One of the biggest stars to ever come to Wolf Trap, Reba McEntire has been a country icon for over 25 years and is beloved among her millions of fans who have loved her since she made her first record in 1977. Raised by ranchers in rural Oklahoma, she moved to Nashville in 1975 and released her first few albums on Mercury records. Her first few albums and singles sold only moderately well and she went through her first few years as an up and coming singer. She began to feel unsettled with her pop-country approach and signed with Nashville Records in 1984. With her songs embracing a more traditional style, she became a mainstay on the country charts and achieved 25 #1 hits, a number only matched by Dolly Parton. She was inducted into the Grand Old Opry in 1986 and has won many Grammy and country music awards for her records. Reba generally doesn't write her own material but her music was still unique and her voice enthralled a generation of country fans along with her rural origins. Although she did return to a more pop sound in the 90's and 2000's, this time the records sold very well and Reba was able to have crossover success as well. It was during this time that she also dabbled in film and Broadway while continuing her music career. She even starred in a sitcom, "Reba", which had a successful run from 2001-2006. She has sold almost 100 million records worldwide and at 63, still remains a force on the charts as well as in the country music business.
Without a doubt the busiest show of the year, 7000 fans showed up in 96 degree heat to watch an incredible show. I never really listened to any of McEntire's music but she's an incredible performer who still has a great voice and a welcoming personality. The audience loved every minute of it and Reba entertained them with songs and stories only a person with years of experience could. Her band brought great energy to even her slower songs and sometimes it was only her voice that served to remind me that it was country I was listening to. Perhaps the only downside to having so many hits is that it's impossible to play all of them in oneshow and she truncated some of them which I always think detracts from the song as a whole. But songs like "Fancy" and "Turn on the Radio" were definite highlights and her ability to delve into songs old and new served to her benefit. This was the best country music show I've ever seen (granted that's not many) and I am fully impressed by Reba and her incredibly successful career.
My favorite part of the show was when she did an amazing cover of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot". It started out slow but then turned into a romp with great solos and Reba singing it as good as anyone I've heard.
Looking forward to more shows in the future!
DC
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| Reba McEntire |
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