Country Strong: Blake Shelton gets back to his roots

Country Strong

Blake Shelton gets back to his roots with new album Texoma Shore.

By Michelle Talsma Everson

Country singer, songwriter, and television personality Blake Shelton has officially reached crossover superstar status. With his latest record, Texoma Shore, released this past November, it marked Shelton’s sixth record to debut at number one.

“Only a year and a half after the release of his last No. 1 album If I’m Honest, Shelton once again visits the peak of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart this week with Texoma Shore,” an article on Shelton’s website (blakeshelton.com) cited right after the album’s release. “The Oklahoman’s storied career began back in 2001 with the release of his self-titled album, and the platinum-selling recording artist now delivers his sixth chart-topping country record and eleventh all-genre top 10.”

“I can’t believe that 17 years into making records and my fans are still so supportive,” Shelton says on his website. “I mean a number one album? When I think it can’t get any better, it does­­––thanks to them. I love you all!”

In fact, 2017 was a stand out year for Shelton.

“Blake Shelton had a banner year in 2017 with the release of his latest album Texoma Shore,” according to an article on country music website Sounds Like Nashville. “The project earned him his 25th number one single with ‘I’ll Name The Dogs’ and led him to become the most-played artist at country radio in 2017.”

Shelton, who is also known for his role as a long-time coach on the hit show The Voice, shared his thoughts on his website with his fans.

“What a great way to end 2017 with ‘I’ll Name The Dogs’ at number!” he says. “As I look back over another incredible year, I know that the success has been because of the love and support from my fans.”

He continues with how Texoma Shore harks back to a simpler time.

“This song [‘I’ll Name The Dogs’] and several others on Texoma Shore are little more throwback, traditional country,” he says. “They take me back to a time when I was growing up in Oklahoma, when things were a little less complicated. Thank you to my fans for embracing my music both new and old––and for all you do for my family and me.

While Shelton is at the top of his game now, his past is also something to be proud of. Some accolades include being named Entertainer of the Year in 2012 by the Country Music Association (CMA), being named Male Vocalist of the Year five times by the CMA and being nominated for a Grammy.

Non-country fans also love him as he was named PEOPLE Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2017. Known for his humor and down-to-earth nature, he was shocked when he heard about the news from PEOPLE Magazine.

“So what went through his mind when he first heard the news? ‘That y’all must be running out of people,”’ he told PEOPLE. “Like, Wow, we’re down to somebody who is somewhat symmetrical.”

While he may play coy, Shelton told PEOPLE that he does do his best to stay in shape by exercising on the treadmill and eating right. He did admit though to splurging though when he visits his home in Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

Moving into 2018, Shelton is not only known for his hit tunes and time on The Voice, but also for his two-year budding romance with fellow superstar Gwen Stefani.

“What’s most important to Gwen is somebody who has her back and is a best friend, so that’s kind of how it started, and it just kept snowballing into what it is now, and it just feels like it gets stronger all the time, you know?” he gushed to the TODAY Show.

In fact, according to an article in Men’s Health magazine, Stefani and Shelton are each other’s biggest health and fitness supporters.

“He killed the gym this morning,” she shared during an interview. “It’s funny because he’s so tall that like, literally no sweat suits fit him. It’s because of him that I worked out this morning,” she added. “I wasn’t gonna work out… He’s my trainer.”

When asked by TODAY how he gets along with Stefani’s three young sons, he shared: “The best part for me, selfishly, is discovering a part of myself that I guess I never really knew was in there. It’s definitely an instinct that kicks in.”

With 2017 behind him, Shelton is ready to embrace 2018 with continued success.

“Country music superstar and multimedia entertainer Blake Shelton has long called Warner Bros. / Warner Music Nashville his label home, and last night he inked a deal reaffirming the commitment,” according to his website.

“Their 17-year partnership has produced accomplishments ranging from 25 number one singles to 10 gold and platinum-selling albums, in addition to seven Grammy nominations and five CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Award wins,” the news continued. “Amongst these other career successes, Shelton’s 2017 Billboard Music Award for Top Country Artist underscores his preeminence in every realm––including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring, and social engagement. One of the most visible and constant ambassadors of country music, Shelton has reinforced the genre’s value in front of more than 12 million viewers two nights a week for 13 consecutive seasons and counting as a coach on NBC’s The Voice.”

“I remember my first trip to Nashville in 1994,” Shelton shares. “I drove down Music Row and don’t know why, but when I passed the Warner Bros. building I said, ‘That’s the label I want to be on!’ Now, all these years later, I’m proud to have spent my entire recording career with such a great company. I look forward to more incredible years with my Warner family.”

If the past is any indication of how bright the future is for Shelton, his fans have a lot to look forward to for sure. To learn more about Shelton, visit blakeshelton.com.