Biography

1983 saw a tremendous amount of growth and diversity for REBA McENTIRE. In January she racked up her first number one country hit with her single "I Can't Even Get The Blues." Soon after, she was given the unique honor of being the first country artist to have two consecutive number one records in 1983 when "You're The First Time I've Thought About Leaving" reached the number one spot in April. Both singles were released off her top five album Unlimited which showcased her rich, compelling voice through a variety of musical styles. "I'm a country singer, " Reba declares, "but I love to sing just about anything. " This diversity was evident in her latest two singles, "Why Do We Want (What We Know We Can't Have)" and "There Ain't No Future In This, " which were released off her album, Behind The Scenes.

The excitement Reba now generates at radio and on her records is also present in her live show. She's now touring with some of the biggest names in country music: The Statler Brothers, Ricky Skaggs, Don Williams, Charlie Pride, Mel Tillis, and T G. Sheppard. Currently having her biggest concert season yet, Reba's career is in high gear and gaining momentum as country music fans become Reba McEntire fans.

It's no surprise that Reba is so talented, for singing and entertaining were a part of her upbringlng and almost second nature for her. Her father, grandfather, and her husband, Charlie Battles, are championship rodeo cowboys, and Reba's mother was a singer of great promise. "People used to say that my mama could have been a successful singer if she had any breaks, but she was teaching school and raising a family. My mama always used to say to me, 'Reba, I'm living my life through you."'

Every summer the McEntire family would pack themselves into an old green Ford for their summer on the rodeo circuit. Tiaveling day and night, the four McEntire kids would sleep across the back seat, floorboards, and rear dash, whiling away the long daytime hours singing. Reba even got her first "professional" break at age five one summer when her family was at the granddaddy of all rodeos-The Cheyenne, Wyoming Frontier Days.

"I was in the lobby of our hotel, and my brother Pake came up and told me that somebody had just gtven him some money for singing a song. I said, 'I can do that,' so I got him to sing Jesus Loves Me' with me right there in the lobby. Somebody came up and gave me a nickel. That just amazed me. "

That memory sticks With her, and she is still striving to please her audiences. "When people come to see Reba McEntire and the Chockie Mountain Band, I want to be able to really dazzle them, to give them their hard-earned money's worth."

Reba's recording career started to take off with her first album, Reba McEntire, and has continued to gain momentum. Her second album, Out Of A Dream, earned greater success with singles such as "Sweet Dreams," "Runaway Heart," and a popular duet with Jacky Ward called "That Makes Two Of Us." Reba's third album, Feel The Fire, finally brought her into the top twn with the single "(You Lift Me) Up To Heaven." That album also includes the hits "I Don't Think Love Ought To Be Thay Way" and "I Can See Forever In Your Eyes."

The momentum of Reba's career has seen in 1983 and is just the beginning. 1984 marks a new association with MCA Records, producer Norro Wilson, and her first album for the label. Her live stage show, television appearances, radio features, and tremendous support of her fans are proof positive that Reba is now reaching levels in her career that she richly deserves.