Career Timeline of Reba McEntire: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Reba McEntire built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Reba McEntire, known as "the Queen of Country", is an American country singer and actress with over 75 million records sold. Beginning in the 1970s, she has charted over 100 singles on Billboard's Hot Country Songs, with 25 reaching number one. Beyond music, she starred in the sitcom "Reba" for six seasons. McEntire is also an entrepreneur, owning businesses such as a restaurant and a clothing line.
1971: Release of "The Ballad of John McEntire"
In 1971, The Singing McEntires released a single about their grandfather called "The Ballad of John McEntire".
March 1975: Trip to Nashville to Record Demo Tape
In March 1975, Reba McEntire and her mother traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to record a demonstration tape.
November 1975: Signing with PolyGram/Mercury Records
In November 1975, Reba McEntire signed a country music recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records.
1975: Recording Contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records
In 1975, Reba McEntire secured a country music recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records. Also in 1975, she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee with her mother.
1975: Steagall Offers Recording Opportunity
In early 1975, Red Steagall contacted Reba McEntire and offered her a solo recording opportunity.
January 1976: First Recordings for PolyGram/Mercury Records
In January 1976, Reba McEntire made her first recordings for PolyGram/Mercury Records.
September 17, 1977: Grand Ole Opry Debut
On September 17, 1977, Reba McEntire made her Grand Ole Opry debut, performing "Invitation to the Blues".
1977: Release of Debut Album
In 1977, Reba McEntire's self-titled debut album was released by Mercury Records.
1978: Collaboration with Jacky Ward
In 1978, Reba McEntire collaborated on two singles with country artist Jacky Ward. Their double-sided release became her first top 20 hit on the country chart.
1979: Release of Out of a Dream
In 1979, Reba McEntire's second studio album, 'Out of a Dream', was released, and the cover of Patsy Cline's 'Sweet Dreams' became her first top 20 hit as a solo artist.
1980: Formation of Own Band
By 1980, Reba McEntire had formed her own band, which included her sister Susie and brother Pake McEntire.
1981: Release of Heart to Heart
In 1981, Reba McEntire's fourth album, 'Heart to Heart' was released and became her first disc to chart the Billboard Country Albums list.
1983: "Can't Even Get the Blues" Reaches Number One
In 1983, Reba McEntire's single "Can't Even Get the Blues" reached the number one spot on the Billboard country chart. She also arranged an early release from PolyGram/Mercury in 1983.
1984: Signs with MCA Records and Releases My Kind of Country
In 1984, Reba McEntire signed with MCA Records. Her album 'My Kind of Country' was released in 1984 and became a breakout release, spawning two number one Billboard country singles and pointing toward a more traditional musical style.
1985: Performed National Anthem at World Series
On October 19, 1985, Reba McEntire performed the National anthem at game 1 of the 1985 World Series.
January 17, 1986: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry
On January 17, 1986, Reba McEntire was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, solidifying her place in country music history.
February 1986: Release of Whoever's in New England
In February 1986, Reba McEntire's ninth studio album, 'Whoever's in New England' was released. The title track peaked at number one and won a Grammy.
1986: Release of "What Am I Gonna Do About You"
In 1986, Reba McEntire's twelfth studio album "What Am I Gonna Do About You" was released. The title track became her next number one song on the Billboard country chart and her first number one on the RPM Canadian country chart.
1987: Release of "The Last One to Know" and Christmas Album
In 1987, Reba McEntire released her thirteenth studio project, "The Last One to Know", which reached number three on the Billboard country albums chart. Also in 1987, she released her first Christmas collection called "Merry Christmas to You" and played Carnegie Hall in New York City for the first time.
1988: Release of Reba Album and Criticism
After the release of Reba McEntire's 1988 album Reba, her music was at times criticized for moving away from traditional country music.
1988: Release of "Reba"
In 1988, Reba McEntire released the pop-inspired album "Reba", which included covers of pop hits and produced number one Billboard country singles.
