From country crooner to silver screen sensation: The multi-talented Reba McEntire dominates as singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur
Reba McEntire. As one of the best-selling artists of all time, she’s known as the queen of country— but from music to movies and beyond, her 40-plus-year influence touches so much more than the cowboy culture.
Reba may be known for her singing, acting and film work, but more than 10 years ago, she began making a specific mark in fashion and home accessories. It all started with a request from Dillard’s for her to put together a clothing line.
“I don’t know anything about doing a clothing line,” she told them then. “I grew up with hand-me-downs all my life. I’d like to take a meeting.” So we took a meeting, and after two hours of them showing me the clothes, I said, ‘Guys, I wouldn’t wear anything that you put before me, so I can’t put my name on it.”
They didn’t give up. They wanted to know what she would like. A stack of magazine tear sheets and two months later, and everything they presented her the Reba McEntire line that was exactly to her taste.
That line, Reba says, expanded into dishes, flatware, shoes, bedding, “about everything in the world.”
Including her Reba McEntire luggage pieces— which makes sense for the often-on-the-road artist.
She says her number one seller has been a bright turquoise and brown jacquard collection called Santa Fe, but she’s really excited about a new set that’s black with an iridescent crocodile-stamped pattern.
“It’s the wildest thing in the world. I just love the leather on it.”
It’s the kind of pattern, Reba says, that will helps frequent travelers to always find their luggage. “I like to have something that’s different, that when it rolls round on the carousel you know that’s your luggage.”
“That’s why I’m so thrilled about this crocodile imprint,” she adds, “because it’s going to stand out.”
So aside from choosing unique luggage, does Reba have any other packing tips?
“Keep your toiletries bag ready to go all the time. One thing I love about our Reba Toiletry Kit is the see-through side — it makes getting through security a lot easier!”
Thanks Reba!
Did you know?
Did you know that in addition to her successful career as a country music singer, Reba McEntire is also an accomplished actress?
McEntire has appeared in several movies and TV shows over the years, including a lead role in the popular TV show “Reba,” which aired from 2001 to 2007. She has also had roles in movies like “Tremors” and “The Little Rascals,” as well as in Broadway productions such as “Annie Get Your Gun” and “South Pacific.”
In 2017, McEntire made her return to television as the lead in the drama series “Reba,” in which she played a small-town sheriff. She has received critical acclaim for her acting work, including a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for her role in the TV movie “The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw.”
A little history:
Reba McEntire is an American country music singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born on March 28, 1955, in McAlester, Oklahoma, and raised on her family’s ranch. She grew up singing in her local church and was discovered by a country music singer, Red Steagall, in college.
McEntire’s music career began in the late 1970s, and she released her first album in 1977. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she became one of the most successful country music singers, with numerous hit songs, including “Fancy,” “Is There Life Out There,” and “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” She has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards, 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 15 American Music Awards.
In addition to her music career, Reba McEntire has succeeded as an actress. She has appeared in several movies, including “Tremors” and “One Night at McCool’s,” and she starred in her own television sitcom, “Reba,” which aired from 2001 to 2007.
McEntire is also known for her philanthropic work. She has supported several charities, including the American Red Cross, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Reba McEntire is a well-respected and beloved figure in the country music industry, known for her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and impressive range of talents.
Photo: Jeremy Cowart