Reba named "Woman of the Year"

On Thursday, October 5^th, Billboard magazine will release its 2^nd Annual “Women in Music” issue which honors the top 20 women in music.  The list will be revealed at a special breakfast for the honorees at The Core Club in New York.  In conjunction with delivering the keynote speech at the breakfast, Music Row’s own superstar, Reba McEntire will be receiving the first-ever “Woman of the Year” award from Billboard. 

Billboard established the award “to recognize extraordinary women in the music industry who have made significant contributions to the business and who . . . inspire generations of women to take on increasing responsibilities within the field.”

“I am thrilled to be selected as Woman of the Year by Billboard,” said McEntire. “Although my career has taken me to TV, film, and Broadway, music is and always will be my first love. I am touched to be embraced in such a warm way by Billboard, and I look forward to celebrating with all the Women of the Year.”

McEntire’s most recent release, Reba Duets, released September 18, 2007, showcases her influences on a broad spectrum of genres.  The project pairs her with some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Don Henley, Carole King, Kenny Chesney, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood.

Although her start came in country music, Reba has expanded the scope of her influence into a successful acting career with her portrayal of Reba Hart on the popular television sitcom that bears her name, as well as her performances on Broadway in Annie Get Your Gun and South Pacific.

“Reba’s all encompassing career in entertainment make her an obvious choice to be honored as Billboard’s first Woman of the Year,” said Billboard’s editorial director, Tamara Conniff.  “Reba is an inspiration to women everywhere and we are delighted to be presenting her with this award.”