Many of us look back on our childhood and are happy that we were raised in good conditions with loving family members by our side. There are others, however, who had a much more difficult time in life.
One little girl looks back on life and remembers a time of working on a ranch when she was only five years old. Her siblings were working along with her at the 8000-acre ranch in Oklahoma, and she was driving a truck on the ranch before she could really even reach the pedals.
It may have been difficult to live on the ranch, but it certainly was not a life to be regretted. Hard work was just part of everyday life, and she was familiar with it from the time she was young.
The father made sure that the children knew what it was like to work hard. The mother loved music, and she encouraged a lot of warmth in the family. It was a rugged lifestyle, but it also had its rewards.
Long before this little girl became a mega superstar, she was a young ranch hand. Growing up on that ranch in Oklahoma, she learned to work with her hands. She also learned what it was like to struggle in life, but she never regretted her life as a youngster.
Eventually, she would dream of becoming a country music singer, just like her mother dreamed but her mother would never have that opportunity. The three youngest of the siblings did form a musical group, and they would perform locally at rodeos and family gatherings.
Even the young girl, who we all know is Reba McEntire learned how to play the piano and the guitar. She loved performing in front of others and each time she did so, it was like she was getting her mother’s approval.
Eventually, she would major in music at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. When it was too challenging for her, she decided to shift her focus to education.
In 1974 at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, she got up in front of the crowd to sing the Star-Spangled Banner. Country music star Red Steagall was there, and he recognized her talent. He struck up a conversation with the family and his mother asked if he could get the children into the business.
Reba would go with Red to Nashville the following year to record a demo tape. It was her opportunity to be introduced to the world of country music.
At first, her music wasn’t met with a lot of good reception and living in Nashville was not the glorious life she dreamed it would be. Eventually, her hard work would pay off but until then, she would rely on her experience as a farm hand to get by.
In 1983, her song: ‘Can’t Even Get the Blues’ hit number one. It was a moment she had been waiting for and Don Williams, her manager had called her while she was on tour to give her the news.
When she called her mother, Jackie said: “Well, you finally did it.”
Reba replied: “No, ma’am, we did it.”
Her first royalty check wouldn’t appear until 1988. She had already won four CMA Female Vocalist of the Year awards prior to that time. She had 20 number one hits and 90 million records sold and became the second best-selling female country artist of all time.
Reba even got involved in television, showing that her talent was not only limited to music. Even her father recognized it, encouraging her on occasion in rare moments when he showed emotion.
Reba McIntyre has had her ups and downs over the years, but she is someone that has persevered. We are so thankful that she continues to provide us with the music that we love so much.
