Blake Tollison Shelton is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality who debuted in 2001 with the single "Austin." The song topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for five weeks and was featured on his debut album, "Blake Shelton." The album went Platinum and included two more top 20 hits.
1936: Birth of Blake Shelton's Mother
Blake Shelton's mother, Dorothy Ann (née Bristol), was born in 1936.
1940: Birth of Blake Shelton's Father
Blake Shelton's father, Richard Lee "Dick" Shelton, was born in 1940.
June 18, 1976: Birth of Blake Shelton
Blake Tollison Shelton was born on June 18, 1976.
1988: Conway Twitty's "Goodbye Time"
Blake Shelton covered Conway Twitty's 1988 single "Goodbye Time."
January 1990: Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems Begins Tracking Country Airplay
Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems began electronically tracking data for the Country Airplay chart in January 1990.
November 13, 1990: Loss of Brother
On November 13, 1990, Blake Shelton's older brother, Richie Shelton, died in a car accident.
1990: Shelton's Brother Dies in Car Accident
In 1990, when Blake Shelton was just 14 years old, his older brother, Richie, died in a car accident.
1992: Billy Ray Cyrus Sets Billboard Record
In 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus set a record for longest time at number one on the country charts for a debut single.
September 1999: Garth Brooks Sets Billboard Hot 100 Record
Garth Brooks, using the name Chris Gaines, debuted a single at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in September 1999. This was the highest debut for a male country artist at the time.
2001: Shelton Debuts to Positive Reviews
Blake Shelton debuted in 2001 and has received generally positive reviews from critics and other musicians since.
2001: "I Wanna Talk About Me" Recording
Blake Shelton was set to release "I Wanna Talk About Me" in 2001, but the song was deemed unsuitable. Toby Keith later recorded the song.
2001: "Austin" Ties Record for Longest Time at Number One
Blake Shelton's debut single, "Austin," was released in 2001. It tied the record set in 1992 by Billy Ray Cyrus for a debut single staying at number one on the country charts, with five weeks at the top spot.
2001: Musical Debut with "Austin"
In 2001, Blake Shelton debuted with his single "Austin."
February 4, 2003: Release of "The Baby"
"The Baby," the lead-off single from "The Dreamer," was released on February 4, 2003.
November 17, 2003: Shelton Marries Kaynette Gern
On November 17, 2003, Blake Shelton married his long-time girlfriend, Kaynette Gern.
2003: Release of "The Dreamer"
Blake Shelton's second album, "The Dreamer," was released in 2003.
2004: Release of "Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill"
In 2004, Blake Shelton released his third studio album, "Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill."
2004: Release of "When Somebody Knows You That Well" and "Some Beach"
Blake Shelton released "When Somebody Knows You That Well" and "Some Beach," from his album "Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill," in 2004.
December 18, 2005: Appearance in "The Christmas Blessing"
Blake Shelton appeared in the TV movie "The Christmas Blessing" on December 18, 2005.
2005: Shelton Meets Miranda Lambert
In 2005, Blake Shelton crossed paths with singer Miranda Lambert at the CMT's 100 Greatest Duets Concert, marking the beginning of their significant relationship.
2006: Shelton and Gern Divorce
Blake Shelton and Kaynette Gern got divorced in 2006.
2007: Television Appearances and Judging Roles
Blake Shelton appeared on "Nashville Star" and "Clash of the Choirs" in 2007.
2007: Release of "Pure BS"
Blake Shelton released his fourth studio album, "Pure BS," in early 2007.
August 2008: Release of "She Wouldn't Be Gone"
Blake Shelton's single "She Wouldn't Be Gone" was released in August 2008.
November 2008: Release of "Startin' Fires"
In November 2008, Blake Shelton released his fifth studio album, "Startin' Fires."
2008: Release of "Home" Cover
Blake Shelton re-released "Pure BS" with bonus tracks, including a cover of Michael Bublé's "Home," in 2008.
October 2009: Release of "Hillbilly Bone" Duet
Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins released their duet "Hillbilly Bone" in October 2009.
2009: Brad Paisley Sets Consecutive Number One Record
Country music artist Brad Paisley set a record in 2009 for most consecutive number one singles on the Country Airplay chart.
March 2, 2010: Release of "Hillbilly Bone" EP
Blake Shelton's "Hillbilly Bone" EP was released on March 2, 2010.
