As the country music scene continues to evolve, there are a handful of names that maintain an air of royalty, and Reba McEntire has without a doubt earned her place on the throne. Since she kicked off her career, singing the National Anthem at rodeos in her native Oklahoma, she's made her presence known within the genre and beyond. Today, at age 64, she stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time, with over 75 million records sold worldwide. Take a look at how her career evolved through the years.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
1974
Reba Nell McEntire, born on March, 28, 1955, began singing early on, performing with her high school band in Oklahoma as well as on local radio stations and at various events with her family's group, the "Singing McEntires." While singing the National Anthem at the National Rodeo in Oklahoma City in 1974, her talent was discovered by country artist, Red Steagall.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
1975
Steagall introduced McEntire to reps at Mercury Records in 1975, leading to a contract with Mercury Records. The budding artist released her first solo album in 1977, and followed with five more under the same label. McEntire married steer wrestling champion and rancher, Charlie Battles, that same year.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
1985
After signing with MCA Nashville Records, McEntire released "My Kind of Country" in 1984, featuring two chart-topping singles. She took home the title of Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMAs the following year—her first major industry award.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
1989
McEntire and Battles called it quits in 1987, and the successful singer remarried to guitarist Narvel Blackstock in 1989. The pair remained married for 26 years and had a son, Shelby Blackstock. They later divorced in 2015.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
1990
For her first on-screen role, McEntire played Heather Gummer in horror comedy, Tremors, alongside Kevin Bacon.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
6
1993
The following year, she starred with Burt Reynolds and Kenny Rogers in three made-for-TV movies, including The Man from Left Field.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
1993
At the CMA Awards that same year, McEntire caused a stir by wearing a red velvet gown with a plunging neckline for her performance. She later brought back the very same dress at the 2018 ACM Awards, accompanied by fuzzy red slippers. "The hair’s not quite as big and the shoes are a whole lot more comfortable, but #TheRedDress still fits! #TransformationTuesday #Fancy" she tweeted.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
8
1994
Throughout the 90s, Reba captured the hearts of fans across the country and beyond, wrangling numerous awards, including "Favorite Country Female Artist" at the AMA's on eight different occasions throughout the decade.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
1995
At the 30th Annual ACM Awards, McEntire snagged wins for both Top Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year. She teared up onstage, thanking her mother, fans and God for the honor.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
1998
Reba got her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame when she was inducted in 1998.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
2001
Making her Broadway debut, McEntire played Annie Oakley in a revival of Annie Get Your Gun—a performance that gained plenty of positive reviews from critics.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
12
2003
McEntire's TV sitcom, Reba, premiered on the WB network in 2001 and ran for six seasons. McEntire earned a 2003 Golden Globe nomination for her role as divorced mom, Reba Hart, before the show was cancelled in 2007.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
2007
The charismatic singer is no stranger to award shows, and she's even tried her hand at hosting a few. Here, she presents at the 42nd Annual ACM Awards.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
14
2009
In 2009, McEntire became the female artist with the most nominations (48) in the history of the CMA Awards, surpassing Dolly Parton who had 43 at the time. Today, she still holds the record with a total of 50 nominations.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
2011
The wildly successful artist was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011, receiving her medallion at a ceremony in Nashville alongside stars such as Dolly Parton.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
2013
The singer starred in a second television series, Malibu Country, which debuted in 2011 on ABC. She portrayed a divorced mother attempting to restart her music career. After 18 episodes, the comedy was cancelled in 2013.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17
2017
Reba is a favorite when it comes to appearances on holiday music specials. Here, she performs alongside Kelsea Ballerini at the CMA Country Christmas at The Grand Ole Opry.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
18
2018
The award for Best Roots Gospel Album went to Reba for "Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope," marking her first Grammy win in over 20 years since she won back in 1994.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
2019
McEntire hit the red carpet at the 54th ACM Awards in Las Vegas with Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo on her arm. The two split soon after, but remain friends.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
20
2019
McEntire's iconic career was recognized when she received the "Artist of a Lifetime" award at the 2019 CMT Artists of the Year show in Nashville.