Blake Shelton Parts Ways with Warner Music Nashville After More Than 20 Years

Blake Shelton made waves in the country music world with his No.1 debut single “Austin” in April 2001. Months later, he released his self-titled debut album on Giant Records. Then, two years later, he released his sophomore album The Dreamer on Warner Music Nashville. That album was the beginning of a 23-year-long partnership with the label. According to a press release, that partnership has come to an end.

Shelton announced his amicable split from his longtime label home this morning (September 3). Both Shelton and representatives from Warner Bros. Records made statements in the release, stating that it was an amicable split.

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Blake Shelton Leaves Warner Music Nashville

“I moved to Nashville when I was 17 to sing country music and get a record deal,” Shelton shared in the statement. “Along with the support from Warner, my dreams came true, and then some,” he added. “It’s impossible to name everyone who has had a hand in all the success we enjoyed, but a huge and heartfelt thank you to the Giant Records, Warner Bros. Records, and Warner Music Nashville staff and family,” Shelton concluded.

Representatives from Warner Music Nashville also spoke on the partnership. “Working alongside Blake these past 23 years has been an honor and a privilege. Together, we’ve celebrated a record number of hit songs, sold-out tours, and award wins,” they wrote. “Blake’s talent is undeniable, but that wit of his, and the countless moments of laughter he’s given us remind us how fun this business of music can be,” they added. “While our time together has come to an end, we count ourselves amongst his biggest fans and are grateful for the ride with this true gentleman and icon.”

Shelton had a massively successful run with Warner Music Nashville. The run includes 11 studio albums, all of which were top 10 hits on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. All but one made the top five. The Oklahoma native would also see success on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Eight of those albums were top 10 hits on the all-genre chart. Two of them—Red River Blue and Bringing Back the Sunshine—went to No. 1 on the all-genre survey.

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