May 9, 2010: Shelton Proposes to Miranda Lambert
After four years of dating, Blake Shelton proposed to Miranda Lambert on May 9, 2010.
May 2010: Grand Ole Opry House Flooding
The Cumberland River flooded the Opry House in May 2010.
September 28, 2010: Invitation to Join Grand Ole Opry
Blake Shelton received an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry on September 28, 2010.
October 23, 2010: Induction into Grand Ole Opry
Blake Shelton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on October 23, 2010.
November 10, 2010: Performance and Win at CMA Awards
Blake Shelton performed and won Male Vocalist of the Year at the 44th Annual Country Music Awards on November 10, 2010.
November 2010: Release of "Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton"
In November 2010, Blake Shelton released his first greatest hits album, "Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton."
2010: "Honey Bee" Sets Download Record
Blake Shelton released "Honey Bee," the first single from his album "Red River Blue," in 2010. The song set a record for most first-week downloads for a male country singer.
2010: Release of EPs and Greatest Hits Album
In 2010, Blake Shelton released the extended plays "Hillbilly Bone" and "All About Tonight." He also released his first greatest hits album, "Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton" in November 2010.
2010: Shelton Inducted into Grand Ole Opry
Blake Shelton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2010.
April 23, 2011: "Honey Bee" Debuts on Billboard Hot 100
Blake Shelton's single "Honey Bee" debuted at number thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week of April 23, 2011.
May 14, 2011: Shelton and Lambert Marry in Texas
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert tied the knot on May 14, 2011, in Boerne, Texas.
June 13, 2011: 'Honey Bee' No. 1 on Hot Country Songs
On June 13, 2011, Blake Shelton's single 'Honey Bee' reached No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, marking his ninth No. 1 hit and fastest-climbing single.
July 12, 2011: Album 'Red River Blue' Released
On July 12, 2011, Blake Shelton released his album 'Red River Blue', featuring the hit single 'Honey Bee'. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with approximately 116,000 copies sold.
October 14, 2011: Recording "Footloose" Title Track
Blake Shelton recorded the title track for the remake of "Footloose," released on October 14, 2011.
December 6, 2011: Dia Frampton's Album 'Red' Released
On December 6, 2011, Dia Frampton released her album 'Red', which includes the track 'I Will', a collaboration with Blake Shelton.
2011: Shelton Becomes Coach on "The Voice"
Blake Shelton took on the role of coach on NBC's singing competition show, "The Voice," starting from its inaugural season in 2011.
2011: Joining "The Voice"
Blake Shelton started working on "The Voice" in 2011.
2011: Release of "Red River Blue"
Blake Shelton released the album "Red River Blue" in 2011.
2011: Joining "The Voice"
Blake Shelton became a judge/coach on the NBC reality television series "The Voice" in 2011.
January 17, 2012: Shelton's Father Passes Away
Tragedy struck Blake Shelton's family on January 17, 2012, when his father, Dick Shelton, passed away in Oklahoma at 71 after battling health issues.
February 2012: Super Bowl XLVI Performance
In February 2012, Blake Shelton performed a duet of 'America the Beautiful' with Miranda Lambert at Super Bowl XLVI, marking their first television performance together since their wedding.
April 2012: 'Drink on It' No. 1 Hit
In April 2012, Blake Shelton's song 'Drink on It' reached No. 1, becoming his 11th No. 1 hit.
April 30, 2012: Performed 'Over' on The Voice
On April 30, 2012, Blake Shelton performed his song 'Over' during the Semi-finals of the second season of The Voice. The song later became his seventh consecutive No. 1 hit.
October 2012: Release of Christmas Album
In October 2012, Blake Shelton released his first Christmas album 'Cheers, It's Christmas', which peaked at No. 1 on the Top Holiday Albums chart and No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart.
2012: Death of Blake Shelton's Father
Blake Shelton's father, Richard Lee "Dick" Shelton, passed away in 2012.
2012: Backstory: Blake Shelton GAC Special Airs
The television special "Backstory: Blake Shelton" aired on GAC in 2012.
March 26, 2013: Album 'Based on a True Story...' Released
On March 26, 2013, Blake Shelton released his eighth studio album 'Based on a True Story...', which debuted at No. 1 on the country chart and No. 3 on the all-genre chart with nearly 200,000 copies sold.
