The powerhouse has been on the music scene for decades.
How did she get to the top?
What is the secret to her enduring career?
Reba McEntire grew up in an incredibly close-knit family
Reba McEntire and her family are very close.
She also had a lot of family nearby.
McEntire’s family helps her stay grounded.
She even joins in and helps do chores when the family gets together.
You’re just like us.'"
McEntire toldCMT Newsthat she realized she was talented because of how her family responded to her voice.
“I wasn’t the oldest or the youngest,” she explained.
“I wasn’t the only boy, and I was usually in the way.
The rodeo runs in her blood, as her father and grandfather were both world-champion steer ropers.
“I couldn’t practice singing, but I could go practice running barrels,” said McEntire.
“That was fun.
And keeping a horse in shape that was fun.”
Two of Reba McEntire’s siblings are also talented singers.
Being a member of The Singing McEntires gave the singer her first real taste of the spotlight.
The siblings were often out all night performing.
“We played 9 to 1 for our show money,” McEntire toldCMT Newsof those early gigs.
So I’ve been in front of audiences a long time.”
Figuring she could get in to the rodeo free that way, she applied for the job.
McEntire’s teaching degree didn’t go to waste, though.
That’s what happened on the song selection for this album.
McEntire toldThe Saturday Evening Postthat it was her music that helped pull her through that dark time.
For My Broken Heart ended upgoing platinum.
McEntire also nabbed an Academy of Country Music award that year for best female vocalist.
McEntire’s success helped pave the way for future female country singers.
“Well, it was my responsibility,” she toldParadeof blazing a trail for other women.
“It was my duty.”
“I like my accent,” she toldSouthern Living.
“It’s done all right for me.”
McEntire also encourages others to be true to themselves.
McEntire told her niece not to change a thing and to just be herself.
“you’re able to’t be cookie-cutter,” she advised.
“You’ve got to stand out and be different.
A good kind of different.”
The singer admitted toCMT Newsthat she always had dreams of acting.
“I always wanted to be a movie star,” she said.
McEntire hasstarredin films likeTremorsandThe Little Rascalsand even had her own self-titled show,Reba, in the 2000s.
The country sensation toldBillboardthat she would love the chance to return to TV and perhaps star in more movies.
One thing McEntire would particularly love to star in is a reboot ofReba.
The record went platinum.
McEntire said that, again, music helped her heal from the heartbreak.
McEntire explained that most of the songs she chooses are sad songs for a good reason.
“It’s relatable,” she said.
“When a person is sad, they don’t listen to happy songs.
I guess misery loves company.”
Making the award even more significant was that the album was McEntire’s first gospel album ever.
She said that she has enough material for several more gospel albums.
The silliest involved a joke she played on a friend, Vanessa Foster.
“That’s real hard to get out!”
“On a large business decision, I always talk to God about it,” she said.
At her core, she’s still a simple country girl, and her personal fashion style reflects that.
For McEntire, style is all about comfort.
McEntire’s personal style really shines through in her Reba by Justin boot line.
“I wanted high-end,” she explained of starting the line.
“I wanted great quality.
I wanted comfort.”
The group performed at a lot of venues where people wanted to hear dance music.
“And so that’s what we have on this album,” McEntire toldThe Boot.
Instead of “bro music,” McEntire would like country to return to its roots.
“The country of Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Ronnie Milsap, Mel Tillis,” she said.
“I miss that kind of country.”
We wonder what McEntire thinks of popular country singers likeMiranda Lambert,Faith Hill, andKacey Musgraves!
