Reba McEntire is one of country music’s most successful, popular and enduring performers. Her enviable string of country and some “cross over” hits in the 1980’s and ‘90’s plus film, concert and television appearances brought her acclaim, fame and fortune. She remains one of the most sought after and preeminent entertainers of all time.
The daughter of a professional cowboy and an accomplished rodeo rider, Reba was torn between a career in the rodeo and that of singing professionally. Music won out and Reba, along with two sisters and a brother, formed a vocal group that had a moderately successful hit in 1971 entitled “The Ballad of John McEntire,” a tribute to her grandfather. After singing the National Anthem at the National Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma City in 1974, she was “discovered” and persuaded to go to Nashville to “cut a demo.”
McEntire’s first single came out in 1975. She was originally a traditional “hard” country singer whose sound was not widely accepted for radio play. Undaunted, she continued to record and to work on her sound and presence. By 1978 her work was being noticed and she made some headway on the country music charts. Her double sided release “Three Sheets in the Wind”/”I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” reached number 20. Her next significant break came during the summer of 1980 when “(You Lift M) Up to Heaven” went to number eight. About this time she began to alter her sound somewhat and cut some ballad-oriented material that was favorably received by her dedicated following of country music fans, as well as new legions of fans who were impressed with her enduring quality and “new” sound that appealed to a broader audience.
Finally, in late 1982, she hit number one on the charts with “Can’t Even Get the Blues.” Her career really took off in the 1980’s as she established herself as one of, it not THE, most popular female country recording star. She sold more than 20 million albums and was named Female Vocalist of the Year four times by the Country Music Association. Between 1985 and 1992 she had 14 number one single hits and 24 straight Top Ten hits. During this period McEntire also began to alter her appearance and to expand her horizons beyond just country music. She experimented with Rock and Pop music, began acting and took roles in TV films and feature motion pictures, most notably the cult horror film, “Tremors”, where she received acclaim and notoriety for her poignant portrayal and acting ability.
In the 1990’s and into the 21st century, Reba McEntire remained extremely popular and successful. Her single releases and albums continued to make it to the top ten, and frequently to number one on the charts. She continues to act, sing and speak out on issues of concern. Rich, wildly successful, powerful and driven, Reba McEntire has made an indelible imprint on the fabric of entertainment in the U.S.
Pointillism artist, Mike Coupe, has managed to capture the aura and enchanting mystic of this country music giant. Pay particular attention to the glint in Reba’s eyes. What secret are they hiding or revealing? Every fan of country music will want one of Artbycoupe.com’s limited offerings of Reba McEntire.
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