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

Reba McEntire Showcased Her Tough Side in The Song “Turn On the Radio”

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.
In 2010, Reba McEntire released “Turn On the Radio” as the lead single for her 34th career album, All the Women I Am. It debuted at No. 54 on the chart of Billboard Hot Country Songs but climbed to the top spot six months later. The song was her 60th Top 10 single on the country charts, making McEntire the first female country singer in history to achieve that number of Top 10 hits.

A ‘Strong Woman Song’

Written by Cherie Oakley, Mark Oakley, and J. P. Twang, “Turn On the Radio” is “an up-tempo, strong woman song about a woman who has been done wrong by her lover and is telling him to turn on the radio if he wants to hear from her through their favorite song,” said McEntire. “Well, you can hear me on the radio! You wanna turn me on, turn on your stereo. You can sing along while they’re playin’ my song. How you done me wrong, baby, crank it up until you blow the speakers out your Chevy truck. So listen, Romeo, when you’re feelin’ kinda lonely, let me tell you where to go. Turn on the radio!” the song goes.  McEntire’s vocals simply radiate in the song, with echoing harmonies backing her strong voice. The song then builds to a captivating close, thanks to the violins and impressive guitar solo.  Cherie Oakley has also told The Boot about the song’s inspiration and that one surprising phone call sealed the deal. She said, “Turn On the Radio” started with just a simple idea of a “strong woman who had been done wrong by her man, and now he wants to get back in touch.” And with that basic idea, everything – the melody ideas and lyrics – just started flowing out for the three songwriters as they sat down in their home studio. “We set out to write something upbeat, fun and in your face,” Cherie Oakley said. “I’m not a writer who can sit down and try to write a song specifically for someone; I’m a singer and an artist, so I always write what I would like to say and how I would like to say it. Every singer wants an attitude song — something they can really sink their teeth into.” The song had only been completed in a matter of days when McEntire’s people stumbled upon it. Interestingly, it was really the veteran singer who called Oakley to ask her if she could cut the song. “She is such a brilliant artist who has influenced me and so many others in so many ways. It truly was a surreal experience,” Oakley added. “When I said yes, she was so excited! She said, ‘You have made my day, Cherie.’ I was like, ‘No, you have made my day!’ You can listen to the song in the video below.

Latest Stories

Josh Turner and Sonya Isaacs performing a heartfelt rendition of Hank Williams' gospel classic 'I Saw the Light' at the Opry, honoring its timeless legacy.

Josh Turner and Sonya Isaacs’ Soulful Rendition of “I Saw the Light” at the Opry

Some songs transcend time, and Hank Williams’ “I Saw the Light” is one of those rare gems that feels as powerful today as it did when it was first penned. ...

Ben Haggard performing Merle Haggard's classic 'It's All in the Movies,' honoring his father's legacy while showcasing his own brilliant artistry.

Ben Haggard Breathes New Life into Merle Haggard’s “It’s All in the Movies”

Some songs never lose their shine. Merle Haggard’s “It’s All in the Movies” is one of those timeless tracks, and when his youngest son, Ben Haggard, steps up to perform ...

George Strait and Alan Jackson performing 'Remember When' and 'Troubadour' at the 50th CMA Awards, celebrating the timeless soul of country music.

The Iconic CMA Duet of Alan Jackson and George Strait

Some moments in country music aren’t just performances—they’re living history. George Strait and Alan Jackson took the stage together at the 50th CMA Awards in 2016, and it was one ...

Gene Watson performing his signature hit 'Farewell Party,' a hauntingly beautiful country classic that captures themes of loss and love.

Gene Watson’s “Farewell Party” Is a Heartbreaker for the Ages

Some songs cut straight to the bone, and Gene Watson’s “Farewell Party” is one of them. Released in 1979 as part of his Reflections album, Watson’s rendition of this country ...

Toby Keith’s Stunning Tribute to Hank Williams Jr. With “A Country Boy Can Survive”

In 2007, a remarkable event unfolded at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles when country, rock, and blues icons gathered to honor the legendary Hank Williams Jr. It was a ...

Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge performing their duet 'Please Don't Tell Me How the Story Ends,' capturing the beauty and heartbreak of love's final moments.

Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge’s Timeless Duet, “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends”

When Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge sang together, their voices became an extension of their love story—beautiful, bittersweet, and undeniably real. Married in 1973 after a whirlwind meeting in an ...

Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch performing 'I'll Fly Away,' a soulful masterpiece from O Brother, Where Art Thou?, showcasing gospel roots and timeless harmonies.

How Alison Krauss’ “I’ll Fly Away” Became a Hymn for the Ages

There’s a magic in Alison Krauss’ voice, an ethereal quality that feels wrapped in sunlight and steeped in tradition. When she joined forces with Gillian Welch to record “I’ll Fly ...

Craig Morgan delivering an emotional performance of 'The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost' on The Kelly Clarkson Show, moving the audience to tears as he honors his son's memory.

Craig Morgan’s “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost” Moves “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to Tears

In 2016, Craig Morgan faced a tragedy no parent should ever endure: the loss of his 19-year-old son, Jerry, in a tubing accident on Kentucky Lake. Morgan’s heartbreak was profound, ...

Jesse Keith Whitley and his son Jackie performing a heartfelt duet of 'Don't Close Your Eyes,' honoring Keith Whitley's legacy with a touching family tribute.

Jesse Keith Whitley and Son Jackie Duet “Don’t Close Your Eyes” in a Heartfelt Tribute

At Lorrie Morgan’s Spicy Hot Chicken Coop in Panama City Beach, Florida, fans were treated to a magical evening when Jesse Keith Whitley performed his father’s iconic song “Don’t Close ...

Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson brought together through modern technology for a duet of 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee,' blending their iconic voices in a timeless gospel masterpiece.

Willie Nelson Joins Patsy Cline for a Heavenly “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

Patsy Cline’s tragic death in a 1963 plane crash left an irreplaceable void in country music. Her haunting voice, which gave us classics like “Cr𝐚zy” and “I Fall to Pieces,” ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.