McEntire, Reba (1955–)

American musician. Born Reba Nell McEntire, Mar 28, 1955, in Chockie, OK; dau. of Clark (rodeo steer roper) and Jacqueline McEntire; sister of Susie Luchsinger, also known as Susie McEntire (Christian musician); m. Charlie Battles, June 21, 1976 (div. 1987); m. Narvel Blackstock (guitarist), June 1989; children: Shelby Steven (b. 1990).

While in high school, performed at nightclubs with siblings as Singing McEntires; drew attention singing "Star Spangled Banner" at National Rodeo Finals (1974) and signed with Mercury Records (1976); had 1st hit, "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven" (1980); other hits include "Today All Over Again" (1981), "I'm Not That Lonely Yet" (1982) and "Just a Little Love" (1984); signed with MCA and career began to take off with such albums as Whoever's In New England (1986), Rumor Has It (1990), Read My Mind (1994), and If You See Him (1998), and hit songs "Little Rock" (1986), "I Know How He Feels" (1988), "Fallin' Out of Love" (1991), "Does He Love You" (1993), and "And Still" (1995); with husband, started company, Starstruck Entertainment (1988); lost 8 members of band in plane crash (1991); published Comfort From a Country Quilt: Finding New Inspiration and Strength From Old-Fashioned Values (1999); became hit on Broadway, starring in Annie Get Your Gun (2001); launched own tv series "Reba" (2001); films include Tremors (1990), North (1994), and Forever Love (1998).

See also autobiography, Reba: My Story (1994).