Reba McEntire is one of the most iconic and influential names in country music. Over the past four decades, she has cemented herself as a formidable force in the entertainment industry with her powerful vocals, bold personality, and undeniable charm.
Beyond her incredible music career filled with 33 studio albums, 35 #1 hits, and various awards, Reba has an intriguing background story and personal life. Here are 10 fascinating facts you may not know about this country queen:
- She was named after her mother’s favorite film star.
Reba Nell McEntire was born on March 28, 1955 in McAlester, Oklahoma. Her mother named her after film actress Reba Rivers from the movie The Farmer Takes a Wife. Reba’s father and grandfather were both champion steer ropers, instilling a tough, resilient spirit in her from a young age.
- She paid her dues by singing the national anthem at rodeos.
While many artists try to skip the gritty small-time gigs, Reba leaned into her rodeo background in her early career. She sang the national anthem at the National Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma City as a teenager. This performance impressed Red Steagall who brought her to Nashville and helped kickstart her career.
- She was discovered while majoring in education to become an elementary school teacher.
Reba was studying at Southeastern Oklahoma State University to be a teacher when she performed the national anthem at the National Rodeo Finals in 1974. Just one year later, she released her debut self-titled album and left university one semester shy of graduation to pursue music.
- She survived a tragic plane crash that killed most of her band.
In 1991, a private jet carrying Reba and her band from Texas crashed into a mountain. While Reba and a few others survived, seven members of her band were killed along with both pilots. Reba later described it as a spiritual, near-death experience that changed her perspective on life.
- She rebounded from a messy divorce to find new strength.
Reba married her steel guitar player and manager Narvel Blackstock in 1989. Despite seeming happily married, the couple shocked the world with their divorce in 2015 after 26 years together. True to her steely nature, Reba recovered gracefully and continues thriving as a single woman in her 60s.
- She executed a clever crossover to TV and movies.
Never one to stay put in a single lane, Reba leveraged her status as the “Queen of Country” to delve into acting. She starred as the lead character in hit TV sitcom Reba for 6 seasons from 2001-2007. She also held roles in TV show Tremors, Annie Get Your Gun, and several films like One Night at McCool’s and Charlotte’s Web.
- She makes history as the first woman to be MCA Nashville’s president.
Reba stepped firmly into the business side of country music when she was appointed as president of MCA Nashville in 1998. She made history as the first woman to run a major country label while continuing to produce her own multi-platinum records simultaneously.
- She has her own themed restaurant in Las Vegas.
What superstar doesn’t have their own themed eatery nowadays? Reba opened “Reba’s Place” restaurant at Caesars Palace Las Vegas in 1999. With country home-style food and walls coated in memorabilia from her legendary career, it offers fans an immersive experience.
- She has sold over 75 million records worldwide.
With decades of chart-topping bangers in her discography, Reba has amassed album sales of over 75 million globally. She also has 35 #1 hit singles to her name – only behind Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn among female country artists. Reba has been credited with advancing the perception of women as bankable artists in country music.
- She has her own home goods line.
Beyond just music and entertainment, Reba has an entrepreneurial spirit as demonstrated through her successful home collection. Launched in 2017, Rock Your Home by Reba features trendy, western-inspired furniture and decor developed by Reba herself. A savvy businesswoman, Reba continues finding new ways to connect with loyal fans worldwide.
There you have it – 10 fun facts you probably never knew about the spirited, multifaceted country legend Reba McEntire! She has persisted through personal and professional challenges over 42 years in the limelight, always breaking barriers with her trademark sass and confidence. Reba’s trailblazing career as a musician, actress, producer and entrepreneur makes her one of the most renowned women in the industry. At nearly 70 years old, she remains a relevant force of nature in country music.
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