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, an American country singer and actress known as "The Queen of Country," has sold over 75 million records globally. Charting over 100 singles on Billboard's Hot Country Songs since the 1970s, with 25 reaching number one, she has achieved significant musical success. Beyond music, McEntire starred in the television series "Reba" for six seasons and has ventured into business, owning a restaurant and clothing line, showcasing her diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit.
1971: Release of "The Ballad of John McEntire"
In 1971, the Singing McEntires released "The Ballad of John McEntire", a single about their grandfather, on a local label.
March 1975: Trip to Nashville for Demo Recording
In March 1975, Reba McEntire and her mother traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to record a demonstration tape with the help of Red Steagall.
November 1975: Signing with PolyGram/Mercury Records
In November 1975, Reba McEntire officially signed a country music recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records, marking the beginning of her professional recording career.
1975: Signing with PolyGram/Mercury Records and Relocation to Nashville
In 1975, Reba McEntire signed a country music recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records after being noticed by Red Steagall. In 1975, she relocated with her mother to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue her music career.
1975: Red Steagall's Offer and Beginning of Recording Career
In early 1975, Red Steagall contacted Reba McEntire, expressing interest in helping her get a recording contract, setting the stage for her professional music career.
January 1976: First Recordings for PolyGram/Mercury Records
In January 1976, Reba McEntire made her first recordings for PolyGram/Mercury Records, produced by Glenn Keener with a Countrypolitan arrangement.
September 17, 1977: Grand Ole Opry Debut
On September 17, 1977, Reba McEntire made her Grand Ole Opry debut, singing "Invitation to the Blues", though her act was shortened due to a surprise appearance by Dolly Parton.
1977: Release of Self-Titled Debut Album
In 1977, Reba McEntire released her self-titled debut album on Mercury Records, which received a mixed review and was compared to the style of Barbara Mandrell and Tammy Wynette.
1978: Collaboration with Jacky Ward
In 1978, Reba McEntire collaborated with country artist Jacky Ward on the double-sided single "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight"/"Three Sheets in the Wind", which 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 produced by Jerry Kennedy and included her first top-20 solo hit, a cover of Patsy Cline's "Sweet Dreams".
1980: Formation of Band and "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven" Success
By 1980, Reba McEntire had formed her own band, including her siblings Susie and Pake. In 1980, "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven" became her first top-10 hit on the country songs chart.
1981: Release of Heart to Heart
In 1981, Reba McEntire's fourth album, Heart to Heart, was released and became her first to chart on 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, followed by "You're the First Time I Thought About Leaving".
1984: Release of Just a Little Love and Finding Independence
In 1984, Reba McEntire released her seventh studio album, Just a Little Love, and began to take control of her career and music by finding her own songs to record. My Kind of Country was released in 1984 as well and became a breakthrough album.
1984: Signing with MCA Records and Breakthrough Album
In 1984, Reba McEntire signed with MCA Records after being dissatisfied with her career trajectory at PolyGram/Mercury. Her second MCA album, My Kind of Country, released in 1984, became her breakout release.
1985: Release of 'Have I Got a Deal for You' album and World Series performance
In 1985, Reba McEntire released the album 'Have I Got a Deal for You', which continued her traditional country format. The title track reached the Billboard country top 10. On October 19, 1985, she also performed the National Anthem at game one 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.
February 1986: Release of 'Whoever's in New England' album
In February 1986, Reba McEntire released her ninth studio album 'Whoever's in New England'. It mixed traditional country with a modern sound. The title track reached number one on the Billboard country chart and won a Grammy Award.
1986: Release of 'What Am I Gonna Do About You'
In 1986, Reba McEntire released her twelfth studio album 'What Am I Gonna Do About You'. The title track became her next number one song on the Billboard country chart.
1987: Divorce from Charlie Battles
In 1987, Reba McEntire divorced Charlie Battles and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to further her career.
1987: Release of 'The Last One to Know', 'Merry Christmas to You', and Carnegie Hall performance
In 1987, Reba McEntire released her 13th studio project, 'The Last One to Know', which reached number three on the Billboard country albums chart. In late 1987, she released her first Christmas collection called 'Merry Christmas to You'. Also in 1987, she played Carnegie Hall in New York City for the first time.
1988: Release of 'Reba' album
In 1988, Reba McEntire released her pop-inspired album 'Reba', which included covers of "Respect" and "A Sunday Kind of Love".
