Spotlight on Reba McEntire
October 18, 2011
BY GAYLE THOMPSON
Her first album hit shelves long before Taylor Swift or Miranda Lambert were even born, but in the 34 years since country superstar Reba McEntire’s self-titled debut album was released, the fiery redhead’s career is still stronger than ever, proving that age really is just a number.
Born in Oklahoma, the 56-year-old was only 22 when she kicked off her country music career, and she hasn’t slowed down at all since then. Releasing an astonishing 26 studio albums, she has scored 80 Top 40 singles and earned more than seven dozen awards, including seven Academy of Country Music trophies for Top Female Vocalist. But while most entertainers might be content to enjoy their success and spend their days relaxing, Reba isn’t most people.
Through much of the ‘80s and ‘90s, the former rodeo star churned out hit after hit, including one of her most well-known tunes, “Fancy,” which was a hit on pop radio as well. Still, Reba, who also weathered a devastating blow in 1991, when she lost several of her band members in a plane crash, refused to let the tragedy slow her down. She dedicated her next album, “For My Broken Heart” to the bandmates who died in the crash, and determined to not let her sorrow slow her down.
The country singer kicked off the 21st century by honing her acting chops – starring in the Broadway musical, “Annie Get Your Gun,” as well as beginning her TV series, “Reba,” which ran for more than five years, and earned the multi-talented star a Golden Globe nomination. In addition, she’s released four studio albums since then, and watched 14 of her songs go to the Top 20, including her recent No. 1 hit, “Turn On the Radio.” But the married mother of one says she isn’t doing anything exceptional.
“I’ve talked to other ladies my age, and I think when you get in your middle 50s, you’re more comfortable in your own skin,” she explains to AOL’s The Boot. “You like yourself more and all the things that worried you before are not such a big deal. You don’t worry if people like you, or like what you do; you really just don’t care if they like it or not, if you do. So you’re happy and feel good about yourself. If your family and friends are happy and healthy, and you’re happy and healthy, that’s the icing on the cake.”
The multi-talented star will return to the small screen next year, when she appears in an upcoming comedy for ABC, “Malibu Country.” She also plans to release a new album, and is keeping a packed touring schedule that takes her all over the United States and Europe in the next few months.
Resources: http://www.theboot.com/2010/02/05/reba-mcentire-son/