Reba McEntire Addresses Ongoing Gender Inequality in Country Music Industry

Reba McEntire Argues Things Are Not Equal For Women in Country Music

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Reba McEntire, who has been in the music industry for nearly 50 years, has witnessed significant changes in country music. However, she believes that there is still a lot of progress to be made in terms of treating women equally.

At the age of 69, McEntire signed her first recording contract with Mercury Records back in 1975. This experience has given her valuable insight into how the industry still falls short in providing fair treatment to her fellow female artists.

McEntire recently told the Associated Press that things may be improving, but there is still work to be done. She mentioned that everyone in the industry is constantly competing for airtime, streaming, and radio play, all striving for attention.

The Country Music Hall of Famer shared that she is driven to continue the battle because she has learned valuable lessons from the pioneers who paved the way before her.

Reba McEntire shared, "Just like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Barbara Mandrell, we searched for the best songs and put on multiple shows when the guys were only doing one."

She emphasized, "We understood the importance of working harder and did not waste time complaining. We simply put in the effort and got the job done."

To understand the current inequality in country music, you don’t need to look any further than the Billboard charts.

Reba McEntire Argues Things Are Not Equal For Women in Country Music

In February, Beyoncé made history by becoming the first Black woman to top the Hot Country Songs chart. Before her, Taylor Swift was the last woman to reach No. 1 on the chart with "All Too Well (Taylor's Version)" in November 2021.

Reba McEntire shared her positive outlook on Beyoncé's recent release of her country album Cowboy Carter in March. The country singer expressed hope that Beyoncé's embrace of the genre will bring more diversity to country music. According to McEntire, a talented singer is a talented singer, regardless of their race. She believes that color should not be a factor in determining one's musical talent.

McEntire mentioned that looking at her fanbase is evidence that progress may be happening, even if it's happening slowly. She expressed her happiness about having a diverse audience at her concerts and warmly invited people of all backgrounds to join and be welcomed.

McEntire is currently gearing up to host the 59th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, which stream live on Prime Video Thursday, May 16 at 8 p.m. ET.

Editor's P/S:

Reba McEntire's perspective on the ongoing inequality in country music sheds light on the persistent challenges faced by women in the industry. Despite the progress made by pioneers like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn, McEntire recognizes that there is still a significant gap in opportunities for female artists. The dominance of male artists on the Billboard charts serves as a stark reminder of this disparity.

McEntire's optimism about Beyoncé's foray into country music highlights the potential for positive change. She believes that the recognition of talent regardless of race can lead to greater diversity and inclusivity within the genre. Her own diverse fanbase reflects the growing acceptance and appreciation of different perspectives in country music. As McEntire prepares to host the 59th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, she serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring female artists, encouraging them to continue the fight for equality and representation in the industry.