1989: First film role in Tremors
In 1989, Reba McEntire obtained her first film role playing Heather Gummer in the horror comedy Tremors.
1989: Release of "Sweet Sixteen" and "Reba Live"
In 1989, Reba McEntire released the album "Sweet Sixteen", and her first live project titled "Reba Live".
January 1990: Film Debut in Tremors
In January 1990, Reba McEntire made her film debut in 'Tremors'.
1990: Tremors Film Release
After the film's release in 1990, Reba McEntire developed a strong interest in acting and made it her second career.
1990: Release of "Rumor Has It"
In 1990, Reba McEntire released the album "Rumor Has It", which became her highest-selling album and featured the hit single "Fancy".
October 1991: Release of "For My Broken Heart"
In October 1991, Reba McEntire released her sixteenth album, "For My Broken Heart", dedicated to the deceased members of her road band. It contained songs of sorrow and lost love.
December 1992: Release of "It's Your Call"
In December 1992, Reba McEntire's seventeenth album "It's Your Call" was released. It was her first to reach the top ten of the Billboard 200.
1992: Opening of Reba's Ranch House
In 1992, Reba McEntire opened Reba's Ranch House in Denison, Texas, an extended-stay residence for relatives of patients.
1993: Duet with Linda Davis and CMA Controversy
In 1993, Reba McEntire collaborated with Linda Davis on the single "Does He Love You", which became a number one hit. Later that year, their performance at the CMA Awards caused controversy due to McEntire's dress.
1994: Release of "Read My Mind"
In 1994, Reba McEntire released her eighteenth studio release "Read My Mind", which reached number two on both the Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart.
1994: Starring in "Is There Life Out There?"
In 1994, Reba McEntire starred in "Is There Life Out There?" a television movie based on her song of the same name.
1994: Role in the Film North
In 1994, Reba McEntire worked with director Rob Reiner in the film North, playing Ma Tex.
1995: Release of "Starting Over"
In 1995, Reba McEntire's nineteenth studio album, "Starting Over", was released. It is a collection of her favorite songs originally recorded by others and was made to commemorate McEntire's twenty years in the music industry.
November 1996: Release of "What If It's You"
In November 1996, Reba McEntire's album "What If It's You" was released. The record was a return to a contemporary country sound.
1996: Release of What If It's You
In 1996, Reba McEntire released the commercially successful album, 'What If It's You', which featured the number one country single "How Was I to Know".
1996: Casting in Titanic
In 1996, Reba McEntire was cast by director James Cameron as Molly Brown in his film Titanic, however had to turn down the part.
June 1998: Release of "If You See Him" album and "If You See Her" album
In June 1998, Reba McEntire's "If You See Him" album and Brooks & Dunn's "If You See Her" album were released. The duet "If You See Him/If You See Her" was included on both albums.
1998: Release of If You See Him
In 1998, Reba McEntire released the commercially successful album, 'If You See Him', which featured the number one country single, a duet with Brooks and Dunn called "If You See Him/If You See Her".
1998: Starring in Forever Love
In 1998, Reba McEntire starred as Lizzie Brooks in Forever Love, which was based upon McEntire's hit single of the same name.
1999: Release of "The Secret of Giving: A Christmas Collection" and "So Good Together"
In 1999, Reba McEntire released two albums: "The Secret of Giving: A Christmas Collection" in September and "So Good Together" in November.
October 2001: Premiere of "Reba" Sitcom
In October 2001, Reba McEntire premiered her half-hour television sitcom "Reba" on The WB.
2001: Broadway Debut and TV Series Reba
In 2001, Reba McEntire played the role of Annie Oakley in the Broadway musical 'Annie Get Your Gun'. Also in 2001, The WB launched the TV series 'Reba', in which she starred.
