Saturday, March 13, 2010, 3:45 p.m.

RODEOHOUSTON performance

RODEOHOUSTON appearances: 2010

It’s a long way from Ada, Okla., where Blake Shelton dreamed early on of a career in music.

Shelton played the Oklahoma City club circuit while still in high school. Mae Axton, writer of the Elvis Presley's classic "Heartbreak Hotel," saw Shelton perform and told him to move to Nashville and that she was willing to help him get a record deal. He moved there just two weeks after graduation.

Five albums later, Shelton has secured several number one singles. With the release of Startin’ Fires, Shelton turns to a more autobiographical album that is a reflection of who he is and the things he loves. The album has plenty of all the elements that make Shelton the multidimensional artist he is today — soaring melodies, passionate lyrics, a bit of romance and songs that celebrate the country life.

Singles

"Green," "Don’t Make Me," "The More I Drink," "Some Beach," "Nobody but Me," "Goodbye Time," "Heavy Liftin’," "The Baby," "Austin," "Ol’ Red"