Seeing Double: Shelton Celebrates Two No. 1s

Celebrating “Boys Round Here” are (back row, L-R): Big Loud Publishing’s Matt Turner, Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, producer Scott Hendricks, and ASCAP’s Michael Martin; (front row, L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, co-writer Craig Wiseman, Blake Shelton, and co-writers Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins. Photo: Jason Davis

Double the hits, double the fun! Blake Shelton toasted two No. 1s yesterday (Feb. 19) during an event co-hosted by BMI and ASCAP at his management home, Starstruck. Two of Nashville’s current songwriting dream teams penned the smashes “Boys ‘Round Here” and “Mine Would Be You.” Craig Wiseman, Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins are the re-re-re-re-red-necks responsible for “Boys…”. Connie Harrington, Jessi Alexander and Deric Ruttan penned “Mine,” and knew that Shelton would be the perfect artist to deliver their line about make-up sex.

It wasn’t an understatement when BMI head Jody Williams proclaimed that the music of BMI affiliates Davidson and Akins have “defined this era of Country music.” This marked both writers’ 17th chart-toppers. “It is so cool Blake makes time to come to Nashville to honor the songwriters who write these hits,” continued Williams.

ASCAP’s Michael Martin saluted Wiseman, who was celebrating his 21st trip to No. 1. “Craig is the hardest working man in this town,” he said.

The party’s No. 1 tally was led by producer Scott Hendricks, who was toasting his 56th. “Scott Hendricks makes THE BEST records,” Williams cheered. “He wins!”

Wiseman complimented Hendricks for balancing his meticulousness in the studio with a little fun and embracing the track’s redneck intro and the Pistol Annies’ vocals.

Almost every one who approached the mic complimented Shelton’s singing abilities. “His ‘Voice’ is a game changer,” cracked Sony/ATV’s Tom Luteran.

Celebrating “Mine Would Be You” are (back row, l-r): Disney Music’s Patrick Clifford, BMI’s Jody Williams, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, producer Scott Hendricks, This Music’s Rusty Gaston, and ASCAP’s Michael Martin; (front row, L-R): Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, co-writers Deric Ruttan and Jessi Alexander, Blake Shelton, and co-writer Connie Harrington. Photo: Jason Davis

Williams returned to the podium when it was time to celebrate the success of “Mine Would Be You,” calling it “another little masterpiece” from writers Alexander and Harrington, who previously earned major accolades for penning “I Drive Your Truck” with Jimmy Yeary.

Alexander, a Disney songwriter, recently celebrated her hot streak—it’s her fourth trip to No. 1—with a congratulatory free trip to Disney World. The mother of three thanked her support team, including husband Jon Randall Stewart who was in attendance, for making it possible for her to be a working mom. She thanked pal Shelton for keeping traditional country alive.

Harrington said they knew “Mine Would Be You” was a special song, so they put extra care in to every line. She is partners in This Music with Rusty Gaston and Tim Nichols. Gaston enthusiastically saluted Harrington’s work ethic and kindness, and Ruttan’s attention to detail, which makes his songs sparkle. “There was only one pitch, and that was to Blake,” Gaston explained before giving a shout out to the Warner Music Nashville radio promo staff led by Kevin Herring.

“It’s a song for the ages,” proclaimed Disney Music Publishing’s Patrick Clifford.

“Only Blake can deliver a song with this much emotion,” added Ruttan, noting Shelton’s ability to record songs as different as “Boys” and “Mine.” Ruttan, who has had notable success in Canada, recalled writing with Shelton many years ago: “Back when I had no hits and he had a mullet.”

“We were building a building around Blake,” summed WMN’s John Esposito. These hits mark Shelton’s ninth and tenth consecutive No. 1s—now that’s a solid foundation.