Comments on: Classic CMA Awards Moments, #19: Reba McEntire, Female Vocalist of the Year acceptance speech (1984)

By: Caroline

Caroline — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:52:45 +0000

According to Reba’s website, she is the most nominated female artist in CMA history. And when you look at all the awards she has won – I think that Wikipedia says that Reba has won a total of 76 awards in her career. Can you imagine how many total nominations she has had in her career???

Reba is absolutely amazing.

By: Greg

Greg — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:29:50 +0000

I think it’s a great accomplishment by Reba, but I can’t help but think that there were a few times in the early to mid 90′s, when Reba was huge and explosive, that she didn’t win any more female vocalist awards. Although, the women in those times did deserve their awards, we could’ve/should’ve seen Reba win some more awards.

By: Blake Boldt

Blake Boldt — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:20:59 +0000

No problem. I had difficulty wording the accomplishment! You’re right on the money with that assessment—the competition was stiff. Cash in particular, who had 11 #1′s during the ’80s and never won, which we referenced earlier in the week.

I would be curious to see if anyone will capture 4 in a row again. Carrie Underwood may be on her way.

Oh, for the record… :)

Reba, 1984-1987
Martina McBride, 1999 & 2002-2004

By: J.R. Journey

J.R. Journey — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:58:25 +0000

Thanks Blake. I wasn’t trying to be nit-picky … but I just feel that Reba’s 4 consecutive wins are the greater achievment. And I just had to let everybody know she did it first and hers were all consecutive.

The fact that Reba won in years where Rosanne Cash had more chart success (1987 most notably), and also had some heady competition with Barbara Mandrell in ’84, Dolly Parton in ’87, and Emmylou Harris all 4 years makes it all the more impressive … :)

By: Tony C

Tony C — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:16:22 +0000

Wish the speech was on youtube…she was so humbled and gracious! Love it!

By: Blake Boldt

Blake Boldt — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:12:11 +0000

Hey,

You’re right. I changed the terminology slightly to be more explanatory. ;)

I feel Reba’s feat is more impressive as well. McBride’s achievement is nice, but it occurred during a relatively soft spot for females in country music.

By: J.R. Journey

J.R. Journey — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:00:07 +0000

Great piece? I’ve always loved that speech.

But ‘record-tying’ four wins is a bit wrong I feel. Reba set the record – and still holds it for most consecutive wins. Martina McBride did win the award four times too, but not consecutive and since Reba did it first, she holds the record and always will. Nobody really breaks a record like this, they only tie it …