Reba McEntire: A True Country Legend

Today, Reba McEntire celebrates her 69th birthday, and she truly deserves all the praise she can get. For me, it feels like she’s always been around, and I still listen to her music several times a week.

But Reba’s life hasn’t always been easy.

Born to Ride and Work the Land

Reba McEntire wasn’t just born country — she lived it. Born in McAlester, Oklahoma, in 1955, Reba grew up on her family’s 8,000-acre ranch in Chockie, Atoka County. Her childhood revolved around hard work, determination, and western traditions.

Life on the ranch meant no downtime. As a young girl, Reba was already expected to help out. At just five years old, she was driving her dad’s truck across fields, though she couldn’t reach the pedals. Her dad, Clark, would prop her up with a 50-pound feed sack and let her steer.

A Family of Rodeo Legends

Reba’s family was steeped in rodeo history. Her grandfather, John Wesley McEntire, was a world-champion steer roper in 1934, and her father, Clark, won the title three times.

A Childhood Without Glamour

Despite their rodeo fame, Reba’s childhood wasn’t glamorous. She grew up in a modest gray house with one bathroom for the six family members. Clark McEntire wasn’t one for expressions of affection, but he showed love through high expectations and hard work.

Reba later admitted in her autobiography, For My Broken Heart, that she once regretted her father’s lack of verbal affection.

Discovering Her Love for Music

While Reba was learning the ranch life, she had another passion: singing. Her mother, Jacqueline, had dreams of becoming a country singer but instead became a teacher. Jacqueline nurtured Reba’s musical talents by teaching her to sing in harmony during long car rides.

Reba’s powerful voice came from her father, who had to shout across the ranch. Reba’s own loud voice became a trademark in her family.

Early Musical Beginnings

Reba’s musical journey began early. In first grade, she wowed her classmates by singing “Away in a Manger” at a Christmas pageant. By fifth grade, she had won first place in the Junior Act Division of the 4-H club with “My Sweet Little Alice Blue Gown.”

The McEntire Family Band

Reba’s music wasn’t confined to solo performances. She formed a trio with her siblings, Pake and Susie, called The Singing McEntires. Their mother, Jacqueline, was quick to offer feedback, especially if they hit a wrong note.

Their first song, “The Ballad of John McEntire,” was released in 1971, marking an important milestone in Reba’s career.

A Local Sensation

The Singing McEntires became a local sensation. They performed at small-town events and formed The Kiowa High School Cowboy Band. Reba joked that they were “barely out of puberty” during some of their shows.