Born in Oklahoma on March 28th, Reba Nell McEntire would go on to be one of the most dominant country artists of her time, and she would even be considered by many as the “Queen of Country"-- a title shared by Dolly Parton.
This singer/songwriter/actress started out in the high school band, moved on to rodeos, and now has a dedicated, loyal fanbase that spreads across all demographics. In celebration of Reba’s birthday, here are five of our favorite songs!
“Little Rock”
Whoever’s In New England was Reba’s tenth album, and “Little Rock” was the album’s second single. It would go on to reach the no. 1 spot on the Billboard country charts. This song shows how all the money in the world cannot tell the heart what it wants-- the heart knows what it wants.
“The Night Lights Went Out In Georgia”
Originally written in 1972, this southern gothic ballad was recorded by Vicki Lawrence. The song would find its way to Tanya Tucker and then Reba. In 1991, Reba covered it for her For My Broken Heart album. It would reach the no. 12 spot on the Billboard charts. We picked this song because of the storytelling.
“Cowgirls Don’t Cry”
Technically this is a Brooks & Dunn song. It was originally recorded by the country duo in 2008; however, it would be rerecorded a month later as a duet with Reba. It would earn Reba her 56th Top 10 hit on the Billboard charts. Her one verse on this song steals the show.
“Is There Life Out There”
Reba released this song back in 1992 as the second single from her For My Broken Heart album. The song is a simple one in its story. A young woman wondering if what she currently has is all the world has to offer. It would reach the no. 1 spot on the country charts.
“Fancy”
This song was originally written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry back in 1969. Reba remade it in 1991. The story this song tells is heart wrenching. It is probably her most iconic song-- also her bravest song in terms of subject matter. She reached the top ten on Billboard with it. While the story might not be the prettiest to some, Reba’s vocals beautifully tell the story elegantly.
