Commanding the stage and singing with conviction for two hours at each of her two shows yesterday (2/15), Reba McEntire performed her first-ever headline date at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. From the lead note of an acapella “Jesus Loves Me” to an empowering “Is There Life Out There,” the packed crowds were taken on a musical journey through her esteemed catalogue and their own beloved memories.
The Tennessean proclaimed, “Some people sing. Other people entertain. More than four decades into her recording career, Reba McEntire still has the market cornered on both.”
Reba offered up her own stories about life growing up in Oklahoma, the rodeo circuit and big vacations in Nashville, making it clear that family is a cornerstone of her success that has since scored 35 No.1 hits and over 56 million albums sold worldwide. The afternoon sunlight and night-time lights shimmering through the venue’s stained glass windows provided a symbolic ambiance for Reba as she shared why now was the time to release her first inspirational album. Fans and critics alike agreed as SING IT NOW: SONGS OF FAITH & HOPE became the iconic entertainer’s thirteenth summit to the top of the Billboard Country chart and first No. 1 debut on the Christian/Gospel chart. The double-disc album was released February 3 on Nash Icon Records and Capitol Christian Music Group.
“Thank you so much for the kind reception to this album. It’s touched my heart more than you know,” Reba said with a joyous quiver in her voice.
Thunderous applause from the crowds echoed throughout the pews with a notable standing ovation just midway through “Back To God” at the matinee, prompting a heartfelt response from Reba, “living proof we’ve got to give it back to God. Amen!”
While there were moments of reflection and a little help from “God And My Girlfriends,” the feisty red-head served up plenty of fun as audiences belted along to “Going Out Like That,” “Can’t Even Get The Blues,” “Walk On” and “Turn On The Radio.” Reba even offered up a bit of trivia surrounding “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia.”
During the sold-out evening concert, Reba brought out friends Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson on “Softly And Tenderly.” The Isaacs joined for “In The Garden / Wonderful Peace” while her mom and sisters brought family harmony to “I’ll Fly Away.” Linda Davis helped reprise their Grammy®-winning “Does He Love You” to help cap off the night before Reba closed the shows with her signature hit “Fancy.”