Country star Blake Shelton was once denied entry at a Nashville restaurant/bar because he was sporting a baseball cap, Wranglers and cowboy boots. It infuriated him, but inspired a song titled “Kiss My Country A$$” on his new Hillbilly Bone album.
“I wasn’t welcome there,” Shelton said in an interview with Nashville's The Tennessean. “I thought, ‘I’m not going to change to fit in with your crowd.’ That’s why it’s the perfect song for me. People figure out who they are and they’re defensive about it sometimes. That’s who I am.”
Shelton's attitude has helped him maintain a successful career, seen in the 71,000 copies sold of his recent sik-pak album, Hillbilly Bone, in its first week. The album is Shelton’s highest-ever debut on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart and hit No. 2 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart.
If the success of his album wasn’t enough, the CD’s title track, which features Trace Adkins, is No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and is the fastest-selling single of Shelton’s career. The hit single’s video is also nominated for Academy of Country Music Award, which is Shelton’s first nomination since 2002.
“Oh my gosh, this is the peak for me so far,” Shelton said. “I hope it’s not the peak, but it’s definitely the highest of the mountain I’ve been so far. It’s a fun time for me right now, and it’s far enough along in my career that I appreciate it. I know how lucky I am to be this far along and still be stepping up to new levels. This is the first time I’ve experienced this type of momentum.”
Shelton’s career has been a mysterious journey according to the singer because of his inconsistency on the Country radio charts. He has had four gold albums, and all five of his albums have had a No. 1 hit. However, some singles have barely reached Top 30.
“I’ve never been one of those artists that got on a roll until now,” he said. “I think because of that I’ve remained one of those guys that people haven’t had an opportunity to get tired of. It’s always making a comeback, and I think it’s been a good spot to be in.”
Shelton will make his headlining concert debut in Nashville this Thursday, March 18, at the Ryman Auditorium.
