Born to Work the Land
Reba McEntire wasn’t just born into country roots; she lived and breathed them. Born in McAlester, Oklahoma, in 1955, she grew up on her family’s sprawling 8,000-acre ranch in Chockie, Atoka County. Her early years revolved around ranch life, which demanded grit and discipline.
Even as a little girl, Reba was expected to pitch in. By the age of five, she was steering her father’s truck through fields of cattle, propped up on a 50-pound feed sack since her feet couldn’t reach the pedals. Her father, Clark McEntire, a three-time world champion steer roper, instilled in her a deep respect for hard work.
A Tough Childhood
Reba’s upbringing wasn’t glamorous. The McEntire children—Alice, Pake, Reba, and Susie—shared a modest gray house with one bathroom for six family members. Her father’s parenting style was strict, and he wasn’t one for hugs or verbal affirmations. Instead, he showed his love by pushing his children to be their best.
Reflecting on this, Reba once wrote in her autobiography, For My Broken Heart: “When we were growing up, I used to regret that Daddy never told us he loved us.” Yet, his influence shaped her drive and determination, qualities that would later define her career.
Despite the challenges, Reba found joy in music, a passion nurtured by her mother, Jacqueline. A former aspiring country singer turned schoolteacher, Jacqueline taught her children to harmonize on long car rides to rodeo events. These moments sparked Reba’s lifelong love for singing.
A Family Affair
By high school, Reba’s musical ambitions had grown into a family project. Alongside her siblings Pake and Susie, she formed The Singing McEntires, a trio that performed at local events. Their mother, always their toughest critic, made sure they perfected every harmony—even if it meant pausing dinner preparations to offer corrections.
In 1971, the group recorded a regional single, “The Ballad of John McEntire,” in honor of their grandfather, a celebrated rodeo star. Though the song didn’t gain widespread recognition, it marked an important milestone in Reba’s early career.
Finding Her Voice
Reba’s big break came in 1974 when she sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. Country star Red Steagall, impressed by her powerful voice, invited her to record a demo tape in Nashville. With her mother’s encouragement, Reba took the leap, launching her journey into professional music.
After signing with PolyGram/Mercury Records in 1975, Reba faced a rocky start, with several singles failing to chart. But persistence paid off. By 1984, after joining MCA Records, her album My Kind of Country catapulted her into the spotlight, blending traditional country sounds with her unique style.
Tragedy and Triumph
Reba’s career soared throughout the 1980s, but tragedy struck in 1991 when a plane crash claimed the lives of eight band members and two pilots. Devastated, Reba dedicated her album For My Broken Heart to their memory. Despite the loss, she pushed forward, becoming one of the most beloved figures in country music.
A Full-Circle Moment
In 2024, Reba performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl LVIII, a powerful moment that brought her journey full circle. From her first performance of the anthem at a rodeo to the grand stage of the Super Bowl, it was a testament to how far she had come.
A Legacy of Faith and Family
Even with 24 No. 1 hits, over 90 million albums sold, and countless awards, Reba has never forgotten her roots. In 2023, she returned to her hometown in Atoka, Oklahoma, to open Reba’s Place, a restaurant and community hub that honors her heritage and supports the local economy.
Reba’s story is one of resilience, faith, and gratitude. Her journey—from a hardworking ranch girl to the Queen of Country—proves that with determination and heart, anything is possible.