Ricky Van Shelton has captured the hearts of millions of country music fans with his string of five platinum and three gold records. Ricky was born in Danville, Virginia to Jenks and Eloise Shelton. He was brought up in a small community called Grit, where his family still lives today. Ronnie and Don Shelton are his brothers, and his sisters are Judy Underwood and Cacky Guill. Ricky is the youngest sibling. When Ricky was 14 years old, his brother Ronnie tried to persuade him to sing with his band. But Ricky was into Rock 'n Roll and Ronnie was into country... Ricky just wasn't interested. But then Ronnie made an offer Ricky could not refuse. "If you'll sing with us, I'll let you drive my 1964 Fairlane." It was more than the teenage boy could resist ... a beautiful 2-door, 4-speed, 289 engine. He loved the car and quickly fell in love with the music. That same car is featured in Ricky's video, "Keep It Between The Lines" and is now owned by Ronnie's son, Jeremy Shelton.

After high school, he continued to perform wherever possible, accepting local bookings at lodges, clubs, and private parties. For years, he worked a regular day job, rehearsed in the evenings and performed on week-ends. His past jobs have included car salesman, house painter, plumber, appliance store manager and construction worker. He pumped gas at Jack Dawson's service station and even cut up chickens in the meat department of a local grocery store. Whenever a particular "day" job interfered with his "music", he quit and found something else. He started dating Bettye Witt in 1979 Bettye and Ricky were married August 4, 1986.

The two of them moved to Nashville Tennessee, to try their luck in the music business. Bettye had accepted a position as Personnel Manager with a new company; and Ricky spent his days cleaning house, writing songs and preparing his voice to be ready for his "big break". At night, Ricky visited local night clubs, making contacts in the industry and handing out homemade demos to whomever would listen. In 1986 Ricky signed a contract with CBS records.  This photo appears courtesy of Varnea Parker © 2000

Albums
Making Plans Released July,1997

Love and Honor Released November,1994

A Bridge I Didn't Burn Released August, 1993 Certified Gold

Greatest Hits Plus eleased August 1992Certified Gold

Don't Overlook Salvation Released May, 199 CertifiedPlatinum

Backroads Released May, 1991Certified Platinum

RVS III Released January,1990 Certified Platinum

RVS Sings Christmas Released December,1989 Certified Gold

Loving Proof Released September, 1988 Certified Platinum

Wild-Eyed Dream Released February, 1987Certified Platinum

Ricky is also a writer of the popular and  cute children's book "Tale From A Duck Name Quacker" a duck with a heart of gold. Quacker the Duck is a lovable wide-eyed character who looks at the world   Quacker is  published through his own company, , Ricky has sold more than 200,000 copies, RVS Books, Inc.  Ricky also likes to fly is own plane.  One of his passions is restoring classic cars.  Some of them are  1956 El Dorado Barritz Cadillac convertible, 1964 Thunderbird, 1967 Corvette 1974 TR-6, 1976 & 1977 MGB's,  1972 Chevrolet pickup Links to other Ricky Sites Ricky's  Official Site Also check out A great site filled with photos This bio appears courtesy of Ricky Van Shelton's official site