“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Reba McEntire was born on this day in 1955. She turns 70 today! Known as the “Country music queen,” Reba McEntire has carved out a distinguished career that spans decades. With her rich vocal style and charismatic stage presence, she has become a beloved figure in the country music genre, inspiring countless artists and delighting fans with her storytelling prowess. As she celebrates her 70th birthday, we look back at the journey of this iconic singer who has not only shaped the sound of modern country music but also expanded its boundaries.
Hailing from Oklahoma, Reba’s roots in country music began at a young age. Her early exposure to the genre, combined with her natural talent, set the stage for a career that would see her rise to fame and become a household name. Through her music, Reba McEntire has told stories of love, heartbreak, and resilience, crafting a legacy that continues to resonate today.
About The Composition
- Title: Reba McEntire was born on this day in 1955. She turns 70 today!
- Composer: Unknown
- Premiere Date: Unknown
- Album/Opus/Collection: Unknown
- Genre: Country
Background
Reba McEntire was born in McAlester, Oklahoma, and grew up on a ranch. Her family was deeply involved in rodeo culture, which influenced her early life and music. She started singing as a child, performing at local events and eventually forming a band with her siblings. Her big break came in 1975 when she was discovered by Red Steagall at a rodeo in Oklahoma City, leading to a recording contract with Mercury Records. Reba quickly established herself as a formidable voice in country music, with a string of hits that propelled her to stardom.
Throughout her career, Reba has released numerous albums, each showcasing her evolution as an artist. Her ability to connect with her audience through relatable themes and genuine emotion has solidified her status as one of country music’s most enduring figures. Over the years, she has not only achieved commercial success but also critical acclaim, earning multiple awards and accolades for her contributions to the genre.
Musical Style
Reba McEntire’s musical style is characterized by her powerful vocals and a blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds. Her ability to infuse emotion into her performances allows her to tackle a wide range of themes, from heartache to empowerment. Her music often features elements like steel guitar and fiddle, staying true to her country roots while also incorporating pop influences to reach a broader audience.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrical themes in Reba McEntire’s music often revolve around love, heartbreak, and personal empowerment. Her songs tell stories that resonate with listeners, offering both comfort and inspiration. While some of her tracks are lighthearted and fun, others delve into deeper emotional territories, showcasing her versatility as a storyteller.
Performance History
Reba McEntire has had a long and storied performance history, with numerous sold-out tours and appearances at prestigious venues worldwide. Notable performances include her residency in Las Vegas, where she shared the stage with fellow country stars like Brooks & Dunn. Her live shows are known for their energy, theatricality, and Reba’s ability to connect with her audience, making each performance a memorable experience.
Cultural Impact
Reba McEntire’s influence extends beyond music into television, film, and theater. Her starring role in the hit TV show “Reba” introduced her to new audiences, further cementing her status as a pop culture icon. Her appearances in media have helped bring country music to a wider audience, breaking down genre barriers and fostering appreciation for the art form.
Legacy
Reba McEntire’s legacy in the country music industry is profound. She has paved the way for female artists, proving that women can be both commercially successful and artistically respected in a male-dominated industry. Her influence is evident in the work of many contemporary country artists who cite her as an inspiration. As she celebrates her 70th birthday, Reba continues to be a vital presence in the music world, with her work remaining as relevant and impactful as ever.
Conclusion
Reba McEntire’s journey is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and passion for music. As we celebrate her 70th birthday, it’s a perfect time to revisit her extensive discography and appreciate the contributions she has made to country music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, Reba’s music offers a rich tapestry of stories and emotions worth exploring.
Video
Lyrics
I remember it all very well lookin’ back
It was the summer I turned eighteen
We lived in a one-room, run-down shack
On the outskirts of New Orleans
We didn’t have money for food or rent
To say the least we were hard-pressed
Then mama spent every last penny we had
To buy me a dancin’ dress
Mama washed and combed and curled my hair
And she painted my eyes and lips
Then I stepped into a satin dancin’ dress
That had a split on the side clean up to my hips
It was red velvet trim and it fit me good
Standin’ back from the lookin’ glass
There stood a woman where a half-grown kid had stood
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down
Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”
Mama dabbed a little bit of perfume on my neck, then she kissed my cheek
And then I saw the tears wellin’ up in her troubled eyes when she started to speak
She looked at her pitiful shack
And then she looked at me and took a ragged breath
She said, “Your pa’s runned off, I’m real sick
And the baby’s gonna starve to death”
She handed me a heart-shaped locket that said
“To thine own self be true.”
And I shivered as I watched a roach crawl across
The toe of my high-heeled shoe
It sounded like somebody else that was talkin’
Askin’, “Mama, what do I do?”
She said, “Just be nice to the gentlemen, Fancy
And they’ll be nice to you.”
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down
Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down
Lord, forgive me for what I do
But if you want out, well, it’s up to you
Now don’t let me down
Now your mama’s gonna move you uptown”
Well, that was the last time I saw my ma
The night I left that rickety shack
The welfare people came and took the baby
Mama died and I ain’t been back
But the wheels of fate had started to turn
And for me there was no way out
It wasn’t very long ’til I knew exactly
What my mama’d been talkin’ about
I knew what I had to do and I made myself this solemn vow
That I’s gonna be a lady someday
Though I didn’t know when or how
But I couldn’t see spending the rest of my life
With my head hung down in shame
You know I might have been born just plain white trash
But Fancy was my name
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”
It wasn’t long after that benevolent man took me in off the street
And one week later I was pourin’ his tea in a five-room hotel suite (yes, she was)
I charmed a king, a congressman and an occasional aristocrat
And then I got me a Georgia mansion and an elegant New York townhouse flat
And I ain’t done bad (she ain’t been bad)
Now in this world, there’s a lot of self-righteous hypocrites
That would call me bad
They criticize my mama for turning me out
No matter how little we had
But though I ain’t had to worry ’bout nothin’ for now on fifteen years
Well, I can still hear the desperation in my poor mama’s voice ringin’ in my ears
“Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down
Lord, forgive me for what I do
But if you want out, well, it’s up to you
Now don’t let me down
Now your Mama’s gonna move you uptown”
Well, I guess she did