Biography
Who is Reba McEntire?
Early life and family
Reba McEntire was born in McAlester, United States, and raised on a ranch in Oklahoma. She was one of four children born to her parents. Her family owned a cattle ranch, and the children helped with chores before and after school. Her father was a world-champion steer roper, and her mother had aspirations of becoming a country singer.
The McEntire siblings developed an interest in singing and formed a trio called the Singing McEntires with their mother's encouragement. Reba performed at local events and schools. She also learned to play piano and guitar, and she trained to become a barrel racer during her youth.
How Reba became famous
Reba McEntire attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University to study to become a public-school teacher. In 1974, she sang the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. Country performer Red Steagall heard her sing and helped her secure a recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records in 1975.
She released her debut single in 1976 and her self-titled debut album in 1977. Her career gained momentum in the early 1980s with top-10 country songs. She later signed with MCA Records in 1984, releasing her breakout album My Kind of Country, which featured traditional musical styles and two number-one singles.
Career highlights
Reba McEntire has sold millions of records and placed over 100 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Her major hits include Whoever's in New England, One Promise Too Late, and The Last One to Know. She suffered a tragedy in 1991 when eight of her band members died in a plane crash, which led to her highest-selling album, For My Broken Heart.
In addition to music, Reba McEntire pursued acting. She made her film debut in Tremors in 1990 and starred on Broadway in Annie Get Your Gun in 2001. She starred in the television series Reba for six seasons, appeared on Happy's Place, and served as a coach on The Voice.
Family and personal life
Reba McEntire was married to Narvel Blackstock. She has one child named Shelby Blackstock. Her siblings include Susie McEntire and Pake McEntire.
She has received multiple awards throughout her career, including a Theatre World Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and American Music Awards. She continues to record, perform, and act in television and film.
Birthday and age
Reba McEntire was born on March 28, 1955, which makes Reba 71 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Reba shares the date with 20 other famous people.
Explore more
