Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire
Name	Reba McEntire
Caption	McEntire in 2019
Birth name	Reba Nell McEntire
Birth date	28 March 1955
Birth place	McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S.
Occupation	Singer, actress, businesswoman
Years active	1975–present
Genre	Country music, country pop
Label	Mercury Records, MCA Nashville, Starstruck Records, Valory Music Co., Big Machine Records
Spouse	Charlie Battles (m. 1976; div. 1987), Narvel Blackstock (m. 1989; div. 2015)
Website	reba.com

Reba McEntire is an American singer, actress, and businesswoman, widely regarded as one of the most successful artists in country music history. With a career spanning over four decades, she has sold tens of millions of albums worldwide, earned numerous accolades including multiple Grammy Awards, and has successfully crossed over into television and film. Known for her powerful voice and emotive storytelling, she has become a defining figure in the genre and a significant cultural icon.

Early life and education

Reba Nell McEntire was born on March 28, 1955, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to Jacqueline and Clark McEntire, a champion steer roper. She grew up on a ranch in Chockie with her siblings, including future recording artist Susie Luchsinger, and was immersed in the world of rodeo from a young age. McEntire and her siblings formed a singing group, performing at local events and rodeos across Oklahoma and Texas. She attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, where she studied elementary education while also competing on the university's rodeo team.

Music career

McEntire's professional music career began in 1975 after she was discovered by country music artist Red Steagall while singing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. She signed with Mercury Records the following year, releasing her self-titled debut album. Her early work was rooted in traditional country music, but she achieved major commercial success after moving to MCA Nashville in the 1980s. Hit albums like Whoever's in New England (1986) and Reba (1988) produced a string of number-one singles on the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs chart, including "How Blue" and "The Last One to Know". Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she continued to dominate with acclaimed albums such as For My Broken Heart (1991) and Read My Mind (1994), and later founded her own label, Starstruck Records. She is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Acting career

McEntire successfully transitioned into acting, making her film debut in the 1990 comedy Tremors. She gained wider recognition for her starring role in the WB/CW television sitcom Reba, which aired from 2001 to 2007 and earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination. She has made numerous guest appearances on shows like Malcolm in the Middle and The Simpsons, and starred in television movies for networks like Lifetime. On Broadway, she headlined the 2001 revival of the musical Annie Get Your Gun, receiving critical acclaim. More recently, she has served as a coach on the television singing competition The Voice.

Business ventures

Beyond entertainment, McEntire has established herself as a savvy entrepreneur. She co-owns Starstruck Entertainment, a multifaceted management and production company based in Nashville. She has launched several successful product lines, including a clothing collection sold at Dillard's and a home furnishings line. She is also a published author, having released an autobiography and children's books. Her brand partnerships have included collaborations with companies like Liquid-plumr and Ritz-Carlton.

Personal life

McEntire was married to Charlie Battles, a former Oklahoma rodeo champion, from 1976 until their divorce in 1987. In 1989, she married her former manager, Narvel Blackstock, with whom she has one son, Shelby Blackstock, a professional race car driver. The couple divorced in 2015 after 26 years of marriage. McEntire is a lifelong supporter of rodeo and charitable causes, including the Reba McEntire Center at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She has been open about her Christian faith and maintains a residence in Nashville.

Legacy and influence

Reba McEntire's impact on country music and popular culture is profound. She is credited with paving the way for a generation of female country artists, including Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, and Carrie Underwood, through her artistic independence and business acumen. With over 35 studio albums, she holds the record for the most number-one singles by a female artist on the ''Billboard'' country charts in the 1980s and 1990s. Her ability to evolve artistically while maintaining a connection to her roots has solidified her status as a legend. Institutions like the Kennedy Center Honors have recognized her contributions to American culture, ensuring her enduring legacy as the "Queen of Country."

Category:American country singers Category:American actresses Category:American businesswomen