Ricky Van Shelton

Ricky Van Shelton (born January 12, 1952) is an American retired country music singer. Active between 1986 and 2006, he charted more than 20 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. This figure includes 10 number-one hits: "Somebody Lied", "Life Turned Her That Way", 'Don't We All Have the Right", "I'll Leave This World Loving You", "From a Jack to a King" (a cover of the Ned Miller hit), "Living Proof", "I've Cried My Last Tear for You", "Rockin' Years" (a duet with Dolly Parton), "I Am a Simple Man", and "Keep It Between the Lines". Besides these, seven more of his singles landed in the top 10 on the same chart. He also released nine studio albums, of which his first four were certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Early life He was born at Danville Regional Medical Center in Danville, Virginia, United States, to Jenks and Eloise Shelton in 1952, but was raised in Grit, Virginia, and went to high school in Gretna, Virginia. Although "Van" is a common portion of surnames derived from people of Dutch origin, "Van" in this case is Shelton's middle name. He started using his middle name to avoid confusion with another Ricky Shelton in Grit. He soon started singing country music in his brother's band and performed at any local gathering he could.

Musical career Move to Nashville After he graduated from high school, Shelton started performing in area clubs and also worked a series of jobs. In 1984, Bettye Witt, his girlfriend at the time (and since August 4, 1986, wife) found a job in Nashville, Tennessee, and Shelton went along with her.

1986–1988: Wild-Eyed Dream Wild-Eyed Dream became successful for Shelton and his record label. The next song from the album, "Crime of Passion", gained him an even bigger hit on the country charts, when it reached the top 10 early that year.

1993–1994: Love and Honor and departure from Columbia By 1993, Shelton clearly was moving further and further away from the top 10 on the country charts. In 1994, he had his last top-40 hit with "Where Was I". After 1994's Love and Honor album, Shelton decided to leave Columbia Records.

Discography

Studio albums Wild-Eyed Dream (1987) Loving Proof (1988) RVS III (1990) Backroads (1991) Don't Overlook Salvation (1992) A Bridge I Didn't Burn (1993) Love and Honor (1994) Making Plans (1998) Fried Green Tomatoes (2000)

Awards and nominations Grammy Awards 1992 "Rockin' Years" Best Country Collaboration with Vocals American Music Awards 1989 Wild-Eyed Dream Favorite Country Album 1992 Ricky Van Shelton Favorite Country Male Artist Music City News Country Awards & TNN/Music City News Country Awards

"Somebody Lied" Single of the Year

Star of Tomorrow

Single of the Year Video of the Year Loving Proof Album of the Year Ricky Van Shelton Entertainer of the Year

"Living Proof" Single of the Year

Male Artist of the Year Entertainer of the Year

Single of the Year Video of the Year RVS III Album of the Year

Male Artist of the Year Entertainer of the Year

"Keep It Between the Lines" Single of the Year "Rockin' Years" Video of the Year Dolly Parton and Ricky Van Shelton Vocal Collaboration of the Year Backroads Album of the Year

Male Artist of the Year Entertainer of the Year 1993

"A Couple of Good Years Left" Video of the Year A Bridge I Didn't Burn

Love and Honor

Christian Country Artist of the Year Male Artist of the Year Entertainer of the Year

Christian Country Artist of the Year Male Artist of the Year 1997 Christian Country Artist of the Year

Making Plans Album of the Year Ricky Van Shelton Male Artist of the Year TNN Viewers' Choice Awards

Ricky Van Shelton Favorite Newcomer of the Year "Somebody Lied" Favorite Song of the Year

Favorite Entertainer of the Year Favorite Male Vocalist of the Year Loving Proof Favorite Album of the Year

Favorite Song of the Year Favorite Video of the Year Academy of Country Music Awards

Ricky Van Shelton Top New Male Vocalist

Song of the Year

"I'll Leave This World Loving You" Loving Proof Album of the Year

1990

RVS III

Backroads Dolly Parton and Ricky Van Shelton Top Vocal Duo of the Year Country Music Association Awards

"Somebody Lied" Single of the Year

Horizon Award

"I'll Leave This World Loving You" Single of the Year Loving Proof Album of the Year

Entertainer of the Year

Male Vocalist of the Year RVS III Album of the Year Ricky Van Shelton Entertainer of the Year 1991 "Rockin' Years" Vocal Event of the Year Nominated alongside Dolly Parton