Compilation Albums
Greatest Hits Volume III: I’m A Survivor
-
I'm A Survivor
(Shelby Kennedy, Phillip White)Forever Love
(Deanna Bryant, Liz Hengber, Sunny Russ)The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter
(Kim Williams, Ed Hill, Mark D. Sanders)And Still
(Liz Hengber, Tommy Lee James)If You See Him, If You See Her (with Brooks & Dunn)
(Tommy Lee James, Jennifer Kimball, Terry McBride)The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia
(Bobby Russell)Fallin' Out Of Love
(John Ims)The Heart Won't Lie (with Vince Gill)
(Kim Carnes, Donna Terry Weiss)Take It Back
(Kristy Jackson)She Thinks His Name Was John
(Sandy Knox, Steve Rosen)The Fear Of Being Alone
(Walt Aldridge, Bruce Miller)Why Haven't I Heard From You
(T.W. Hale, Sandy Knox)One Honest Heart
(Gary Baker, David Malloy, Frank J. Myers)Myself Without You
(Bob DiPiero, Victoria Shaw)Sweet Music Man
(Kenny Rogers)
Released on November 9, 2010
Produced by Tony Brown, Tim DuBois, John Guess, Alison Krauss, Reba McEntire
US CD: 088 170 202-2
US Cassette: 088 170 202-4
MCA Nashville
Canada CD: 0881702022
MCA Nashville/Universal Music Canada
Europew I’m A Survivor: The Collection CD: 170 202-2
MCA Nashville
Greatest Hits Volume III: I'm A Survivor is Reba’s McEntire’s third officially sanctioned greatest hits compilation. The album includes 12 of her chart-topping hits alongside three new tracks: a cover of Kenny Rogers’ “Sweet Music Man” (produced by Alison Krauss), “Myself Without You,” and the theme song from her popular WB sitcom Reba, titled “I’m A Survivor.” It was certified Gold in the US by the RIAA on December 17, 2001. In Europe, the album was released as I’m A Survivor: The Collection with the same track listing.
The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and #19 on the Billboard 200 for the week of November 10, 2001, selling 147,000 copies in its first week.
Rumors suggest that tracks like “Prove Me Wrong,” “Head Held High,” “That’s Love To Me,” and “You’re Never Gonna Leave Him” were recorded for this compilation but ultimately shelved. While these songs occasionally appear on platforms like YouTube, they have never been officially released.
The song “I’m A Survivor” was initially placed on hold by Martina McBride. However, after some time, Martina decided to pass on it, and the hold was released. Cindy Owen, Reba’s longtime friend and Starstruck’s Vice President of Creative Services, learned through her connection with the wife of co-writer Shelby Kennedy that the song was available. Cindy had it sent to Reba, who was performing Annie Get Your Gun on Broadway in New York at the time. Reba listened to the song on a Friday and recorded it just two days later at Emerald Studio in Nashville.
Liner Notes/Production Credits
-
I’m A Survivor
Previously UnreleasedForever Love
From the MCA Nashville album If You See Him
MCAC/D-70019
Release Date: June 2, 1998The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter
From the MCA Nashville album Read My Mind
MCAC/D-10994
Release Date: April 26, 1994And Still
From the MCA Nashville album Read My Mind
MCAC/D-10994
Release Date: April 26, 1994If You See Him, If You See Her (with Brooks & Dunn)
From the MCA Nashville album If You See Him
MCAC/D-70019
Release Date: June 2, 1998The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia
From the MCA Nashville album For My Broken Heart
MCAC/D-10400
Release Date: October 1, 1991Fallin’ Out Of Love
From the MCA Nashville album Rumor Has It
MCAC/D-10016
Release Date: September 4, 1990The Heart Won’t Lie (Duet with Vince Gill)
From the MCA Nashville album It's Your Call
MCAC/D-10673
Release Date: December 15, 1992The Heart Won’t Lie (Duet with Vince Gill)
From the MCA Nashville album Take It Back
MCAC/D-10673
Release Date: December 15, 1992She Thinks His Name Was John
From the MCA Nashville album Read My Mind
MCAC/D-10994
Release Date: April 26, 1994The Fear Of Being Alone
From the MCA Nashville album What If It’s You
MCAC/D-11500
Release Date: November 5, 1996Why Haven’t I Heard From You
From the MCA Nashville album Read My Mind
MCAC/D-10994
Release Date: April 26, 1994One Honest Heart
From the MCA Nashville album If You See Him
MCAC/D-70019
Release Date: June 2, 1998Myself Without You
Previously UnreleasedSweet Music Man
Previously UnreleasedIt's hard to imagine Country Music without Reba McEntire. For over 20 years she has moved us with her music, thrilled us with her live shows and set a standard of excellence which has served as a behind-the-scenes role model for countless new artists. Reba has inspired many of today's biggest stars and, perhaps more importantly, will continue to influence those artists who are destined to shape the future of Country music.
