Ricky Van Shelton (born January 12, 1952 in Danville, Virginia) is an American country music artist.
He was born in Danville, Virginia to Jenks and Eloise Shelton in 1952, but was raised in Grit, Virginia. His middle name is Van, but many assume it is part of the common "Van xxxxx" surname. Shelton's father sang Gospel music while he was still a child, and from this Shelton also sang Gospel, but he also liked Pop music. He was soon in church, singing Gospel music. When he was a teenager, however, Shelton discovered Country music. He was soon started singing in his brother's band, singing Country music, and performed at any local gathering he could. After he graduated high school, Shelton started performing in area clubs and also worked a series of jobs. In 1984, his girlfriend at the time (Bette) found a job in Nashville, Tennessee (the Country music capital), and Shelton went along with her.
Down in Nashville, Shelton tried to make it big in the Country music business, trying to...
Created by dipity
on Jan 24, 2008
Last updated: 01/24/08 at 04:22 AM