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All Roads Lead To the Opry: Blake Shelton

July 31, 2020

Blake Shelton is a household name in the country music world, but before he reached that level of fame, he spent his childhood in his hometown of Ada, Oklahoma. He spent years learning how to play the guitar and honing his vocals before moving to Nashville at the age of 17 and, ultimately, becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Which Opry member’s hometown are we heading to today?

We’re Heading to Oklahoma...

We've visited many Opry member hometowns in Oklahoma in recent weeks, but a trip to Oklahoma just wouldn't be complete if we didn't stop by Blake Shelton's too.

When Blake was younger, he was a regular performer here at McSwain Theatre in Ada, OK

The McSwain Theatre

When Blake was younger, he was a regular performer at the McSwain Theatre in downtown Ada.

Fellow Okie and country music icon, Reba McEntire, also played here in her early days.

Does this water tower look familiar? Blake Shelton fans will recognize this piece of his hometown that was featured on the cover of “Bringing Back the Sunshine”

The Ada Water Tower

When Blake was ready to release his Bringing Back the Sunshine album in 2014, he made a shoutout to Ada by featuring its water tower on the front cover.

AND OF COURSE, you can’t come to Blake Shelton’s hometown without a visit to Ole Red Tishomingo in Tishomingo, OK

Ole Red Tishomingo

You just can't trace Blake's road to Nashville and the Opry without a stop in the neighboring town of Tishomingo.

Blake's bar and restaurant, Ole Red, is located right in the center of town. Stop by for a cold drink and some great live music, handpicked by Blake himself!

Blake made his Opry debut on May 5, 2001 and was inducted as a member on October 23, 2010

Making It to the Grandest Stage

Blake made his Opry debut on May 5, 2001, and was later inducted as a member on October 23, 2010.

“I get the same feeling when I come to the Opry as when I see one of my heroes,” says Blake. “I am in awe. To me, the Grand Ole Opry is an artist and I’m really proud to be one of its songs.” — Blake Shelton

Opry member Blake Shelton was the first to screw in his own member plate.

Starting a New Tradition

Blake was the first Opry member to screw in his own member nameplate —  and every member since has done the same.

All Roads Lead to the Opry and yours can, too! Come take a tour to see the impact Blake has made on the Opry and Country Music!

All Roads Lead to the Opry

On the way to rising to country music stardom, Blake has always kept his Oklahoma roots close —  especially on his journey to becoming an Opry member.

Want to experience it for yourself? Come visit us at the Grand Ole Opry and discover the impact Blake has made on our Opry family and country music history.

Take a Tour of the Opry

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