| BLAKE SHELTON Bio:
The world has finally learned what country fans have known since the
beginning -- Blake Shelton is superstar material.
Blake is the breakout star of NBC's The Voice, a show that
gave the handsome Oklahoman the spotlight his fans have long hoped he'd
get. Week after week, millions have gotten to see the talent and
charisma that have made Blake one of country music's brightest lights.
Perhaps no one summed it up better than Entertainment Weekly
editor-at-large Ken Tucker, who cited Blake's "steady transformation
into a real TV star, a country sage whose charm is squarely in the great
TV traditions of Roger Miller, Jimmy Dean, and Tennessee Ernie Ford."
None of that is news to those who have watched Blake's career unfold.
Ever since the power and drama of his 2001 debut single, "Austin,"
brought him to national attention, Blake has proven himself to be one of
the genre's most versatile and accomplished vocalists as well as one of
its most compelling entertainers.
His versatility is evident in the wide range of singles he has made
his own. He has proven his ability with the stark drama of "The Baby"
and "Home," the honest regret of "She Wouldn't Be Gone," the warm
intimacy of "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking," the celebration of the
moment in "All About Tonight, and the over-the-top fun of "Hillbilly
Bone." His skill as an entertainer is apparent every time he takes the
stage and carries fans on one of music's most enjoyable journeys.
The first single from his latest CD, "Honey Bee," found the lanky
superstar-next-door rising to a now-familiar spot -- the #1 position on
the country singles charts, which he has reached with six of his last
seven singles. "Honey Bee" only hinted at the riches inside Red River
Blue.
Blake's latest runs the gamut of everything he does well, from the
romance of "Over," with its big chorus and passionate vocals, and "God
Gave Me You," a powerful ode to the restorative powers of love, to the
clever wordplay and pure country fun of "Hey" and "Get Some." There is
also "Ready To Roll," a laid-back celebration of love and leisure, "Good
Ole Boys," with its echoes of Waylon and its nod to country boys in a
hip-hop world, "I'm Sorry," which displays one of the biggest voices in
the genre closing the door on a love gone wrong, and the title track, a
classic-sounding look at separation and longing with guest vocals from
none other than Miranda Lambert.
If it sounds like more than even a dreamer like Blake could have
envisioned, you'll get no argument from the man himself.
"If you'd have told me a few years back that my life would be this
good," he says, "I'd have told you that you were crazy. But I'll damn
sure take it."
The journey has been a testament to the talent, the persistence and
the sheer dynamism Blake brings to the table. He left Ada, Oklahoma, at
17, two weeks out of high school, for Nashville after encouragement from
legendary songwriter ("Heartbreak Hotel") Mae Axton. 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."
Tucker again sums up the Shelton magic.
"Like all first-rate pop singers, country or otherwise," Tucker
writes, "he knows that the best way to impress an audience is by making
something difficult look easy."
Speaking of his stint on The Voice, he adds, "Just watching
him, the contestants got a lesson in how to comport yourself on stage,
and, perhaps, in life."
It is high and richly deserved praise for a singer who has finally
entered the upper reaches of the entertainment world.
website:
www.BlakeShelton.com |
