Ricky Van Shelton

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Ricky Van Shelton (born January 12, 1952 in Danville, Virginia) is a country singer best known for his songs "Life Turned Her That Way," "I'll Leave This World Loving You," and "I've Cried my Last Tear for You." He grew up in the small community of Grit in Pittsylvania County. He was the Country Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year for 1989. Some of his other well known songs include "Backroads," "Crime of Passion," "I am a Simple Man," "Keep it Between the Lines," and "Somebody Lied." He recorded a hit version of "Statue of a Fool," which was written by Jan Crutchfield and was originally a hit for Jack Greene, whom Van Shelton has often been compared to. Ricky Van Shelton's smooth voice has often been compared with other country music legends, including Greene, Jim Reeves, David Houston, and Ray Price. He has kept a traditional sound to his country and has a strong, loyal fan base.