About the time Blake Shelton released his powerful hit “The Baby” a few years ago, I went to Ada, Okla., with photographer Marc Morrison to do a hometown story on the place where Blake was born and spent his formative years. The trip was full of great stories about Blake as a kid, some told by his mother and some told by his high school teachers. And, of course, the best were told by Blake as he reminisced about Halloween pranks and his first forays into performing in public. But among my favorite memories was the time I spent chatting with Blake’s dad, Dick Shelton. He owned a little car lot and we stopped by to see him during our tour around town. As I recall, Blake got a phone call and stepped outside for a few minutes, leaving me to get to know his father. I don’t recall a lot of specifics about what was said, but I do remember him saying how very proud he was of his son. But he needn’t have said it. The pride and love were written all over his face. Dick Shelton died this week and is being laid to rest in Ada today. I know Blake’s heart is broken, but he and his dad loved each other and showed it. And I hope Blake takes some comfort in knowing how very proud his father was of him. Our sincerest condolences, Blake.—David Scarlett
Thank you for this story. For all of Blake’s wild ways… I also know he is a sensitive and sweet guy who love’s his family. God Bless him and his entire family during this difficult time.
David, thank you for your wonderful article. I love this part especially: “But he needn’t have said it. The pride and love were written all over his face.” I’ve been a fan of Blake’s for a long time and I’ve always loved that he and his family are all so close. This is a huge loss.
@jch450 I have not seen Obama on the Gulf Coast but I have seen him at fund raesirs, at parties, golfing (for every 1 day Bush spent on the Golf course Obama has spent 8). 9.9% of Americans can’t find a job, home foreclosures up, homelessness up, 40 million Americans on food stamps, Gulf disaster and Obama does nothing but Party, Golf, attend fund raesirs and spend money we don’t have.