This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the devastating plane disaster that permanently altered the lives of Reba McEntire and her musical family.
Eight of the well-known singer’s bandmates and crew members died in a sad accident on March 16, 1991; they were all excellent musicians and dedicated friends.
McEntire expressed her gratitude to those who have contributed so significantly to the music industry on social media. A tragic catastrophe occurred on the trip from San Diego to Indiana when one of the aircraft’s wings hit a boulder atop Otay Mountain.
Reba was feeling under the weather at the time, so she stayed in the hotel with her husband Narvel and stylist while the rest of the group went on an expedition.
Chris Austin, Joey Cigainero, and the tour manager Jim Hammon all perished, in addition to Paula Kaye Evans and Terry Jackson.
“Their incredible stage presence and passion for music continue to inspire us all,”McEntire remarked in a tribute video posted to Instagram. A performance recording of the ensemble is included in this presentation as an emotional nod to their skill and unity.
Reba brings up the matter at least once a year to keep the band’s memory alive.
In a 2012 interview, she discussed the incident and its immediate aftermath with Oprah Winfrey.
“When we received the notification, Narvel went to meet our pilot, who revealed the devastating news,” she recalled the tense time.
In the early hours of the morning, Narvel returned to our hotel room bearing the dreadful news that one of the planes had crashed.
Are they all right, I inquired. ‘I don’t think so,’ he retorted. Then I persisted, “But you’re not sure?” He said gently, “I don’t think so.”
As we celebrate their lives, may we never forget the impact these amazing people had on Reba McEntire’s career and music history.
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