In the world of country music, stories of serendipity and chance encounters are as common as cowboy boots and acoustic guitars. But few stories are as charming and pivotal as Blake Shelton’s early days in Nashville, all sparked by the sage advice of an 80-year-old music legend.
Before Blake Shelton became a household name and a fixture on reality TV, he was a 17-year-old dreamer from Ada, Oklahoma, with a guitar and a goal. His journey to the heart of country music started with none other than Mae Axton, a formidable figure in the music industry known for co-writing Elvis Presley’s hit, “Heartbreak Hotel.”
Blake met Mae Axton in his hometown, and in a pivotal conversation, she gave him a piece of advice that would chart the course of his career. “Move to Nashville,” she told him. “And get a job.” Simple, yet profound, these words were all Blake needed to hear.
Just two weeks after graduating high school, with youthful determination and a packed bag, Blake made the move to Nashville. He reached out to Mae again, seeking her guidance on what to do next. Mae offered him a job—painting her house. It didn’t matter that Blake had never painted a wall in his life; this job would turn out to be more than just a gig.
While painting Mae’s house, Blake met her son, Hoyt Axton. Hoyt, himself a musician and songwriter, became a friend and mentor. One day, Hoyt shared a song he had written, a tune called “Ol’ Red.” This moment was pivotal. Though it would be years before Blake would record the song, it became a fan favorite and a staple in his career.
Looking back, it seems nothing short of destiny that Blake Shelton crossed paths with Mae and Hoyt Axton. Their encouragement and the song “Ol’ Red” played crucial roles in Blake’s rise to fame. His story stands as a testament to the idea that success often comes from the most unexpected places and relationships.
So, if you’re looking to make it big in Nashville, take a page from Blake’s book: get a job, and keep your eyes open for the incredible songwriters and mentors you might just meet along the way.