2001: Release of "I'm a Survivor"
In 2001, Reba McEntire released "I'm a Survivor". The single became a top five country hit and the theme song to McEntire's 2001 television series.
2001: Broadway Debut in Annie Get Your Gun
In early 2001, Reba McEntire expanded into theater, starring in the Broadway revival of Annie Get Your Gun, playing Annie Oakley.
August 2003: Release of "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain"
In August 2003, Reba McEntire released the single "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain".
November 2003: Release of "Room to Breathe"
In November 2003, Reba McEntire released her first studio album in four years titled "Room to Breathe".
2004: Room to Breathe Tour
In 2004, Reba McEntire embarked on her first tour in several years also titled "Room to Breathe", which included 36 cities in the United States.
2005: Release of "Reba #1's"
In 2005, MCA released the double-disc compilation titled "Reba #1's" while she was in between albums.
2005: Starring in South Pacific at Carnegie Hall
In 2005, Reba McEntire starred as Nellie Forbush in the Carnegie Hall concert production of the Broadway musical South Pacific.
2006: South Pacific Broadcast
In 2006, Reba McEntire's Carnegie Hall concert production of South Pacific was broadcast as part of the Great Performances series.
February 18, 2007: "Reba" Series Finale
On February 18, 2007, the series finale of Reba McEntire's sitcom "Reba" aired, garnering 8.7 million viewers.
September 2007: Release of "Reba: Duets"
In September 2007, Reba McEntire's disc "Reba: Duets" was released. The album was a collection of duets with various music artists.
2008: Signing with Valory Music Group
In 2008, Reba McEntire announced that she would be departing her label of 25 years and signing with the Valory Music Group.
August 2009: Release of "Keep On Loving You"
In August 2009, Reba McEntire's twenty-sixth studio album, "Keep On Loving You" was released and also topped both the Billboard Country and 200 charts.
November 2010: Release of "All the Women I Am"
In November 2010, Reba McEntire's twenty-ninth studio album "All the Women I Am" was released. "Turn On the Radio" was issued as the lead single prior to the album.
September 2011: Malibu Country Pilot Ordered
In September 2011, Reba McEntire confirmed that ABC had ordered a pilot for her second television series Malibu Country.
April 2012: Malibu Country Pilot Filmed
In April 2012, the pilot for Reba McEntire's television series Malibu Country was filmed.
May 11, 2012: Malibu Country Picked Up
On May 11, 2012, Reba McEntire tweeted that her show Malibu Country had been picked up by ABC.
November 2, 2012: Premiere of Malibu Country
On November 2, 2012, Reba McEntire's television series Malibu Country premiered on ABC.
May 10, 2013: Cancellation of Malibu Country
On May 10, 2013, Reba McEntire's television series Malibu Country was canceled after eighteen episodes.
2013: Miranda Lambert Tied McEntire
In 2013, Miranda Lambert tied Reba McEntire for winning the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year Award four years in a row.
2014: Move to Nash Icon Music
In 2014, Reba McEntire moved to Big Machine's new imprint for veteran artists titled Nash Icon Music.
2015: Release of "Love Somebody"
In 2015, Reba McEntire released her Nash Icon album "Love Somebody".
December 15, 2016: McEntire announces gospel album
On December 15, 2016, Reba McEntire announced the release of her first gospel album, "Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope".
2016: Carrie Underwood Joined Elite Club
In 2016, Carrie Underwood joined the elite club by winning her fourth Female Vocalist award.
2016: Release of "My Kind of Christmas" and "Rockin' R by Reba" line
In 2016, Reba McEntire released a third Christmas-themed studio album called "My Kind of Christmas". She also announced she would soon be selling her own line of clothing, home decor, jewelry and other things under the "Rockin' R by Reba" line also at Cracker Barrel.
2016: Guest Panelist on America's Got Talent
In 2016, Reba McEntire was a guest panelist during season 11 of America's Got Talent, giving the Golden Buzzer to Sofie Dossi.
