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Music / Country

Reba McEntire's First #1 Hit: A Career Turning Point

On January 11, 1983, Reba McEntire topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the first time with 'Can't Even Get the Blues.' This marked a crucial turning point in her career, granting her the creative control to become a country mus...

On This Day in 1983, Reba McEntire Topped the Charts for the First Time With a Song She Had To Fight To Record
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Reba McEntire's First #1 Hit: A Career Turning Point Image via American Songwriter

Key Insights

  • In 1983, 'Can't Even Get the Blues' became Reba McEntire's first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
  • McEntire had to fight her producer, Jerry Kennedy, to record the song, as he preferred softer ballads.
  • The success of 'Can't Even Get the Blues' led to a string of hits and allowed McEntire to negotiate an early release from Mercury Records.
  • This milestone empowered her to sign with MCA in 1984, where she achieved even greater success with numerous chart-topping singles and albums.
  • **Why this matters:** McEntire's early struggle and eventual triumph demonstrate the importance of artistic vision and perseverance in achieving long-term success in the music industry.

In-Depth Analysis

Reba McEntire's journey to stardom began with Red Steagall discovering her singing the national anthem at a rodeo in 1975. She signed with Mercury Records in 1976, but her early releases saw limited success. By the early 1980s, McEntire wasn't a fan of the pop-leaning material the label wanted her to record.

'Can't Even Get the Blues,' written by Tom Damphier and Rick Carnes, was initially considered for Jacky Ward. McEntire had to argue with her producer to record the song, which ultimately became the lead single from her album *Unlimited*. Following this success, she gained leverage to negotiate a release from Mercury Records and signed with MCA in 1984. This move led to a hugely successful period in her career with hits like 'Whoever’s in New England,' 'Little Rock,' and 'One Promise Too Late.' McEntire has launched 24 singles and 13 albums to No. 1.

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FAQ

What was Reba McEntire's first No. 1 hit?

'Can't Even Get the Blues.'

When did Reba McEntire reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart?

January 9, 1983

Why was 'Can't Even Get the Blues' important for Reba McEntire's career?

It gave her the leverage to take control of her career and move to MCA Records, where she achieved greater success.

Takeaways

  • Reba McEntire's story illustrates the importance of fighting for your artistic vision.
  • Her success shows that perseverance can lead to creative freedom and long-term career achievements.
  • 'Can't Even Get the Blues' was the turning point that propelled her to country music stardom.

Discussion

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