Ricky Van Shelton was only active as a performer for 20 years. But during those decades, he earned 10 chart-topping hits, including “Somebody Lied,” “Living Proof,” and his “Rockin’ Years” duet with Dolly Parton.
The first four of Shelton’s nine studio albums have been certified Platnium by the RIAA. This means they have sold over one million units each.
Shelton released his last single and album in 2000. He announced his retirement in 2006, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
Of all of the singers in this list, Shelton is one that has truly “vanished.” He hasn’t performed in public since announcing his retirement. The Grand Ole Opry, of which Shelton is a member, says:
“He has distinguished himself as a painter, pilot, collector, and author. His series of children’s books about a duck named Quacker has sold more than 200,000 copies, and his paintings can be viewed by his fans on the Internet.”