January 2017: Red Blooded Series Announcement
In January 2017, Reba McEntire was announced to star and produce a Southern drama series for ABC titled Red Blooded.
February 3, 2017: "Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope" release
On February 3, 2017, Reba McEntire released her first gospel album titled "Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope" which features collaborations with Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood, and The Isaacs.
October 13, 2017: My Kind of Christmas Re-release
On October 13, 2017, Reba McEntire's "My Kind of Christmas" was re-released on her website and through iTunes. This time, the re-release includes songs with Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Darius Rucker and Lauren Daigle, due to its limited release in 2016.
January 2018: Portraying KFC's Colonel Sanders
In January 2018, Reba McEntire was chosen to portray KFC's first female Colonel Sanders.
January 2018: Grammy Award win
In January 2018, Reba McEntire won the Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album, her first Grammy Award win in more than twenty years, since 1994.
April 2018: End of Colonel Sanders Commercials
In April 2018, Reba McEntire's commercials portraying KFC's Colonel Sanders came to an end.
2018: Horatio Alger Award
In 2018, Reba McEntire was honored with the Horatio Alger Award for Education and Charity Work, recognizing her perseverance and giving back to the community.
April 5, 2019: Release of "Stronger Than the Truth"
On April 5, 2019, Reba McEntire released her twenty-ninth studio album, "Stronger Than the Truth".
April 8, 2019: Hosting the ACM Awards
On April 8, 2019, Reba McEntire hosted the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards.
February 20, 2020: Signing with MCA Nashville
On February 20, 2020, Reba McEntire announced she had signed a new record deal with MCA Nashville, returning to the label after leaving in November 2008.
November 2020: Hosting the CMA Awards
In November 2020, Reba McEntire hosted the 54th Annual Country Music Association Awards alongside Darius Rucker.
2020: Launch of Living & Learning Podcast
In 2020, Reba McEntire launched a podcast titled Living & Learning hosted by herself and her former Reba co-star Melissa Peterman.
2021: Cameo in Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar
In 2021, Reba McEntire made a cameo appearance in the comedy film Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar as a water spirit named Trish.
May 2022: Joining Big Sky Cast
In May 2022, ABC announced that Reba McEntire would be joining the cast of the drama Big Sky, playing local businesswoman Sunny Barnes in season 3.
October 3, 2022: Reba: Live in Concert Tour
On October 3, 2022, Reba McEntire revealed that she would continue her Reba: Live in Concert tour going through 2023 and play New York City's Madison Square Garden for the first time.
May 2023: Joining The Voice as Coach
In May 2023, it was announced that Reba McEntire would be a coach on The Voice, replacing Blake Shelton.
September 20, 2023: Reunion with Sofie Dossi on America's Got Talent
On September 20, 2023, Reba McEntire reunited with Sofie Dossi on America's Got Talent, where McEntire sang "Can't Even Get the Blues" while Dossi performed.
2023: Starring in Reba McEntire's The Hammer
In 2023, Reba McEntire starred in Reba McEntire's The Hammer on Lifetime, reuniting with her Reba sitcom co-star Melissa Peterman.
2023: Coach on The Voice
In 2023, from the twenty-fourth season, Reba McEntire was featured as a coach on The Voice.
January 2024: Creating New Comedy for NBC
In January 2024, it was announced that Reba McEntire was creating a new comedy for NBC, later titled Happy's Place, co-starring Melissa Peterman.
May 21, 2024: Winning Coach on The Voice
On May 21, 2024, Asher HaVon, a member of Reba McEntire's team, won the 25th season of The Voice, making McEntire the winning coach on her second season.
2024: Singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVIII
In 2024, Reba McEntire sang the national anthem during Super Bowl LVIII, accompanied by deaf actor Daniel Durant in American Sign Language.
2024: Coach on The Voice
In 2024, from the twenty-sixth season, Reba McEntire was featured as a coach on The Voice.