April 2013: Shelton Receives Gene Weed Special Achievement Award
In April 2013, Blake Shelton was awarded the Academy of Country Music's Gene Weed Special Achievement Award.
July 19, 2013: Ten Times Crazier Tour Began
On July 19, 2013, Blake Shelton started his Ten Times Crazier Tour to support his album 'Based on a True Story...', which continued into 2014 and 2015.
July 22, 2013: 'Mine Would Be You' Single Released
On July 22, 2013, Blake Shelton released the single 'Mine Would Be You' to country radio, which later reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart in November 2013.
October 2013: Shelton Donates to Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Following a concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma in October 2013, Blake Shelton donated $20,000 to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The donation was earmarked for the department's outdoor education programs, reflecting Shelton's support for connecting children with nature.
2013: Lambert and Shelton's Song Honoring Richie Wins Awards
Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton's heartfelt tribute to Shelton's late brother, Richie, through the song "Over You," garnered significant recognition. It was honored as CMA Song of the Year in 2012 and received the Single Record and Song of the Year awards at the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards.
2013: "Doin' What She Likes" Breaks Brad Paisley's Record
"Doin' What She Likes," a single from Blake Shelton's 2013 album "Based on a True Story...," broke Brad Paisley's 2009 record for longest streak of consecutive number one singles on the Country Airplay chart.
2013: Release of "Based on a True Story..."
Blake Shelton's album "Based on a True Story..." was released in 2013.
September 30, 2014: Album 'Bringing Back the Sunshine' Released
On September 30, 2014, Blake Shelton released his ninth studio album 'Bringing Back the Sunshine', featuring four singles that all reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart.
November 13, 2014: Induction into Oklahoma Hall of Fame
On November 13, 2014, Blake Shelton was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for his contributions to the music industry and his philanthropic efforts in his home state.
2014: Release of "Bringing Back the Sunshine"
Blake Shelton released the album "Bringing Back the Sunshine" in 2014.
2014: Blake Shelton Inducted into Oklahoma Hall of Fame
Blake Shelton was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2014.
June 26, 2015: Cover of 'Forever Young' Released
On June 26, 2015, Blake Shelton released his cover of Bob Dylan's 'Forever Young' for the soundtrack of the film 'Max'.
July 2015: Shelton and Lambert Announce Divorce
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert announced their divorce in July 2015. The couple released a statement saying that they were moving forward separately. Their divorce was finalized later that same day.
October 23, 2015: Release of 'Reloaded: 20#1 Hits'
On October 23, 2015, Blake Shelton released his second greatest hits album titled 'Reloaded: 20#1 Hits'.
2015: Shelton Starts Dating Gwen Stefani
In late 2015, news broke that Blake Shelton had begun dating his The Voice co-star, singer Gwen Stefani, after connecting over their respective divorces.
2015: Shelton and Stefani Write "Go Ahead and Break My Heart"
In 2015, as Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani navigated the early stages of their relationship, they co-wrote the song "Go Ahead and Break My Heart." The duet was featured on Shelton's 2016 album "If I'm Honest."
2015: Forbes Estimates Shelton's Annual Income
In 2015, Forbes estimated Blake Shelton's yearly earnings to be $28.5 million.
March 8, 2016: Release of 'Came Here to Forget'
On March 8, 2016, Blake Shelton released 'Came Here to Forget' as the first single from his tenth studio album 'If I'm Honest'.
May 20, 2016: 'Friends' Featured in The Angry Birds Movie
On May 20, 2016, 'Friends', a song by Blake Shelton, was featured as the theme song for The Angry Birds Movie, in which Shelton also voiced the character Earl.
June 2016: Exhibit at Country Music Hall of Fame
In June 2016, Blake Shelton celebrated the opening of his exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, showcasing his career and achievements.
September 2016: Shelton Makes Generous Donation to Children's Hospital
In September 2016, Blake Shelton made a substantial donation of $600,000 to the Jimmy Everest Center, a University of Oklahoma College of Medicine hospital specializing in the treatment of children with blood cancer and blood disorders. This donation stemmed from the proceeds of two of Shelton's concerts in Oklahoma City.
September 2016: 'Forever Country' Collaboration
In September 2016, Blake Shelton participated in the 'Forever Country' mash-up track commemorating the 50th anniversary of the CMA Awards, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs.
