Did you know that Narvel Blackstock, a former steel guitarist, made a name for himself as a TV producer and music director? He’s best known for his work with country music legend, Reba McEntire, to whom he was married for 26 years before their split in 2015.
Blackstock initially played in McEntire’s band and later became her director, playing a significant role in shaping her successful career.
Throughout his career, Blackstock has worked on various TV films and movies, including “Secret of Giving”, “Is There Life Out?, and “Forever Love,” in the 90s.
He directed the “Reba: Video Gold II” in 2006, and produced country music TV specials, including “Blake Shelton Live: It’s All About Tonight” in 2010 and “Blake Shelton’s Not So Family Christmas” in 2012.
In addition to his collaborations with McEntire and Shelton, Blackstock has produced the TV show “Malibu Country” in 2012-2013 and the musical comedy “Kelly Clarkson’s Cautionary Christmas Music Tale” in 2013.
Clarkson, who appeared in the latter production, is now Blackstock’s daughter-in-law. His involvement in the music industry includes managing Kelly Clarkson and Linda Davis.
Narvel BlackStock Career
Narvel Blackstock’s journey began as a steel guitarist when he joined the band of emerging country singer Reba McEntire.
He played a pivotal role in supporting McEntire during her early years and eventually transitioned from being a guitarist to becoming her manager in the 1980s.
Under his management, McEntire’s career skyrocketed, experiencing significant success.
In a tragic turn of events, in March 1991, McEntire fell ill with bronchitis, and during that time, Blackstock provided unwavering support as her band members, including the tour manager, lost their lives in a devastating plane crash.
Throughout his career, Blackstock ventured into TV production, overseeing the creation of TV movies and specials featuring artists like Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson.
However, despite their long and successful partnership, Blackstock and McEntire announced their separation in August 2015, leading to a complicated and highly publicized divorce.
Despite their collaborative success and strong reputation as a power couple in the country music industry, their nearly three-decade-old marriage ended in shock.
The news of their separation marked a significant turning point in their personal lives and captured the attention of tabloids and the public alike.
Narvel BlackStock Family
On August 31, 1956, Narvel Wayne Blackstock was born in Tarrant County, Texas. Patricia Ann Blackstock is his sister, and his parents are Gloria Elizabeth Alexander and Narvel Leroy Blackstock.
Children and Grandchildren
Brandon Blackstock, Narvel Blackstock’s first son, is indeed a talent manager who was previously married to singer Kelly Clarkson. They have two children together. Shelby Blackstock, Narvel’s other son, is a race car driver. Narvel Blackstock has 4 grandchildren named River, Remington, Ravana, and Seth from his first marriage
Relationship Status
Narvel Blackstock wedded Elisa Gayle Ritter, a television producer, on March 30, 1973. The couple dissolved the marriage on March 31, 1988, after having three children together.
Their daughters are named Chassidy Blackstock, Shawna Rene Blackstock (who is a mother of two), and Celeste Blackstock.
After his divorce, Blackstock entered into a second marriage with singer-songwriter and actress Reba McEntire.
Reba McEntire’s love story with Narvel Blackstock began in the early 80s when he played steel guitar in her band and eventually became her manager.
On a beautiful day in June 1989, they exchanged their vows on a boat at Lake Tahoe, surrounded by serene waters and their closest ones.
After over 26 years together, Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock announced their separation on August 3, 2015, which was finalized as a divorce just 2 months later on October 28th of the same year.
Despite the split, McEntire maintains a close bond with her three step-children, considering them as her own grandchildren, including talent manager Brandon Blackstock, who is now married to singer Kelly Clarkson, and Shelby Blackstock, who has made a name for himself as a race car driver.
Narvel BlackStock Networth
Narvel Blackstock, the American television producer, has an estimated net worth of $50 million.
Blackstock was previously married to country music superstar Reba McEntire. The couple purchased a property in Beverly Hills worth $9 million in 2003, which included a 9,000 square-foot mansion.
In 2015, the property was sold for $22.5 million around the time of the owners’ divorce. Furthermore, they had an estate called Starstruck Farm in Gallatin, Tennessee, spanning 80 acres, which sold for $5 million in 2017, having been listed at $7.9 million in 2016.
Narvel Blackstock Dating
After the end of Reba McEntire’s marriage to Narvel Blackstock in 2015, there were reports and speculations about Narvel’s romantic life.
It was revealed in a 2016 interview with CMT Radio that the divorce was not initiated by Reba herself. Subsequently, rumors began circulating about Narvel dating a woman named Laura Putty Stroud, who is a real estate agent.
In 2016, Narvel Blackstock’s relationship with Laura Stroud, who used to be a close friend of the former couple, was exposed to the public.
Despite that, both Narvel and Laura have kept their personal life rather private, so many details of their connection remain under wraps.