41 - Oklahoma, Reba McEntire
I have enjoyed the "Queens" of many things in this blog. Today is the "Queen of Country" with Reba McEntire. You should go to her concert of 2020. I think I may try to. She is a legend that I missed before.
Oklahoma is the 33rd state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment on February 28, 1920.
Ms. McEntire elevated her career as a sophomore at SE Oklahoma State University catching the ear of artist Red Steagall by singing the National Anthem at the National Rodeo in Oklahoma City. A year later in 1975, she signed with Mercury Records, releasing her first of 29 albums in 1977.
In 1984, Ms. McEntire took control of her album to build a more traditional country sound, bringing breakthrough success. She released a total of 29 albums. Of these sixteen, hit number one, 28 were certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum by the Recording Industry of America, and 42 number one singles. Crowned “the Queen of Country”, she is one of the best-selling artists of all time with more than 75 million records worldwide. In 2020 (this year!), she has returned to Universal Music Group and went on tour.
Ms. McEntire successfully captivated the television audience as well with movies and a television sitcom, Reba, and being nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by and Actress in a series.
Surrounded by music throughout her life, her family encouraged her and siblings to develop musically. They had a young band and she self-taught herself guitar. She worked hard through the tough critics and hard shows to break through. Her work ethic and perseverance is what made her the queen.
Why this woman?
My twin sister and I were as different as imaginable in high school. Our social groups were divided by activities in and out of school. The music you listened to defined the groups. Our classes were divided by derogatory labels and responses to people. She was with “the hicks”, and I was with “the jocks”. It was divisive and generalized stereotypes.
My group surrounded us listening to R&B and Top 40 Hits`. Of course, only people in my sister’s group listened to country music. Which unfortunately led me to missing out on this very vibrant and interesting culture that was intrinsic to the Tri-Cities. It was the era of Reba, Garth, George Strait, Shania ... It was rock, culture, and community. Everything in what my scene is now.
I was afraid to stand against my people. I was afraid to listen to things not shared with me. If I had paid attention to my sister’s favorites, I may have found connections with more of my classmates. I isolated this other group as the “bad”, the “rebels”. They were not the people I should associate with.
In 2018, I went to Garth Brooks tour, and it was seriously the MOST amazing tour I had ever seen. It was pure enjoyment, production, and shared energy throughout the stadium. I am loving getting into this genre more and more. I see the light on the other side, and try to be a person of inclusion now. If only I could go back and enjoy those years with the people that loved music like I do now.
Oklahoma is the 33rd state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment on February 28, 1920.
Ms. McEntire elevated her career as a sophomore at SE Oklahoma State University catching the ear of artist Red Steagall by singing the National Anthem at the National Rodeo in Oklahoma City. A year later in 1975, she signed with Mercury Records, releasing her first of 29 albums in 1977.
In 1984, Ms. McEntire took control of her album to build a more traditional country sound, bringing breakthrough success. She released a total of 29 albums. Of these sixteen, hit number one, 28 were certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum by the Recording Industry of America, and 42 number one singles. Crowned “the Queen of Country”, she is one of the best-selling artists of all time with more than 75 million records worldwide. In 2020 (this year!), she has returned to Universal Music Group and went on tour.
Ms. McEntire successfully captivated the television audience as well with movies and a television sitcom, Reba, and being nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by and Actress in a series.
Surrounded by music throughout her life, her family encouraged her and siblings to develop musically. They had a young band and she self-taught herself guitar. She worked hard through the tough critics and hard shows to break through. Her work ethic and perseverance is what made her the queen.
Why this woman?
My twin sister and I were as different as imaginable in high school. Our social groups were divided by activities in and out of school. The music you listened to defined the groups. Our classes were divided by derogatory labels and responses to people. She was with “the hicks”, and I was with “the jocks”. It was divisive and generalized stereotypes.
My group surrounded us listening to R&B and Top 40 Hits`. Of course, only people in my sister’s group listened to country music. Which unfortunately led me to missing out on this very vibrant and interesting culture that was intrinsic to the Tri-Cities. It was the era of Reba, Garth, George Strait, Shania ... It was rock, culture, and community. Everything in what my scene is now.
I was afraid to stand against my people. I was afraid to listen to things not shared with me. If I had paid attention to my sister’s favorites, I may have found connections with more of my classmates. I isolated this other group as the “bad”, the “rebels”. They were not the people I should associate with.
In 2018, I went to Garth Brooks tour, and it was seriously the MOST amazing tour I had ever seen. It was pure enjoyment, production, and shared energy throughout the stadium. I am loving getting into this genre more and more. I see the light on the other side, and try to be a person of inclusion now. If only I could go back and enjoy those years with the people that loved music like I do now.
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