Music Row (August 2001)

On The Cover: Blake Shelton

Label: Warner Bros. Nashville
Current Single: “Austin"
Current Album: Blake Shelton
Current Video: “Austin”
Current Producer: Bobby Braddock

Hometown: Ada, Oklahoma

Management: Hallmark Direction Co.
Booking: William Morris Agency

Birthdate: June 18
Birthplace: Ada, Oklahoma

Interesting Fact: Collects pocket knives

Outside Interests: Hunting and fishing

Musical Influences: Earl Thomas Conley (co-wrote “All Over Me” with Shelton for new album), Dan Seals, John Anderson and Hank Williams Jr.

Blake Shelton was only 17 when his attention was steered east from Oklahoma toward Nashville by legendary songwriter Mae Boren Axton. Axton convinced Shelton that moving to Nashville was necessary for a successful singing career. So only two weeks out of high school, Shelton packed up and headed to Music City. After a few years of co-writing, a friend introduced Shelton to producer and songwriter Bobby Braddock, who agreed to produce Shelton's debut.

Now, as the album readies for release, Shelton is finding truth in Axton’s advice. Shelton has already made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage, describing it as a “religious experience.” “I had to walk around it, and on it to make sure I made my mark there,” he says. And making his mark in country music is exactly what he is doing. “Austin,” the first single off his debut, is causing the industry to take notice of Shelton’s vocal range as well as the beautifully crafted songs on his debut (including four self-penned songs)-.