released on March 2, 2010 via Warner Music Group Nashville, his first album under its Reprise label. Its only single is the title track, a duet with...
(2010) - All About TonightAll About TonightUpon its release, All About Tonight received generally positive reviews from most music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 71, based on 5 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable...
(2010)
Compilation albums
- Blake Shelton – The Essentials (2009)
- Loaded: The Best of Blake SheltonLoaded: The Best of Blake SheltonLoaded: The Best of Blake Shelton is the first greatest hits album by American country music artist Blake Shelton. It was released on November 9, 2010, via Warner Music Group Nashville, under its Reprise label. As of the chart dated July 16, 2011, the album has sold 334,283 copies in the US.- Track...
(2010)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Association | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Academy of Country Music Academy of Country Music The Academy of Country Music was founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, California as the Country & Western Music Academy. Whereas the Country Music Association, founded in 1958, was based in Nashville, the Academy sought to promote country music in the western states. Among those involved in the... |
Top New Male Vocalist | |
| 2002 | |||
| 2003 | Vocal Event of the Year – "The Truth About Men The Truth About Men (song) "The Truth About Men" is the title of a song written by Paul Overstreet, Rory Lee Feek and Tim Johnson, and recorded by American country music singer Tracy Byrd. It is the title track to, and first single from, his 2003 album The Truth About Men. The song peaked at number thirteen on the Hot... " (with Tracy Byrd, Andy Griggs Andy Griggs Andrew Tyler "Andy" Griggs is an American country music artist. He has released three albums for RCA Records Nashville and a fourth for Montage Music Group... and Montgomery Gentry Montgomery Gentry Montgomery Gentry is an American country music duo composed of vocalists Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry. The two began performing in the 1990s as part of a band which also included Eddie Montgomery's brother John Michael Montgomery, and founded the existing duo in 1999.Signed to Columbia Records,... ) |
||
| 2003 | Country Music Association Country Music Association The Country Music Association was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of only 233 members and was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre... |
Horizon Award | |
| Vocal Event of the Year – "The Truth About Men" (with Tracy Byrd, Andy Griggs Andy Griggs Andrew Tyler "Andy" Griggs is an American country music artist. He has released three albums for RCA Records Nashville and a fourth for Montage Music Group... and Montgomery Gentry Montgomery Gentry Montgomery Gentry is an American country music duo composed of vocalists Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry. The two began performing in the 1990s as part of a band which also included Eddie Montgomery's brother John Michael Montgomery, and founded the existing duo in 1999.Signed to Columbia Records,... ) |
|||
| 2010 | Academy of Country Music | Vocal Event of the Year – "Hillbilly Bone Hillbilly Bone (song) "Hillbilly Bone" is the title of a song written by Luke Laird and Craig Wiseman, and recorded by American country artist Blake Shelton for his extended play Hillbilly Bone... " (with Trace Adkins Trace Adkins Tracy Darrell "Trace" Adkins is an American country music artist. He made his debut in 1996 with the album Dreamin' Out Loud, released on Capitol Records Nashville. Since then, Adkins has released seven more studio albums and two Greatest Hits compilations... ) |
|
| CMT Music Awards CMT Music Awards The CMT Music Awards is a fan-voted awards show for country music videos and television performances. The awards ceremony is held every year in Nashville, Tennessee, and broadcast live on CMT. Voting takes place on CMT's website, CMT.com.-History:... |
Collaborative Video of the Year – "Hillbilly Bone" (with Trace Adkins) | ||
| Country Music Association | Male Vocalist of The Year | ||
| Vocal Event of the Year – "Hillbilly Bone" (with Trace Adkins) | |||
| 2011 | CMT Music Awards | Male Video of the Year – "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking" | |
| Best Web Video of the Year – "Kiss My Country Ass" | |||
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice Music: Male Country Artist | ||
| Choice Music: Country Single – "Honey Bee Honey bee Honey bees are a subset of bees in the genus Apis, primarily distinguished by the production and storage of honey and the construction of perennial, colonial nests out of wax. Honey bees are the only extant members of the tribe Apini, all in the genus Apis... " |
|||
| Country Music Association | Entertainer of the Year | ||
| Male Vocalist of the Year | |||
| Single of the Year - "Honey Bee" | |||
| Album of the Year - All About Tonight | |||
| Music Video of the Year - "Honey Bee" | |||
| American Music Awards | Favorite Country Male Artist |