Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Did You Know? Reba Declined What Could Have Been a Hit Song for Her

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Reba McEntire is arguably one of the most successful female country artists since the ‘80s and ‘90s. With the commercial success that Reba had in the ‘80s, it was nearly impossible for her to attract different offers from some of the greatest people in the industry back then.

Yet even with all those offers coming in bunches, Reba made sure that she selected the tunes that fit her style. Yes, Reba had to deny several offers and it even included one of George Strait’s early number 1 hit. Some of the mega Reba fans today might even be surprised about such a fact. But before revealing the song, try to make some guesses. Here are some clues:

  1. The song was originally written a decade ago by Sanger Shafer and Darlene Shafer before Strait picked it up.
  2. It was a mid-tempo traditionally country swinger song.
  3. It topped the charts in 1984 and gave Strait his 6th number one hit.
  4. Moe Bandy and Keith Whitley also recorded their own versions. Unfortunately, they got shelves for nearly 20 years.

Have you guessed it yet? No need to go surf it up on Google because we won’t further put you in suspense.

Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind

Back then, “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” was a sleeping number-one hit. A decade passed and Strait stepped in finally releasing his version of the song. However, it was not just Strait who recorded the song. Whitley also recorded the song in the same year Strait did. Unfortunately, Whitley’s version was placed on hold by his producer because he did not want a song that would mention Texas in Whitley’s album.

Another artist that turned the song down was Reba McEntire for the reason that it somehow referenced beer. Fortunately, the King of Country took the chance and named his fourth studio album with the same title of the song, “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind?

When asked if she has any regrets about taking a pass on “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind?” Reba confidently said that she has none. Her decision was still the best thing for her and the song was not just for her.

Well, we could assume that Reba has nothing to hold back from that decision as she and George Strait would take turns on top of the country charts as they produced hit after hits for themselves.

Latest Stories

Garth Brooks’ Youngest Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Top-40 Country Hit

Garth Brooks’ Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Her First Top-40 Country Hit

In 2021, Allie Colleen, the youngest daughter of country legend Garth Brooks, proved that musical talent runs in the family. With her single “Ain’t the Only Hell (My Momma Raised),” ...

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton's "Does He Love You" Is the Collaboration We've Been Waiting For

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s “Does He Love You” Is the Collaboration We’ve Been Waiting For

When Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton team up, it feels like the stars have aligned over Nashville. These two queens of country music, with careers that have shaped the genre ...

Ben Haggard's "As Haggard as They Come" Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

Ben Haggard’s “As Haggard as They Come” Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

In 2019, Ben Haggard delivered a performance at the Grand Ole Opry that felt like a love letter to his roots and a bold step toward his future. His song, ...

Mo Pitney's "Borrowed Angel" Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

Mo Pitney’s “Borrowed Angel” Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

In a time when country-pop dominates the charts, Mo Pitney stands out as a refreshing reminder of what makes traditional country music timeless. In an episode of Country Road TV ...

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful "Coal Miner's Daughter" Performance

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Performance

In a world where country music continually evolves, some voices remind us of its timeless roots. In 2019, then-18-year-old Texas singer Hannah Kay did just that with her moving rendition ...

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top didn’t just stumble into country music fame; he built his way there from the ground up, starting on a modest farm in Sunnyside, Washington. Far removed from Nashville’s ...

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s new single, “Love Somebody,” has arrived, and it’s not just another love song—it’s an honest look at the complicated, often bumpy road to finding real connection. After years ...

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen’s career continues to reach impressive heights with his latest achievement. This historic milestone solidifies his place among country music’s most celebrated figures. His new single, “Love Somebody,” has ...

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Country music star Jelly Roll recently shared an emotional video on social media, revealing his purchase of a sprawling 500-acre plot of land. The video, filled with raw emotion and ...

Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 Worth of Musical Instruments to Students Across the Nation

Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 Worth of Musical Instruments to Students Across the Nation

Country music superstar Morgan Wallen isn’t just wowing crowds on his One Night at a Time tour; he’s also rocking the world of music education. Through his Morgan Wallen Foundation, ...