In 1994, Reba McEntire released “Why Haven’t I Heard from You” as the lead single off her album Read My Mind.
This song stands out as one of the most successful songs by Reba McEntire as it ranked No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Since then, this bluesy yet feisty track hasn’t aged a day.
The Story Behind The Song
Written by Sandy Knox and T. W. Hale, “Why Haven’t I Heard from You” tells the story of a woman who wonders why her love interest hasn’t called. After all, he has no excuse because payphones are found on every corner.
In an interview, Knox shared how this song came to life. The songwriter’s inspiration stemmed from “an article in September of 1988.” It was by National Geographic magazine, which dedicated an entire issue to the contributions of Alexander Graham Bell, a Canadian-American inventor, scientist, and engineer most famous for inventing the telephone. It sparked Knox’s thoughts on how the invention of the telephone had significantly altered the dating habits of couples.
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Reflecting on the path ahead, Knox contemplated how people now can make calls from their cars, street corners, and even airplanes. It paved the way for the song’s inspiration, with the idea that there’s no reason not to hear from anyone.
So, Knox (who had some of the lyrics written already) met with T. W. Hale for a songwriting session. And the rest was history!
Feel the vibe with Reba McEntire‘s “Why Haven’t I Heard From You.” Press play below and immerse yourself in this country sensation!