50 Facts About Blake Shelton

Early Life and Family

Blake Shelton's roots are deeply embedded in the small town of Ada, Oklahoma. His upbringing and family life played a significant role in shaping his career and personality.

1. Blake Tollison Shelton was born on June 18, 1976, to Dorothy Ann (née Bristol) and Richard Lee "Dick" Shelton. His mother owned a beauty salon, while his father worked as a car salesman.
2. On November 13, 1990, Shelton's older brother, Richie Shelton, tragically died in a car accident at the age of 24. This loss profoundly impacted Blake and his music.

Musical Beginnings

Shelton's journey into music started at a young age, showcasing his early passion and talent.

3. Shelton began singing early and learned to play the guitar at 12, thanks to his uncle.
4. By age 15, he had already written his first song, marking the start of his songwriting career.
5. At 16, Shelton received the Denbo Diamond Award in Oklahoma, recognizing his musical talents.

Move to Nashville and Early Career

Determined to make it big, Shelton moved to Nashville right after high school, where he took his first steps into the professional music world.

6. After graduating high school at 17, Shelton moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a singing career.
7. In Nashville, he secured a job at a music publishing company, gaining valuable industry experience.
8. In 1997, with the help of Bobby Braddock, Shelton obtained a production contract with Sony Music.

Breakthrough and Debut Album

Shelton's big break came with his debut single and album, which set the stage for his successful career.

9. Shelton's debut single "Austin" from his first album, Blake Shelton, was released in 2001 and spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
10. His debut album, Blake Shelton, is now Platinum-certified and also produced two more top 20 entries, "All Over Me" and "Ol' Red".

Subsequent Albums and Chart Success

Shelton continued to release successful albums and singles, cementing his place in country music.

11. Shelton’s second album, The Dreamer (2003), and third album, Blake Shelton’s Barn & Grill (2004), achieved gold and platinum status, respectively.
12. His fourth album, Pure BS (2007), was re-issued in 2008 with a cover of Michael Bublé's pop hit "Home" as one of the bonus tracks.
13. Shelton’s fifth album, Startin’ Fires, was released in November 2008.
14. The extended plays Hillbilly Bone and All About Tonight were released in 2010.

Record-Breaking Singles and Awards

Shelton's singles have consistently topped charts, earning him numerous awards and accolades.

15. As of December 2020, Shelton has charted 40 singles, including 28 number ones, 17 of which were consecutive.
16. His 11th No. 1 single, "Doin' What She Likes," broke the record for the most consecutive No. 1 singles in the Country Airplay chart’s 24-year history.
17. Shelton has received nine Grammy Award nominations, including two for Best Country Album.

Television Career

Beyond music, Shelton has made a significant impact on television, particularly as a coach on The Voice.

18. Shelton has been a judge on the televised singing competitions Nashville Star and Clash of the Choirs.
19. He was a coach on NBC's The Voice from 2011 to 2023, with a member of his team winning in nine of twenty-three seasons.

Personal Life and Relationships

Shelton's personal life, including his marriages and relationships, has often been in the spotlight.

20. Shelton married Kaynette Williams in 2003, but they divorced in 2006.
21. He then married fellow country singer Miranda Lambert in 2011, but they divorced in 2015.
22. Shelton found love again with fellow The Voice judge Gwen Stefani, and the couple announced their engagement in October 2020.

Philanthropy and Recognition

Shelton's contributions extend beyond music, as he actively participates in charitable activities and has received numerous recognitions.

23. Shelton has performed at numerous charity events, using his platform to make a positive impact.
24. He has a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee, recognizing his contributions to the country music industry.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Here are some interesting tidbits about Blake Shelton that fans might find intriguing.

25. Shelton stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall, making him quite noticeable in a crowd.
26. By the age of 16, Shelton toured the bar circuit, garnering statewide recognition for his talent.
27. He wrote his first song at the age of 15, showcasing his early passion for music.
28. Shelton received a Denbo Diamond Award in his home state by the age of 16, highlighting his early talent.
29. After high school graduation, he moved to Nashville to pursue a singing career.
30. In Nashville, he got a job at a music publishing company, which helped him gain experience in the music industry.
31. In 1997, Shelton was aided by Bobby Braddock to obtain a production contract with Sony Music.
32. His debut single "Austin" spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
33. The debut album Blake Shelton is now Platinum-certified and also produced two more top 20 entries, "All Over Me" and "Ol' Red".
34. Shelton’s second and third albums, The Dreamer (2003) and Blake Shelton’s Barn & Grill (2004), are gold and platinum, respectively.
35. His fourth album, Pure BS (2007), was re-issued in 2008 with a cover of Michael Bublé's pop hit "Home" as one of the bonus tracks.
36. Shelton’s fifth album, Startin’ Fires, was released in November 2008.
37. The extended plays Hillbilly Bone and All About Tonight were released in 2010.
38. Shelton has charted 40 singles, including 28 number ones, 17 of which were consecutive.
39. His 11th No. 1 single, "Doin’ What She Likes," broke the record for the most consecutive No. 1 singles in the Country Airplay chart’s 24-year history.
40. Shelton has received nine Grammy Award nominations, including two for Best Country Album.
41. He has been a judge on Nashville Star, Clash of the Choirs, and a coach on NBC’s The Voice.
42. Shelton was on The Voice from 2011 to 2023, with a member of his team winning in nine of twenty-three seasons.
43. Shelton married Kaynette Williams in 2003, but they divorced in 2006. He then married Miranda Lambert in 2011, but they divorced in 2015. He soon rediscovered romance with fellow singer Gwen Stefani.
44. Shelton has performed at numerous charity events, using his platform to make a positive impact.
45. He has a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee, recognizing his contributions to the country music industry.
46. Shelton stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall, which often makes him stand out in a crowd.
47. By the age of 16, Shelton toured the bar circuit, garnering statewide recognition for his talent.
48. He wrote his first song at the age of 15, showcasing his early passion for music.
49. Shelton received a Denbo Diamond Award in his home state by the age of 16, highlighting his early talent.
50. After high school graduation, he moved to Nashville to pursue a singing career.

Blake Shelton's Lasting Impact

Blake Shelton's journey from a small-town boy in Ada, Oklahoma, to a country music superstar is nothing short of inspiring. With chart-topping hits, numerous awards, and a significant presence on The Voice, he's left an indelible mark on the music industry. His personal life, marked by high-profile relationships and philanthropic efforts, adds depth to his public persona. Standing tall at 6 feet 5 inches, Shelton's physical presence matches his larger-than-life career. From his early days touring bars to receiving a star on the Music City Walk of Fame, Shelton's dedication to his craft is evident. His influence continues to grow, captivating fans worldwide. Whether through his heartfelt lyrics or charismatic TV appearances, Blake Shelton remains a beloved figure in country music, proving that genuine talent and hard work can lead to lasting success.