Introduction
Before he was a household name, a coach on “The Voice,” or a Grand Ole Opry member, Blake Shelton was just a kid in Ada, Oklahoma, learning the value of a hard day’s work. It turns out, if his chart-topping country music career hadn’t taken off, Shelton had a very different path in mind – one that involved calloused hands and dirt under his fingernails.
A Man of Many Trades
While his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence have captivated millions, Shelton’s roots are firmly planted in the practical. He’s often shared that his first job was roofing houses in his hometown. “That’s what I was doing before,” he once told CBS’s Gayle King, when asked what he’d be doing if he weren’t a musician. Though he joked he’d have to “relearn now,” it’s clear the experience left an impression. He even quipped in a 2018 video that roofing “made me want to be a country singer!”
But roofing wasn’t his only hands-on skill. Before his debut single “Austin” hit the airwaves in 2001, Shelton also spent time laying brick, trimming trees, and mowing lawns. He recalled these early jobs with fondness, stating there’s “something honest about it. You put in a good day’s work and can see what you accomplished.”
Life on the Ranch: His “Therapy”
Even with global fame, Shelton remains incredibly grounded. He and his wife, Gwen Stefani, spend significant time on their Oklahoma ranch, where Shelton isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Friends say he finds peace in the simple tasks: fencing, feeding animals, cleaning barns, and driving his tractor. He’s even been known to impress Stefani’s California family by single-handedly hauling a fallen tree out of the road with his truck and a chain – a testament to his practical skills.
Shelton’s appreciation for physical labor extends beyond his own property. He’s a vocal supporter of farmers, construction workers, and ranch hands, calling them “the real rock stars.” His philanthropy often focuses on agricultural communities and veterans, showcasing his commitment to the backbone of America. His chain of “Ole Red” bars and restaurants also began as a way to honor his roots and create jobs in small towns.
The Life Not Lived (But Still Cherished)
When asked if he’d truly swap the stage for a spade, Shelton’s humility shines through. “If I hadn’t picked up that instrument,” he stated, “I’d still be happy. I’d still be myself. I’d probably have a few more scars and a terrible back, but I’d have a family, a truck, a friendly dog, and a porch to sit on. That is more than enough.”
His wife, Gwen, has even joked that if Blake weren’t a country star, he’d likely have a YouTube channel called “Fix It With Blake,” teaching viewers how to build deer blinds and grill ribs – and it would undoubtedly have millions of subscribers.
Blake Shelton may be one of country music’s biggest stars, but he’s never forgotten the “other Blake” – the one who finds satisfaction in honest work and the simple pleasures of rural life. It’s this grounded authenticity that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.