1989: Marriage to Narvel Blackstock
In 1989, Reba McEntire married her manager and former steel guitar player Narvel Blackstock at Lake Tahoe.
1989: Release of 'Sweet Sixteen' and 'Reba Live'
In 1989, Reba McEntire released the album 'Sweet Sixteen', which was a return to neo-traditionalist country. Her first live project titled 'Reba Live' was also released in 1989.
January 1990: Film Debut in Tremors
In January 1990, Reba McEntire made her film debut in Tremors, marking the beginning of her acting career.
1990: Release of 'Rumor Has It' album
In 1990, Reba McEntire released the pop-oriented album 'Rumor Has It', which reached the top 40 of the Billboard 200 albums chart and became her highest-selling album.
October 1991: Release of 'For My Broken Heart' album
In October 1991, Reba McEntire released 'For My Broken Heart', dedicating it to the deceased members of her road band. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
December 1992: Release of 'It's Your Call' album
In December 1992, Reba McEntire released her 17th album 'It's Your Call', which reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200.
1992: Opened Reba's Ranch House
In 1992, Reba McEntire opened Reba's Ranch House in Denison, Texas, to provide extended-stay accommodations for relatives of patients at Texoma Medical Center.
1993: Duet with Linda Davis and CMA Awards 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, McEntire wore a controversial red dress at the CMA Awards.
1994: Release of 'Read My Mind' album
In 1994, Reba McEntire released her 18th studio release 'Read My Mind', which reached number two on both the Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart.
1995: Release of 'Starting Over' album
In 1995, Reba McEntire released her 19th studio album, 'Starting Over', a collection of her favorite songs originally recorded by others, to commemorate her 20 years in the music industry.
November 1996: Release of 'What If It's You' album
In November 1996, Reba McEntire's album 'What If It's You' was released, marking a return to a contemporary country sound. It topped the Billboard country albums list.
1996: Release of What If It's You
In 1996, Reba McEntire released the album What If It's You, featuring the number-one country single "How Was I to Know".
June 1998: Release of 'If You See Him' by Reba McEntire and 'If You See Her' by Brooks & Dunn
In June 1998, Reba McEntire released the album 'If You See Him', and Brooks & Dunn released the album 'If You See Her', both including the duet "If You See Him/If You See Her".
1998: Release of If You See Him
In 1998, Reba McEntire released the album If You See Him, which included the number-one country single "If You See Him/If You See Her", a duet with Brooks and Dunn.
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.
2001: Broadway Debut in Annie Get Your Gun and Premiere of 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, starring Reba McEntire.
2001: Release of "I'm a Survivor" and TV Series
In 2001, Reba McEntire released the single "I'm a Survivor," which became a top-five country hit and the theme song to her 2001 television series.
August 2003: Release of "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain"
In August 2003, Reba McEntire released the single "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain," which was included on her album 'Room to Breathe'.
November 2003: Release of 'Room to Breathe' album
In November 2003, Reba McEntire released the album 'Room to Breathe', which debuted at number four on the Billboard country chart.
2004: Room to Breathe Tour
In 2004, Reba McEntire embarked on her first tour in several years, called the Room to Breathe Tour, which included 36 cities in the United States.
2005: Release of 'Reba #1's' compilation
In 2005, MCA released the double-disc compilation titled 'Reba #1's' while Reba McEntire was between albums.
September 2007: Release of 'Reba: Duets' album
In September 2007, Reba McEntire's album 'Reba: Duets' was released, featuring duets with various music artists. It topped the Billboard country chart and the Billboard 200.
2011: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame
In 2011, Reba McEntire was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame; she was inducted by Dolly Parton.
2013: Miranda Lambert ties Reba's record
In 2013, Miranda Lambert tied Reba McEntire's record for winning the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year Award four times consecutively.
2016: Carrie Underwood joins elite club
In 2016, Carrie Underwood joined the elite club of female artists who have won the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year Award four times consecutively, a record previously held and tied by Reba McEntire.
December 2018: Received Kennedy Center Honor
In December 2018, Reba McEntire received the Kennedy Center Honor.
2018: Honored with the Horatio Alger Award
In 2018, Reba McEntire was honored with the Horatio Alger Award for Education, Charity Work, recognizing her perseverance and philanthropic efforts.
2023: Coaching on The Voice
Since 2023, Reba McEntire has been featured as a coach on four seasons of the reality competition show The Voice.
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