2016: Billboard Releases "Greatest of All Time" Lists
Billboard magazine released its "Greatest of All Time" lists for country artists, albums, and songs in 2016.
2016: "Go Ahead and Break My Heart" Featured on "If I'm Honest"
Blake Shelton includes the duet "Go Ahead and Break My Heart," which he wrote with then-girlfriend Gwen Stefani, on his 2016 album, "If I'm Honest."
2016: "Came Here to Forget" Extends Shelton's Record Streak
Blake Shelton's single "Came Here to Forget," released in 2016, extended his record of consecutive number one singles on the Country Airplay chart to seventeen, surpassing Earl Thomas Conley's record of sixteen.
2016: Release of "If I'm Honest"
In 2016, Blake Shelton released the album "If I'm Honest."
January 2017: Shelton Becomes First Country Artist to Win People's Choice Award for Favorite Album
The 2017 People's Choice Awards marked the first time a country music artist won the award for Favorite Album. Blake Shelton won the award that year.
June 6, 2017: Shelton Discovers Family Connection to Robin Meade
On June 6, 2017, HLN aired a special program called "Our Journeys Home," which revealed that Blake Shelton and HLN Morning Express host Robin Meade are fourth cousins.
September 11, 2017: Release of 'I'll Name the Dogs'
On September 11, 2017, Blake Shelton released 'I'll Name the Dogs', the lead-off single from his eleventh studio album 'Texoma Shore'.
September 2017: First "Ole Red" Location Opens
The first location of Blake Shelton's restaurant and entertainment complex chain, "Ole Red," opened in his hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma in September 2017.
November 3, 2017: Album 'Texoma Shore' Released
On November 3, 2017, Blake Shelton released his eleventh studio album 'Texoma Shore'.
November 6, 2017: Shelton Makes Country Aircheck History
On November 6, 2017, Blake Shelton became the first artist to have six songs on the Country Aircheck chart simultaneously. The songs were all from his album, "Texoma Shore."
November 14, 2017: Blake Shelton Named Sexiest Man Alive
Blake Shelton became the first country music artist to be named People Magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" on November 14, 2017.
2017: Release of "Texoma Shore"
Blake Shelton's released his album "Texoma Shore" in 2017.
2017: Shelton and Stefani Duet on "You Make It Feel Like Christmas"
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani teamed up for the song "You Make It Feel Like Christmas," which was featured on Stefani's 2017 holiday album of the same name.
2017: Shelton Wins NATPE Reality Breakthrough Award
Blake Shelton won a NATPE Reality Breakthrough Award for Best Reality Personality for his role on "The Voice" in 2017.
February 2018: Shelton Donates to Hometown of Tishomingo
Blake Shelton showed his love for his hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, in February 2018, by donating $50,000. The funds were raised through ticket sales at his restaurant, Ole Red.
May 2018: "Ole Red" Opens in Nashville
In May 2018, a second "Ole Red" location, a restaurant and entertainment complex co-owned by Blake Shelton, opened in Nashville, Tennessee.
March 13, 2019: Shelton Supports Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Music Programs
To celebrate the grand opening of his Ole Red Gatlinburg location, Blake Shelton held a private concert on March 13, 2019. The event generated $29,214 from ticket sales, which Shelton combined with $25,000 from Ryman Hospitality Properties for a total donation of $54,214 to benefit the music programs at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School.
March 2019: Third "Ole Red" Location Opens
March 2019 saw the opening of the third "Ole Red" restaurant and entertainment complex, co-owned by Blake Shelton, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
October 12, 2019: Shelton Officiates Trace Adkins' Wedding
Blake Shelton took on the role of officiant at the wedding of fellow country singer Trace Adkins and Canadian actress Victoria Pratt, which took place in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 12, 2019.
2019: Release of "Fully Loaded: God's Country"
Blake Shelton released the album "Fully Loaded: God's Country" in 2019.
2019: Billboard Recognizes Shelton's Success in Decade-End Charts
In 2019, Billboard acknowledged Blake Shelton's impact on country music by including him in their decade-end charts. His albums "Based on a True Story...," "Reloaded: 20 #1 Hits," "If I'm Honest," and "Red River Blue" secured spots on the "Top Country Albums" chart. Shelton's popular songs "God Gave Me You," "Honey Bee," and "God's Country" earned positions on the "Top Country Songs" chart, solidifying his presence in the genre.
