One of the constants in the music industry is that songs often get passed around to other artists. It's certainly not the most romantic idea. But even artists who write their own songs can occasionally pass their work to others. Certain song structures and styles fit tailor-made for specific artists and get sent to them occasionally. However, there are other instances where some of our favorite records were given to someone else first. This is the case for Blake Shelton, who recalls one of Toby Keith's biggest hits landing his lap. However, it takes a turn when the record label shoots down his take on the song.
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Recently, Shelton went on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to promote his latest album, For Recreational Use Only. There, he pokes fun at the album cover and title and becomes the butt of a few jokes. Then, the pair briefly dig back into his career, where Blake reveals that he was the first artist to have Toby Keith's hit "I Wanna Talk About Me."
Blake Shelton Reveals The Toby Keith Hit He Made First
"So listen to this: my producer at the time was a guy named Bobby Braddock, and he wrote me this song because I used to have these stupid raps. I would come into the studio singing every day about, you know, doo-doo and things like that. You know. Fun things," Blake quips.
One night in particular sees Braddock conjure up the lyrics for "I Wanna Talk About Me." Immediately, Shelton gave the record a swing and it was a favorite with everyone in the studio. However, his record label wanted absolutely no parts with the song. This leaves Blake powerless and cuts other records in the meantime.
Braddock, though, was certain he had a hit. Consequently, he shopped the record around to different artists, with Blake Shelton as the reference point. Toby Keith hopped on the song immediately and it became a smash. Goes to show Shelton's label didn't know what they were talking about. Either that or they didn't buy his ability to pull that song off.
