April/May ’12—On the Cover: Blake Shelton

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Blake Shelton, the reigning ACM and CMA Male Vocalist of the Year recently celebrated three Grammy nominations and No. 1 hits with “Drink On It,”  “God Gave Me You” and “Honey Bee.” All three singles are off his release Red River Blue, which debuted at No. 1 on the Soundscan Top Current Albums chart and Soundscan Top Country Albums chart with the Associated Press calling the album “the best album of his career.” Shelton’s infectious multi-week No.1 hit, “Honey Bee” is also off Red River Blue and is his first-ever digital Platinum single. He holds the record for the fastest-selling digital Platinum single for a male country solo artist. Shelton has 11 No. 1 hits and has not had a single peak outside the Top Ten since 2007. Shelton currently appears on NBC’s The Voice for the second season along with other celebrity judges Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine.

“If you’d have told me a few years back that my life would be this good,” Shelton says, “I’d have told you that you were crazy. But I’ll damn sure take it.”

Shelton’s journey since his first single “Austin” in 2001 has been a testament to the talent and persistence he brings to the table. He left Ada, Oklahoma at 17, two weeks out of high school, for Nashville after encouragement from legendary songwriter Mae Axton (“Heartbreak Hotel”). He met and worked with another legend—Bobby Braddock (“He Stopped Loving Her Today”)—and earned a deal on Giant Records. It would be several years before that led to a contract with Warner Bros. and “Austin,” which launched his career. Since then, his star power, world-class voice and irreverent personality have brought him the acclaim that has translated so well from the world of country music to a wider audience.

“I’m still learning, still reaching and growing,” he says, “and it’s great to have more and more people along for the ride.”

Label Warner Bros. Records
Current Album Red River Blue
Current Single/Video “Drink On It”
Current Producer Scott Hendricks
Hometown Ada, Oklahoma
Management Starstruck Management Group
Booking William Morris Endeavor
Recent Hits “God Gave Me You,” “Honey Bee,” “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” and “Home”
Awards Reigning ACM Male Vocalist of the Year & Vocal Event of the Year, two consecutive CMA Male Vocalist of the Year awards, CMT Male Video of the Year & Collaborative Video of the Year, AMA’s Favorite Country Male Artist of the Year
Special TV/Film Appearances NBC’s The Voice; Co-hosting the Annual Academy of Country Music Awards with Reba on CBS
Birthday June 18, 1976
Interesting Facts I have never owned a car, only trucks.
Outside Interests Hunting; Gardening – growing watermelon, squash, sweet corn, and potted tomatoes.
Musical Influences Earl Thomas Conley, Bellamy Brothers, Conway Twitty, John Conlee
Favorite Record Somewhere Between Right & Wrong (Earl Thomas Conley)

Caitlin Rantala
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