2019: Release of 'Fully Loaded: God's Country'
In 2019, Blake Shelton released the compilation album 'Fully Loaded: God's Country', featuring the hit single 'God's Country' which topped the Hot Country Songs chart.
January 2020: Shelton Expresses Love for Stefani
In a heartfelt interview with Gayle King in January 2020, Blake Shelton opened up about his love for Gwen Stefani, stating that he hadn't truly understood love until she entered his life.
March 2020: Shelton Supports MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund
At the end of March 2020, Blake Shelton temporarily lowered the prices of his merchandise and contributed a portion of the sales to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund, showing support for musicians affected by the pandemic.
April 2020: Shelton Continues Support for MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund
Blake Shelton continued to support the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund into the beginning of April 2020.
April 2020: Shelton Donates to "Give from Home Day" Fundraiser
In April 2020, Blake Shelton made a significant contribution of $150,000 to the "Give from Home Day" fundraiser. This initiative, a partnership between Oklahoma City ABC affiliate news station KOCO 5 and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, aimed to combat hunger during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.
May 2020: Fourth "Ole Red" Location Opens in Orlando
A fourth "Ole Red" location, the Blake Shelton co-owned restaurant and entertainment complex, opened in Orlando, Florida in May 2020.
October 27, 2020: Shelton and Stefani Announce Engagement
After five years of dating, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani announced their engagement on October 27, 2020.
December 2020: Charting Success and Grammy Nominations
By December 2020, Blake Shelton had charted 40 singles, including 29 number ones. He has received nine Grammy Award nominations.
2020: Todd Tilghman wins The Voice Season 18
In 2020, Todd Tilghman won the eighteenth season of The Voice, making it Blake Shelton's seventh win as a coach on the show.
2020: Shelton Wins CMT Music Award for "Nobody But You"
Blake Shelton's collaboration with Gwen Stefani on the song "Nobody But You" earned him the award for best collaborative video at the 2020 CMT Music Awards.
2020: Shelton and Stefani's Duets Top Country Airplay Chart
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's duets "Nobody But You" and "Happy Anywhere" both reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard US Country Airplay chart in 2020, showcasing their musical chemistry.
May 21, 2021: Blake Shelton releases "Body Language" album
On May 21, 2021, Blake Shelton released "Body Language," his twelfth studio album and his first in four years. The album was preceded by the singles "Happy Anywhere" and "Minimum Wage."
July 3, 2021: Shelton and Stefani Marry in Oklahoma
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani exchanged vows on July 3, 2021, in an intimate ceremony held in the chapel on Shelton's Oklahoma property. The couple chose the same location where Shelton had proposed.
2021: Cam Anthony wins The Voice Season 20
Blake Shelton coached his eighth winner on The Voice in 2021, when Cam Anthony won season 20.
March 2022: Shelton Embraces Role as Stepfather
In March 2022, during an interview at the Country Radio Seminar, Blake Shelton shared his positive experience as a stepfather to Gwen Stefani's three sons, emphasizing the love and bond they had developed.
September 7, 2022: Shelton Announces "Back to the Honky Tonk" Tour
Blake Shelton announced his 18-date "Back to the Honky Tonk" tour on September 7, 2022. Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean were announced as opening acts.
October 4, 2022: Blake Shelton Sells Masters to Influence Media Partners
On October 4, 2022, Blake Shelton sold his master recordings from 2001 to 2019 to Influence Media Partners.
December 2022: Bryce Leatherwood wins The Voice Season 22
Bryce Leatherwood, coached by Blake Shelton, won season 22 of The Voice in December 2022, marking Shelton's ninth and final victory on the show before his retirement.
2022: Smaller "Ole Red" Location Opens at Nashville Airport
Blake Shelton's "Ole Red" chain of restaurant and entertainment complexes opened a smaller location inside the Nashville International Airport in 2022.
2023: Shelton Departs "The Voice" After 23 Seasons
After 23 seasons, Blake Shelton concluded his run as a coach on "The Voice" in 2023.
2023: Departure from "The Voice"
Blake Shelton's time on "The Voice" lasted until 2023.
2024: Sixth "Ole Red" Opens on Las Vegas Strip
The sixth location of "Ole Red," the restaurant and entertainment complex co-owned by music artist Blake Shelton, opened on the Las Vegas Strip in 2024.