Brandon Blackstock was a talent manager and television producer best known for his influential behind-the-scenes role in the country music industry. Born into a family with deep musical roots, he was the son of Narvel Blackstock, founder of Starstruck Entertainment, and grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by the business from an early age[2]. He began his career at Starstruck Entertainment, where he managed major country artists such as Blake Shelton and the group Rascal Flatts, earning a reputation for his strategic insight and ability to guide artists through pivotal career moments[1]. Blackstock’s professional life was closely tied to his family’s legacy, including being the stepson of country music icon Reba McEntire during her marriage to his father[3]. However, he carved out his own identity through his management accomplishments, eventually taking over as manager for Kelly Clarkson, whom he married in 2013 after meeting at an industry event[2][3]. During their marriage, Blackstock also served as executive producer on The Kelly Clarkson Show, further expanding his influence in entertainment beyond music management[1][4]. Together, they had two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander, and Blackstock was also a father to two children from a previous marriage, later becoming a grandfather in 2022[3]. Despite his successes, Blackstock’s personal life faced public scrutiny, particularly during his high-profile divorce from Clarkson in 2020, which was accompanied by legal disputes over management practices[1]. After the split, his public profile diminished, but his impact on the careers of several prominent artists remained a significant part of his legacy. In 2025, Brandon Blackstock passed away at the age of 48 after a three-year battle with cancer, with sources indicating he had melanoma[1][2][3]. His death was met with public reflection on his contributions to music management and the personal challenges he faced in recent years. At the time of his passing, he was remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his role as a father and family man, with Clarkson postponing her professional commitments to support their children during this period[2]. Brandon Blackstock’s career highlights the often-unseen influence of talent managers in shaping the trajectories of major artists, and his story remains relevant for those interested in the intersections of family, fame, and the music business.