Reba McEntire has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Given Music Publishing, according to an announcement made today by Given Founding Partner Cindy Owen. McEntire is an international superstar who has made a name for herself in music, television, film and theater, as well as in retail and book publishing. The recording artist and entrepreneur has sold more than 56 million albums worldwide and is one of the most recognizable names in the country.
Owen and McEntire’s professional relationship and friendship dates back to the early 80’s, when McEntire gave her a start in the music industry when Owen was in her teens. Owen later became McEntire’s VP of Creative Services, a position she held for 15 years before launching her own entertainment company in 2002 and then Given Entertainment with business partner Jim Kacmarcik in 2013.
“Signing Reba to Given is for sure a full circle moment for me,” Owen said. “One of my greatest blessings is having had a front row seat for all these years to watch her blaze new trails and become the icon she is. Her work ethic, talent and determination are unmatched and examples to us all. Reba has always made evident her lifelong passion for songs, songwriters and the songwriting community. We at Given look forward to being a part of her team as she continues to expand new horizons in entertainment and create opportunities for herself and other songwriters.”
“It has been said that it all begins with a song. For me, it starts with the songwriter,” McEntire said. “From their very talented and creative imaginations, they create something that can make you laugh, lift your mood, get you two-stepping or break your heart. What they write affects people in a way that few things can. Joining the Given team is something that excites me in a number of ways; first and foremost that I again get to work with my longtime friend and colleague Cindy Owen. I have great respect for the rest of the creative team, as well as the incredibly talented roster of songwriters who are part of the Given family. As I continue to explore new creative avenues, this is the perfect home for me as a writer.”