Blake Shelton: From Pre-Teen Mullet to Chart-Topping Heartthrob with "Austin"
Ah, "Austin." The song that launched a thousand singalongs, a million karaoke renditions, and solidified Blake Shelton's place in country music history. But how old was this fresh-faced fella with the questionable hairstyle when "Austin" first hit the airwaves? Buckle up, y'all, because we're about to take a trip down memory lane that's more fun than a mechanical bull at a bachelorette party.
How Old Was Blake Shelton When Austin Came Out |
Born to Be Wild (West)
Blake Shelton wasn't exactly born with a silver spoon in his mouth. More like a plastic spork he found at a rodeo concession stand. But this Oklahoma boy had a voice like gravel dipped in honey and a work ethic that could shame a mule. By 17, he was already in Nashville chasing his musical dreams, armed with a guitar and a mullet that could deflect satellite signals.
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
The Great Single Swap-a-Roo
Now, things almost went down a different path. Blake's record label originally planned to release a song called "I Wanna Talk About Me" as his debut single. Can you imagine? Country music would be a whole different genre if that mullet anthem had taken off! Luckily, the label gods intervened, and "Austin" was chosen instead.
"Austin" Takes Flight (and the Charts by Storm)
April 2001 is forever etched in country music history. That's the month "Austin" strutted onto the scene, a tale of a heartbroken woman seeking solace in the vibrant city of Austin. The song, with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, resonated with audiences and skyrocketed up the charts.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
So, How Old Was Blake Shelton When "Austin" Came Out?
Drumroll please... Blake Shelton was a fresh-faced 24-year-old when "Austin" took the country music world by storm. That's right, folks! This wasn't some seasoned veteran; it was a young buck with a whole career ahead of him (and thankfully, a stylist who eventually intervened on the mullet situation).
"Austin" Trivia: Did You Know?
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
- "Austin" was originally offered to Clay Walker, but he passed. Guess Clay missed out on a little bit of history!
- The song spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, tying a record for a debut single.
- "Austin" even crossed over to pop radio, peaking at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. Not too shabby for a song about a Texas city!
How To FAQs:
How to channel your inner Blake Shelton (minus the mullet): Practice your guitar skills, find your signature hat, and don't be afraid to belt out a power ballad at karaoke night.
How to move to Austin like the song: Pack your bags, embrace the weird, and get ready for some amazing live music.
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
How to avoid a record label switcheroo: Write a bunch of catchy songs, so they have a hard time choosing just one.
How to celebrate "Austin's" 23rd birthday (coming up in April 2024): Crank up the volume, grab your two-stepping partner, and get ready to relive a country music classic.
How to impress your friends with your Blake Shelton knowledge: Casually drop this fact at your next barbeque: Blake Shelton was only 24 when "Austin" came out. Boom! Instant country music trivia cred.