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The rodeo is still going for Reba
By John Benson
For more than 30 years, Reba McEntire has recorded platinum albums and toured the world. The Oklahoma native has also appeared on Broadway (“Annie Get Your Gun”) and television (“Reba”).
Now the 56-year-old country music superstar is touring her latest effort, “All the Women I Am,” and will make a stop at the Canfield Fair for a Sunday night show.
Here are 10 things you might not have known about McEntire.
McEntire grew up in a rodeo family. Her father was a three-time world champion steer roper.
In 1974 McEntire was discovered while singing the National Anthem at the National Rodeo Finals by country music artist Red Stegall.
McEntire’s 1976 debut single, “I Don’t Want to Be a One Night Stand,” was viewed as an industry failure, only reaching No. 88 on the charts. Her first top-20 hit came in 1979 with a cover of Patsy Cline’s “Sweet Dreams.”
While McEntire’s first No. 1 song was 1982 hit “Can’t Even Get the Blues,” her first gold album wasn’t until 1984’s “My Kind of Country.” She didn’t enjoy a platinum effort until 1986’s “Whoever’s In New England.”
Throughout her career, McEntire has had the record for the most Academy of Country Music Top Female Vocalist Awards with seven and American Music Awards for Favorite Country Female Artist with 12. She’s also tied alongside Martina McBride for most Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year Awards, with four.
McEntire’s older brother Pake is also a country music artist. His hit singles include “Every Night,” “Savin’ My Love for You,” “Bad Love” and “Heart vs. Heart.”
McEntire’s first on-screen role came in 1990 with “Tremors.” As far as her Six Degrees of Bacon connection, it’s actually one. The “Footloose” star was the lead in the horror-comedy film.
Originally cast as Molly Brown in James Cameron’s blockbuster movie “Titanic,” McEntire had to turn down the role due to the extended shooting schedule.
In 1998, McEntire received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Earlier this year, McEntire was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Giving the induction speech was her longtime friend and idol Dolly Parton.