Reba McEntire: A True Country Legend
Today, Reba McEntire celebrates her 69th birthday, and she truly deserves all the praise she can get. For me, it feels like she’s always been around, and I still listen to her music several times a week.
Born to Ride and Work the Land
Reba McEntire wasn’t just born country — she lived it. Born in McAlester, Oklahoma, in 1955, Reba grew up on her family’s 8,000-acre ranch in Chockie, Atoka County. Her childhood revolved around hard work, determination, and western traditions.
Life on the ranch meant no downtime. As a young girl, Reba was already expected to help out. At just five years old, she was driving her dad’s truck across fields, though she couldn’t reach the pedals. Her dad, Clark, would prop her up with a 50-pound feed sack and let her steer.
A Family of Rodeo Legends
Reba’s family was steeped in rodeo history. Her grandfather, John Wesley McEntire, was a world-champion steer roper in 1934, and her father, Clark, won the title three times.
A Childhood Without Glamour
Despite their rodeo fame, Reba’s childhood wasn’t glamorous. She grew up in a modest gray house with one bathroom for the six family members. Clark McEntire wasn’t one for expressions of affection, but he showed love through high expectations and hard work.
Reba later admitted in her autobiography, For My Broken Heart, that she once regretted her father’s lack of verbal affection.
Discovering Her Love for Music
While Reba was learning the ranch life, she had another passion: singing. Her mother, Jacqueline, had dreams of becoming a country singer but instead became a teacher. Jacqueline nurtured Reba’s musical talents by teaching her to sing in harmony during long car rides.
Reba’s powerful voice came from her father, who had to shout across the ranch. Reba’s own loud voice became a trademark in her family.
Early Musical Beginnings
Reba’s musical journey began early. In first grade, she wowed her classmates by singing “Away in a Manger” at a Christmas pageant. By fifth grade, she had won first place in the Junior Act Division of the 4-H club with “My Sweet Little Alice Blue Gown.”
The McEntire Family Band
Reba’s music wasn’t confined to solo performances. She formed a trio with her siblings, Pake and Susie, called The Singing McEntires. Their mother, Jacqueline, was quick to offer feedback, especially if they hit a wrong note.
Their first song, “The Ballad of John McEntire,” was released in 1971, marking an important milestone in Reba’s career.
A Local Sensation
The Singing McEntires became a local sensation. They performed at small-town events and formed The Kiowa High School Cowboy Band. Reba joked that they were “barely out of puberty” during some of their shows.
College and a Life-Changing Opportunity
Reba graduated high school in 1973 and went on to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, majoring in elementary education. In 1974, she was encouraged to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the National Finals Rodeo, where country legend Red Steagall noticed her talent. This performance changed her life.
A Defining Moment
Steagall invited Reba and her family to a hotel party, where Reba sang “Joshua” a cappella. Afterward, Steagall told her mother, “I can’t take all three. But I could take Reba. She’s got something a little different.”
The Road to Nashville
In March 1975, Reba and her mother headed to Nashville to record a demo tape. Reba was hesitant, but her mother’s words, “I’m living all my dreams through you,” gave her the push she needed.
A Rocky Start
After recording her demo, Reba’s future hung in the balance. But producer Glenn Keener chose her tape over another female artist’s, and she signed with PolyGram/Mercury Records. Although her first singles didn’t chart well, Reba’s career gained momentum with her 1978 hit “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight.”
A Tragic Loss
In 1991, Reba’s life was shattered when a plane crash killed eight members of her band and two pilots. This loss deeply affected her, and she dedicated her album For My Broken Heart to those lost.
A Triumphant Return
Reba’s career flourished through the 1990s, and she expanded into acting. In 2003, she made a successful return to music with Room to Breathe, producing the hit “Somebody.” Her 2007 album Reba: Duets showed her ability to collaborate across genres.
A Heartfelt Tribute
In 2014, Reba’s father passed away. To honor him, she created a deeply personal music video for “Just Like Them Horses,” a song that reflected her grief. Her 1979 song “Daddy” was another tribute to her father and the cowboy life he loved.
Facing Loss and Contemplating the End
After the death of her mother in 2020, Reba considered stepping away from music. But her sister Susie encouraged her to keep singing, reminding her, “You’ll get it back.” And she did.
Reba’s Legacy: Faith, Family, and Culture
- Today, Reba continues to thrive in country music. In 2023, she returned to her hometown of Atoka and partnered with the Choctaw Nation to open Reba’s Place, a restaurant that revitalizes the town. Through her music, business ventures, and philanthropy, Reba embodies faith, family, and culture.