Throughout her career, Reba has always shown a willingness—indeed, a passion—for taking chances. For proof, look no further than this collection's She Thinks His Name Was John." While the subject matter may not seem that controversial today, it was a groundbreaking moment in Country music when Reba released it on her 1994 CD, Read My Mind.
While Reba has long been one of country music's major forces, some of her greatest triumphs have come outside of her comfort zone. She has tackled projects that must have exceeded even the wildest dreams of a little girl growing up in southeastern Oklahoma. It's been amazing to watch as she has glided through movie and TV roles, constantly exploring the reach of her talent as her very presence drew new fans into Country music.
But even her most ardent fans could not have predicted the accolades that came as Reba ventured into unknown territory once again the last couple of years. Reba bared her soul in the autobiographical A Singers’ Diary and later even won the hearts of hardened New York theatre critics who offered glowing reviews of her role as Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun.
While Reba has stretched in a lot of different directions, she has always maintained her Country music base. And even with all she's accomplished, you get the feeling we still haven't seen the full extent of her artistry. She has more than honored the promise made during her acceptance speech as the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year in 1986 when she vowed to "stick her big of boot in the door for Country music" whenever she got the chance.
And another chance is here. With the release of Greatest Hits, Vol. III-I’m A Survivor, Reba not only presents her recent musical history, but she offers a glimpse into her latest leap into the unknown: "I'm A Survivor" is the theme song of her new WB network weekly TV show Reba.
Reba, of course, is more than a survivor. She's a winner. Although the triumphs have been accompanied by tragedies through the years, she has always accepted both with style and grace and the utmost of class.
Reba, you've always made me proud to be part of Country music. All of us in this business owe you a debt of gratitude for taking the absolute best of what Country has to offer to people all over the world. And, now that I think about it, I can't even imagine the world of entertainment without Reba McEntire.
Lon Helton
Nashville Bureau Chief
Radio & Records -
Produced By - Tony Brown, John Guess, Alison Krauss, David Malloy, Reba McEntire
"I'm A Survivor" and "Myself Without You" Recorded and mixed by Justin Niebank at Emerald-Studio A
Overdubs recorded by Steve Marcantonio and Justin Niebank at Ocean Way Nashville, assisted by Chad Brown and Leslie RitcherElectric Guitar - Steve Gibson
Bass - Michael Rhodes
Drums - Paul Leim
Keyboards - Steve Nathan, Matt Rollings
Background Vocals - Russell Terell, Kim Parent"Sweet Music Man" Recorded by Gary Paczoza at Seventeen Grand Recording, assisted by Thomas Johnson
Mixed by Gary Paczosa at Emerald-The Mix Room
Digital Editing by Jason LehningGuitar - Ron Block
Bass - Barry Bales
Drums - Jim Keltner
Piano - Gary Smith
Dobro - Jerry Douglas
Bazouki - Chris Thile
Vocals/Harmony Vocals - Alison KraussAshley Cleveland appears courtesy of Reunion Records
Linda Davis appears courtesy of Arista Records, Inc.
Alison Krauss appears courtesy of Rounder Records
Donna McElroy appears courtesy of Reprise Records
Chris Rodriguez appears courtesy of Reunion RecordsRepresentation - Narvel Blackstock for Starstruck Entertainment
Art Direction and Design - Cindy Owen
Photographer - George Holz
Hair/Makeup - Rob Van Dorssen
Stylist - Freddie Leiba -
As I sit here and reflect how greatful I am for having the opportunity to release a third Greatest Hits package, I am reminded of all the people in my world who have played such an instrumental role in this project.
It all begins with a song. Thank you to the songwriters who trusted me with your pieces of art. I hope I've made you proud.
To the producers, engineers and musicians who added your magic. I've been fortunate enough to have worked with some of the greastest. Thank you for putting your fingerprints on these songs and for making the studio so much fun. Haven't we had a blast?!
To CuntrCountry Radio, you are our voice. If you don't play it, it doesn't get heard. It's as simple as that. Thank you for always giving me a place to call home on your format.
To the fans, my bosses, thank you for allowing me to do what I love to do.
To my family and friends who surround me with all the things a girl needs to keep on going. Thank you. I love you.
To the One. Thank you for allowing me to do what I feel You called me to do. I continue to let You lead the way. I'm a survivor because of You.
Th everyone who has given your time, offered a word of encourageement, had an idea, took a chance... I am forever greatful.
Always,
Reba
Photo by George Holz
Photo by George Holz
Photo by George Holz
Photo by George Holz
Photo by George Holz
Photo by George Holz
Photo by George Holz
Photo by George Holz
Photo by George Holz
Photo by George Holz
Photo by George Holz
Album Biography
2001 marks 27 years since Reba McEntire was first discovered singing the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo Championship. Appropriately, Reba releases her 27th CD this year, Greatest Hits Volume III – I’m A Survivor. “I’m A Survivor” is the first single from the release, but is also an apropos description of Reba in 2001.
