Ashton Shepherd

Ashton Shepherd – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Dive into the life and artistry of Ashton Shepherd — an American country singer-songwriter born on August 16, 1986 — exploring her roots, musical rise, legacy, and inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Ashton Delilah Shepherd (born August 16, 1986) is an American country music singer and songwriter known for her authentic, rootsy sound, emotionally honest lyrics, and strong Southern identity.

Since signing with MCA Nashville in 2007, she’s released several albums, charted hits like “Takin’ Off This Pain” and “Look It Up,” and later shifted to independent releases.

Her story is one of early talent, perseverance, and musical integrity. In this article, we’ll explore her journey, creative voice, and the lessons her life offers to aspiring artists.

Early Life and Family

Ashton Shepherd was born in Coffeeville, Alabama.

Her parents supported her musical ambitions from a young age — she began writing songs as early as age five.

When she was about fifteen, she independently released a self-titled CD, financed with help from her family. That early drive and grassroots effort foreshadowed her later approach to music.

Youth, Education & Musical Awakening

Though detailed accounts of her formal education aren’t prominent in public sources, Ashton’s musical development clearly began in childhood.

She regularly performed at local events, fairs, and small venues in Alabama as a teenager.

In 2006, she won a talent contest in Gilbertown, Alabama. The prize: to open for country artist Lorrie Morgan.

That moment marked her transition from local performer to professional recording artist.

Career and Achievements

Signing & Debut (2007–2009)

Shortly after signing, Ashton released her debut single “Takin’ Off This Pain” in September 2007.

Her first album, Sounds So Good, was released March 4, 2008 under MCA Nashville. “Takin’ Off This Pain” and “Sounds So Good.”

The album peaked at No. 16 on the Top Country Albums chart and No. 90 on the Billboard 200.

Growth and Second Album (2010–2012)

Her second album, Where Country Grows, was released in July 2011. “Look It Up” was released earlier (January 3, 2011) and became one of her biggest hits, peaking at No. 19 on the Hot Country Songs chart.

The title track “Where Country Grows” was co-written with Bobby Pinson and released as a single in July 2011.

In mid-2012, she parted ways with MCA Nashville.

Independent Phase & Later Work

After leaving the label, Shepherd launched her own label (Pickin’ Shed Records) and released This Is America on her birthday, August 16, 2013.

She followed with Out of My Pocket, released June 14, 2016.

Though her later records did not chart as prominently, she maintained creative control and continued crafting music aligned with her identity.

Collaborations & Features

She’s performed backup vocals on Luke Bryan’s “Tailgate Blues” (on his Tailgates & Tanlines album).

Her style has been compared to traditional country voices, and critics often pointed out the sincerity and lived experience in her delivery.

Historical Context & Milestones

• Ashton’s debut era (late 2000s) was a time when country music was blending more pop elements; her more traditional sound stood out against that backdrop.

• Her move to independence mirrors a broader trend of artists seeking more control amid shifting music industry models (streaming, digital distribution, etc.).

• Her ability to write or cowrite much of her material gives her a stronger artistic identity in an era when many performers rely more heavily on outside songwriters.

Legacy and Influence

Though not as commercially dominant as some contemporaries, Ashton Shepherd’s legacy lies in:

• Artistic authenticity: She has remained true to her roots, valuing storytelling and emotional honesty over chasing trends.

• Inspiration to independent artists: Her transition from a major label to self-released work offers a blueprint for creative autonomy.

• Respect in country circles: She earned admiration among fans and peers for her voice, songwriting, and integrity.

• Longevity of influence: Even if she isn’t topping charts now, her earlier work continues to resonate with listeners who favor “country with soul.”

Personality and Artistic Strengths

Ashton Shepherd projects genuineness, groundedness, and introspection. Her style tends toward the honest — she doesn’t hide behind genre tropes but lets her voice convey emotion and memory.

She combines the roles of singer and songwriter, which gives her music coherence and a personal stamp. Her rural upbringing and deep connection to Southern and country traditions often appear in lyrical imagery and tone.

She also wrestles with the demands of touring life and family life (as seen in her statements below), showing her as a person balancing art and personal responsibility.

Famous Quotes of Ashton Shepherd

Here are some quotes that reflect her mindset, values, and reflections on music, life, and family:

“Sometimes I get in writing moods and I want to write a song every couple of days. Then sometimes I may not write a song for three weeks. It’s just according to how it’s hitting me at the time.”

“First and foremost, praying about things and having the good Lord as a part of my life is a huge grounding thing for me.”

“I drink a lot of water and I try to watch what I eat. The thing about me is I like healthy stuff, I like fruits and veggies, so it’s all about moderation.”

“I’m thankful to God for having a family that’s been there for me. He’s been there from the time I was a child to even now with my family helping with my little boy. It’s worth more than words could ever describe. That’s one of the ways I’ve been able to stay grounded is thanks to family and God.”

“It was a lot easier to write songs before I had a record deal, because the record labels and the industry doesn’t mean to put pressure on you, but they do. They don’t realize that they are, but you end up having a pressure there that you feel. At times I feel myself wanting to say, ‘Just let me do what I do.’”

“One of my favorites is one called ‘Rory’s Radio’ that I wrote about my brother Jeff’s best friend growing up — his name was Rory Dunigan. I dedicated my first record to my brother, who got killed in a car accident in 1999, and I really didn’t have any songs on the first album about him, nothing on a personal note.”

“It feels so satisfying to hear a song I wrote come out of the radio.”

“Maybe you could call me a little controlling or I like things to be my way, but since I was a little girl, I’ve known what I wanted. I’m very rootsy, but it really hadn’t ever caused me too much strife. I really know when to say when. I’m not too outward but I’m very honest.”

“I’ll get depressed out on the road simply because I’m not being the mama that’s cooking supper every night, or that’s fixing my husband’s plate and my baby’s plate. You miss those things, and I miss them.”

These quotes reveal her humility, her struggle with the balance between career and family, her spiritual grounding, and her artistic desires.

Lessons from Ashton Shepherd

1. Artistry and authenticity matter.
   Rather than chasing trends, Ashton prioritized expressing her own voice and lived experience.

2. The path to independence is valid.
   Leaving a major label and releasing music independently is risky — but it can allow more creative freedom.

3. Balance is a challenge.
   Her reflections on missing domestic life while on tour show the emotional cost many artists face.

4. Be patient with the creative process.
   Her quote about sometimes writing and sometimes not demonstrates that inspiration is not uniform or forced.

5. Roots and identity ground your work.
   Her Alabama upbringing, family support, and faith all remain central to her identity and music.

Conclusion

Ashton Shepherd’s journey from a young songwriter in rural Alabama to a recording artist with both label-backed and independent releases is inspiring. Her commitment to sincerity, her musical integrity, and her reflections on life and family give depth beyond charts and awards.

Her story reminds us that in music (and in life), staying true to one’s voice, being patient with process, and balancing ambition with values can lead to a meaningful legacy.