Life & Work with JD Shelburne of Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tn. (March 25, 2025) Kentucky Native JD Shelburne was next on Nashville Voyager. They connected and asked JD Shelburne some questions on his journey to where he is today. Read the interview below.

Today we’d like to introduce you to JD Shelburne

Hi JD, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in a smalltown called Taylorsville, KY, a tiny town 40 miles east of Louisville, KY. After the death of my grandmother in June of 2002, I discovered an acoustic guitar soon after – my freshman year in college. I spent several years teaching myself chords and songs while attending college. Voice came with it naturally and I started playing shows out in Lexington and nearby Louisville. My fan base started to slowly build and build fast. I graduated college in 2007 and moved to Nashville in 2008. I have been on the journey of my life playing over 3,000 shows, opened for 75 National Acts including ZZ Top’s last show with Dusty, recorded with the Oak Ridge Boys, reached the iTunes Top Ten Country Chart in 2021, achieved 8 straight music videos on CMT and reached #1 on the 12 pack countdown twice, recorded 6 albums, performed at the Ryman, Grand Ole Opry House, Freedom Hall, Rupp Arena, Great American Ballpark & more, reached millions of fans and raised thousands of dollars for multiple charities.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Most of all it’s been smooth. I have faced a few challenges but most that I was able to overcome. I have built my own ship since day one, building fans, booking shows, hiring my band, building fans, selling my own merch and more. Spending weekends on the road traveling and selling my music and brand to anyone that would listen. Literally everything and anything you can think of. Anything that I have been able to achieve has been due to hard work & success and because of my loyal fan base. When you are an independent artist, there are hurdles and shows & streams you just cannot get without a label so that has been a little tougher to grab but overall, I’ve lived the American Dream and I am very proud of what I have built professionally and financially.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a country artist/singer songwriter
I am known for being Kentucky born, 2 #1 music videos on CMT, recording with the Oak Ridge Boys, being named an Ambassador of my home state and being featured on the Kentucky Tourism Visitors Guide in 2020.

I am most proud of the success I have been able to reach on my own. No label helped or pushed me. I did this all on my own. Fans propelled me and I stayed glued to this every day since finding guitar. Something about the chase made me continue to reach new heights and want more.

I think what sets me a part from the rest is my personality and relationship with my fans. People tell me this all the time. I take time with fans, get to know them and never forget names. I am a people person and music has really ignited that over the years with popularity.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Surround yourself with a small circle of good honest people. Make people earn your trust. They’ll be your biggest fans and never stir you wrong. Never give your money to people that haven’t earned it first in the business. Be very aware and watch them 24/7. I have learned that most people in today’s world will do anything to get your money. Especially, the music business. It’s full of sharks. You can do it ALL yourself these days and get as far as you want with only investing in your music. Keep building up your social media and never give up. Never go a day without posting online about something. Never lose momentum.

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