Through all of country music’s incarnations of traditional, roots and pop, Reba McEntire has been a survivor. More than a survivor, she reigns as the most successful female artist in the genre with 50 million records sold. And, her success is not just limited to country music. Few performers can claim the multi-layered resume of Reba – Broadway phenomena, motion picture actress, television series star, best-selling author, international touring sensation and multi- platinum recording artist. As Reba herself says, “I keep changing to keep from getting bored and I’m also curious to see if I can do it, and how much fun it’s going to be.”
Reba stormed Broadway in early 2001, as the star of Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun. Although ineligible for a Tony, Reba’s critically acclaimed performance received every other major theatre award. She also received unprecedented unanimous acclaim from the New York media. The New York Times said, “Without qualification the best performance by an actress in a musical comedy this season.” Amazingly, Annie Get Your Gun marked Reba’s debut as a stage actress. The woman who has sung on every stage from Sydney, Australia to Peoria, Illinois can now make the unique claim that her first theatrical performance took place on the Broadway stage.
Reba honed her acting chops in feature films and TV roles. Her movies have ranged from the cult classic, Tremors, to the current USA Films release, One Night at McCool’s. Her television roles have included an early depiction of Annie Oakley in the CBS mini-series, Buffalo Girls, along with starring turns in highly rated movies of the week, Forever Love and Secret of Giving. Along the way, Reba has acted opposite a multitude of acclaimed actors including Burt Reynolds, Kevin Bacon, Anjelica Huston, Melanie Griffith, Dan Ackroyd and Paul Reiser. In 2001, she takes on her biggest screen project yet with the debut of her own sitcom, Reba, on the WB network. Early predictions indicate the show will be well received. Entertainment Weekly selected Reba as the new Friday night show to watch.
Not limiting herself to just the performing arts, Reba has also contributed two books to the publishing world. Her autobiography, My Story, spent several weeks on the “New York Times Bestsellers List.” Reba followed that book’s success with a collection of essays written with her special brand of homespun wisdom, Comfort from a Country Quilt. Reba’s written works have sold a combined total of over 1 million copies.
Musically, Reba has toured domestically and internationally for more than 25 years. Her tours have been on Pollstar’s top grossing tours list for much of that time
Breaking boundaries, Reba became the first female country singer to sell as many tickets as the boys did. And in true Reba fashion, she championed the first all female major country music tour, “Girls’ Night Out,” starring Reba, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Jamie O’Neal and Carolyn Dawn Johnson. Known for her elaborate staging and costume changes, Reba also can bring the house down with the sheer emotion of her voice. The Hartford Courier said of Reba’s portion of “Girls’ Night Out,” “Reba’s show is a powerhouse.
Beyond all the milestones, awards, and applause, lies the music – Reba music. Greatest Hits Volume III – I’m A Survivor is a scrapbook of Reba’s best-recorded works. From the warm- hearted pledge of “Forever Love,” to the heartbreaking longing of “And Still,” Greatest Hits Volume III – I’m A Survivor is a journey of emotion. The diversity of the tracks, from the original take on the country classic, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” to the sassy, jazz influenced “Take It Back,” makes it abundantly clear that no one sings a song like Reba. Twelve of her hits from the 1990’s are included on the package, but forever raising the bar, Reba includes three new recordings on the CD as well.
The title track and first single, “I’m a Survivor,” is the theme song to Reba’s highly anticipated sitcom. However, Reba originally picked the song for another reason. “‘I’m a Survivor’ is one of those songs that spoke to me the first time I heard it. I thought so many women can relate to that. Things happen in life, but by the grace of God and our own determination we make it through. Then when I saw the completed pilot for the TV show, the lyrics of the song just seemed to fit the character perfectly.”
Tony Brown, Reba’s longtime friend and producer produced “I’m a Survivor,” along with a second new track, “Myself Without You.” Reba says, “I’ve always liked songs about strong women. ‘Myself Without You’ is the story of a woman who realizes she is strong, and although she’s gone through a painful breakup, she can go on. It’s about loving yourself first and knowing that that’s okay.”
The third new track on Greatest Hits Volume III – I’m A Survivor is a remake of the Kenny Rogers hit, “Sweet Music Man.” To produce this track, Reba called upon new friend and fellow recording artist, Alison Krauss. “I came across a band, Nickel Creek, that had this unbelievable pure and beautiful sound. When I found out that Alison produced them, I thought I would love to see what she could do with one of my records. I called her up and we moved our schedules around and made it work. She recorded the tracks in Nashville then flew up to New York to record my vocal during the day before I had to sing ‘Annie’ at night. Then she took the whole thing back to Nashville and worked on the mix. I think it turned out great. I’m so proud to have worked with her and hope we’ll get to do it again.”
Most artists consider it a rare achievement to accumulate enough single success to fill one volume of Greatest Hits. Reba McEntire now turns in her third collection. If Reba’s past can be any indication, it will not be her last.
# # #
ECOPAK Version Sell Sheet
ECOPAK Version Sell Sheet
ECOPAK Walmart Advertisement
Jewel Case Version Sell Sheet