Rural Route Music by Bluegrass Johnson 

 

BITTER SWEET, Ky. — You’ve heard me say in the past that some artists are so popular, they are recognized by just their first name. You have also read here that I would like more of our female country artists to be heard on the radio.

Well, the name “Reba” fits that first statement to a tee – and she is one female country star that has dominated the airwaves for more than four decades. You’d think after 26 albums, a singer would run out of things to say, but Reba McEntire will release No. 27 in April entitled “Love Somebody” that will include 12 songs (unless you’re a Target customer, in which case you’ll get two bonus tracks on the album).

I think Reba could read from the telephone book and make it sound great, but she said through a posting on her website that thousands of songs were listened to before deciding on these new selections.

The fact she is still recording new music at this point in her career demonstrates her ability as an artist and sustainability as a performer. Through the years she has become quite the overall entertainer, from singer to actress to hostess – and now, an icon in Las Vegas.

I still watch the reruns of her sitcom, which aired in the early 2000s, simply called “Reba.” We just don’t have many television programs like that one anymore; TV producers are too busy filling the channels with blood and guts and sex. (But I’ll save that argument for another day.)

My point is, Reba is one of those entertainers I’d let my children watch and enjoy. She is talented, for sure, but also a decent, fun-loving human being, at least from where I’m sitting. I think at the end of the day, people like Reba McEntire maintain their popularity and longevity because they are good people. I feel as though the general public still wants good, wholesome entertainment for their families.

I’m anxiously waiting to hear this new music, although I know without listening it will be great. Reba hasn’t done anything that wasn’t.

And with that said, I of course give Reba a resounding A+ in my class and look forward to another four decades of her entertaining ways. She will forever remain a 30-year-old beauty from Oklahoma to me (while in 40 years I’ll be nearing the century mark!).

Thank goodness for artists like Reba – and I hope they have reruns in heaven.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.