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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZSHELTON, Ricky Van(b 12 Jan. '52, Grit VA) Country neo-traditionalist. Father was part-time gospel musician; older brother played in a country band; worked in construction and as car salesman, performed music at weekends; moved to Nashville mid-'80s; signed to Columbia '86 and began a chart-topping run with 'Somebody Lied' '87 through to 'Keep It Between The Lines' '91 (ten no. ones incl. 'Rockin' Years' duet with Dolly Parton), plus several top tens, the last 'Wild Man' '92. Won a wall full of awards, mainly fan-voted like TNN/Music City News, plus gold and platinum albums; took to drinking that nearly finished his career. Kicked the habit '91 and made religious album Don't Overlook Salvation that went platinum. A talented artist and storyteller, wrote self-published children's book Tales From A Duck Named Quaker '92, a best- seller that led to a series. Radio stopped playing his singles, though albums continued to sell and tours were always sold out; fan base was large and loyal. Albums (all gold) incl. Wild-Eyed Dreams '87, Living Proof '88, RVS III '90, Backroads '91, A Bridge I Didn't Burn '93. |