Reba McEntire is a huge name in the country music scenario. She has been entertaining music lovers around the world since 1975 when she was just a high school student. It was another country artist named Red Steagall who saw her potential and talent and invited her to Nashville. She went on to have a rocking 80s and 90s and saw nothing but immense success. By the end of 80s, she had already released about 15 albums and most of them were huge hits. In one word, she was a stupendously successful artist. But in 1991, she faced a life-changing tragedy that affected both her personal and professional life.
In 1991, after a night of performing, her band members were leaving via their chartered plane. There were two planes in all, and the first one crashed near San Diego in the early hours of March 16. It had left from the border of Mexico the night before. All eight band members, the pilot, and co-pilot perished from the crash. Many believe that the accident occurred due to poor visibility. Thankfully, the other plane carrying the rest of the band members landed safely. However, it was a huge shock for McEntire since she was very close to them all and considered them to be part of her family. It was a big loss for her and she went on to dedicate her 16th album, For My Broken Heart, to her lost band members. Many of its tracks topped the music charts.
She took to Instagram to mark the 27th anniversary of the tragedy that still makes her emotional to this day. She said, “I’m sorry — it’s been 20 years, but it’s just like — I don’t guess it ever quits hurting.” It is true for so many of us who have faced tragedy and had to move on. Reba McEntire’s songs were the expression of her grief and that probably helped her handle her sorrow better.
