What the Heck Happened to Ricky Van Shelton? Who is Ricky Van Shelton?
by Ayisha
Updated Jul 21, 2023
What the Heck Happened to Ricky Van Shelton?
Ricky Van Shelton, a country music sensation in the late 1980s and early 1990s, experienced a significant decline in his career after reaching the pinnacle of success. His career trajectory changed drastically, leading him to ultimately disappear from the music scene.
During his heyday, Ricky Van Shelton was a big deal, with nearly a dozen No. 1 hits between 1987 and 1991, and he was recognized as the 1989 CMA Male Vocalist of the Year. However, around the same time, something profound happened in his life – he had a "come-to-Jesus moment," as he described it.
This life-altering event was not a metaphorical expression; it was a real encounter with the devil. The details of this experience were both terrifying and inspiring, leaving a lasting impact on Shelton.
While he alluded to personal challenges, including issues with infidelity and struggles with alcohol, in the 1990s, the full extent of the troubles he faced was revealed in his wife's tell-all book. These issues undoubtedly added to the turmoil in his life and further impacted his career.
Ricky Van Shelton bid farewell to the music industry in 2000. He released a Christmas album that year, and his final studio album, "Fried Green Tomatoes," was also released in May of that same year. After that, he effectively vanished from public life, leaving behind a void in the country music world.
Despite his immense talent and the accolades he received, Ricky Van Shelton made a definitive decision to step away from the limelight and has not made any public appearances or performances since then. This total retirement from the industry has left fans wondering about his whereabouts and the reasons behind his disappearance.
The Secret History of Country Music podcast delves into Ricky Van Shelton's life, shedding light on the personal struggles he faced and the significant turning point in his career.
While the specific details of his current life remain largely unknown, it is evident that his encounter with the devil and other personal challenges profoundly impacted him, leading him to bid farewell to the music industry and retreat from public view.
Ricky Van Shelton's journey from country music stardom to complete retirement is a tale of triumphs and struggles, with personal demons and a life-changing encounter influencing his decision to vanish from the public eye.
His legacy as a talented singer and performer endures, but his absence from the spotlight has left many fans wondering what became of him in the years following his exit from the music industry.
Who is Ricky Van Shelton?
Ricky Van Shelton is a retired American country music singer known for his remarkable success in the country music industry between 1986 and 2006. He gained widespread recognition with over 20 singles charting on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts during his career.
Notably, he achieved an impressive ten Number One hits, including popular songs such as "Somebody Lied," "Life Turned Her That Way," "Don't We All Have the Right," and "I'll Leave This World Loving You."
His success continued with chart-topping duets like "Rockin' Years" with Dolly Parton and covers like "From a Jack to a King," a rendition of the Ned Miller hit. Throughout his music journey, Shelton released a total of nine studio albums, with the first four earning a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Despite retiring from the music scene in 2006, Ricky Van Shelton's contributions and impact on country music remain enduring and influential.
Born in 1952 in Danville, Virginia, Ricky Van Shelton was exposed to gospel music at a young age through his father, who sang gospel songs. This early musical influence led Ricky to embrace gospel music, but as a teenager, he developed a deep affection for country music.
He started singing in his brother's band and showcased his talents at local gatherings. Combining his gospel roots with country sounds, Ricky Van Shelton's distinctive style resonated with audiences and catapulted him to stardom in the country music world.
Despite his retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of chart-topping hits and a lasting impact on the genre, making him an esteemed figure in the history of country music.
Ricky Van Shelton Bio
Real Name
Ricky Van Shelton
Stage Name
Ricky Van Shelton
Profession
Singer, songwriter
Date of Birth
January 12, 1952
Place of Birth
Danville, Virginia, United States
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$1 Million
Marital Status
Married
Zodiac Sign
Capricorn
Specifications
Details
Ricky Van Shelton Songs
1
Wild-Eyed Dream
1987
2
Loving Proof
1988
3
RVS III
1990
4
Backroads
1991
5
Don't Overlook Salvation
1992
6
A Bridge I Didn't Burn
1993
7
Love and Honor
1994
8
Making Plans
1998
9
Fried Green Tomatoes
2000
S. No.
Album Title
Release Year
What the Heck Happened to Ricky Van Shelton - FAQs
Ricky Van Shelton was born on January 12, 1952, in Danville, Virginia, United States.
Ricky Van Shelton's career as a country music singer was active between 1986 and 2006.
In the 1990s, Ricky Van Shelton faced personal challenges related to issues of infidelity and struggles with alcohol.
Ricky Van Shelton bid farewell to the music industry in 2000.
Ricky Van Shelton is currently retired from the music industry and has not been active in the public eye since his departure.
Ricky Van Shelton released a total of nine studio albums throughout his country music career.