A significant milestone in the Red Dirt music scene is set for February 28, 2024, when Shelby Stone will join Cross Canadian Ragweed and Turnpike Troubadours at the Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Georgia. This concert marks not only the first time the “Boys From Oklahoma” tour performs at a venue other than a stadium but also makes Stone the first woman to be featured on the lineup.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Stone expressed her excitement: “I’ve never even been to Georgia. I’ve never played an arena, just the occasional national anthem gig. And now I get to open for two of the biggest and historical bands in the Red Dirt scene? I’m beyond honored, and honestly just grateful as hell.”
Stone’s rise to prominence has been a remarkable journey from her roots in Decatur, Texas. Over the past year, she has transitioned from a local act to gaining national attention. Earlier this year, she opened for Turnpike Troubadours at the newly opened Pinnacle in Nashville. She also showcased her talent at Circus Mexicus, an annual festival in Puerto Penasco, Mexico, organized by one of her mentors, Roger Clyne.
She made her mark further by touring with American Aquarium this summer, gaining valuable experience in various venues. The release of her debut album, Silveryear, in August 2023, showcased her artistry. Uniquely, the album was made available only through physical formats and digital downloads on her website, with streaming services set to follow in April 2026. This approach was intentional, allowing her early supporters who crowdfunded the project to access it first.
“I wanted to get it to our backers immediately,” Stone explained. “For everyone else, I wanted to give people the opportunity to purchase the album directly before it hits streaming, where artists make pennies on the dollar.” Stone’s commitment to her fans shines through in this strategy, reflecting her desire to prioritize genuine connections over conventional industry practices.
The initial response to Silveryear has been overwhelmingly positive. On the day of its release, Stone experienced a flurry of notifications about the album while waiting at the Denver airport, a testament to her growing popularity. Her music, characterized by themes of angst and heartache, resonates with audiences, particularly when delivered with her commanding stage presence.
Despite her current success, Stone initially had little interest in pursuing music. Growing up in a private school environment steeped in religion, she found herself drawn to Texas country and Christian music but aspired to become an ER doctor. A pivotal moment occurred in 2019 while studying at UT-Arlington, where she began working at a local country radio station, The Ranch.
“I started working at the radio station and realized this was a whole thing,” she recalled. “They made me get on stage at a Christmas party, and I immediately changed my major from nursing to music.” Stone’s first performance took place on Valentine’s Day 2020, and despite the pandemic’s challenges, she found opportunities to perform at various venues.
During her early career, Stone studied the trajectories of successful female artists like Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves. She sought mentorship from industry veterans, including Shannon Canada, the manager of Cross Canadian Ragweed. Her persistence led to a friendship with Dalton Domino, who became her manager and provided vital guidance.
“From 2020 to 2022 when I met him, there were six different tweets that I made saying, ‘All I want is a mentor,’” she said. “He has been an insane game-changer, from the songs to the branding to the shows that we take.” With the support of experienced professionals like P.H. Naffah, the drummer of Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Stone produced her debut album in Arizona, establishing a solid foundation for her career.
Stone’s determination and talent have not gone unnoticed. After her performance at Larry Joe Taylor’s annual festival in 2022, she received encouragement to continue pursuing her songwriting. “You could sing the alphabet to these people and they would cry,” Taylor told her.
The upcoming concert with Cross Canadian Ragweed and Turnpike Troubadours represents a full-circle moment for Stone. She was surprised when her agent, Jon Folk, texted her the offer: “My jaw hit the floor and stayed there,” she said. “Growing up, when someone said ‘CCR,’ I honestly thought they meant Cross Canadian Ragweed, not Creedence Clearwater Revival.”
As she prepares for this significant performance, Stone continues to build a loyal fanbase and refine her craft. “I know what I like as a fan,” she stated. “Treat me like a real person, and also reward me when I do what you want.” Her approach seeks to foster a deeper connection with her audience, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in the music industry.
With her debut album continuing to gain traction, and a highly anticipated concert on the horizon, Shelby Stone is poised for a promising future in the Red Dirt music scene. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of passion, perseverance, and community support in the pursuit of artistic dreams.
