Country music icon Reba McEntire has led a storied career that has garnered her the moniker, “The Queen of Country.”
McEntire is the only country music female soloist to achieve No. 1 songs across four decades, and Palm Springs Life recently caught a moment with the legend to get her take on this phenomenon.
She will entertain in the desert Nov. 1 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Special Events Center in Indio.
Reba McEntire has posted a No. 1 song in each of the last four decades.
With new young country/pop crossover stars appealing to younger generations…where do you think the genre of traditional country music is heading?
“That's a loaded question that I'm not sure anyone can answer. I do feel that country music is taking on a different course than what it's been in the last few years. The good 'ole boy, drinking beer in the truck, go get on the tractor, etc…I think it'll get back to romance, stories and deeper lyrics. I know one thing for sure, we need more new women singers on the scene!”
After four decades of shining success, why do you think your particular material and music remains relevant and so relatable?
“I like to sing songs people can relate to. I love story songs. I love a great song!! Publishers and writers will ask me, ‘What are you looking for?’ I'll say, ‘A great song. Just a great song.’
Hard work plays a major role in success, but passion plays the biggest role. I have a passion to entertain. I'm not the best at it and I'm not the best singer. But when the audience sees me having such a great time on stage, they can't help but have a great time, too. Isn't that what we all want? To be entertained? I sure do!”
A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, McEntire has been singing, song-writing and acting on both screen and stage for the better part of 40 years. In addition to her amazing list of honors and awards in this genre, she was nominated for a Golden Globe award for Best Performance by an Actress in the Television Series –Musical or Comedy from her own television sitcom, Reba, which ran 2001-2007.
Reba McEntire, 8 p.m. Nov. 1, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio, 760-342-5000, www.fantasyspringsresort.com
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