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

LeAnn Rimes Sings “The Greatest Man I Never Knew,” Bringing Reba McEntire to Tears

LeAnn Rimes Sings “The Greatest Man I Never Knew,” Bringing Reba McEntire to Tears
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

In 2006, LeAnn Rimes delivered an unforgettable performance of Reba McEntire’s 1992 hit “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” during a tribute special for McEntire. The then-24-year-old Texas native took the stage at the CMT Giants concert held at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre, moving the audience and McEntire herself to tears with her powerful rendition.

Though young, Rimes was no stranger to the spotlight. Having first captured hearts at 11 with her performance of Bill Mack’s “Blue,” Rimes had already spent a decade building a successful music career. Her performance at the CMT Giants event placed her alongside legends like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Barbara Mandrell, who also paid tribute to McEntire that night.

A Live Performance Filled with Emotion

As LeAnn Rimes walked to center stage, all eyes were on her. Stunning in appearance and presence, she captivated the crowd with her elegance. But her voice, filled with raw emotion, truly left a lasting impression. From the first note, Rimes poured her heart into the song, bringing a depth of feeling that resonated deeply with the audience.

The connection between Rimes and the song was evident. Having endured a challenging relationship with her father, Wilbur Rimes, after her parents’ divorce, her performance seemed to tap into personal emotions. Just a few years before this performance, the reconciliation with her father brought even more depth to her delivery of the song’s poignant lyrics about a distant but deeply loved father figure.

The result? A room full of tears, including Reba McEntire, who was visibly moved as she watched from the front row.

A Moment of Mutual Respect

As Rimes finished her breathtaking performance, she walked off the stage to greet Reba, who was already on her feet, applauding. The two embraced, with McEntire praising and admiring the young singer. Rimes, visibly emotional, thanked her warmly. She then paid her respects to McEntire’s parents, Jacqueline and Clark, sealing the moment with heartfelt hugs and kisses.

LeAnn Rimes’ stirring performance of “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” remains a beautiful tribute to Reba McEntire and a testament to the emotional power of music.

Latest Stories

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, ...

Luke Combs and Eric Church's Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Luke Combs and Eric Church’s Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Country music superstars Luke Combs and Eric Church united for a powerful cause, headlining the “Concert for Carolina” to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene. The star-studded event, held at Bank ...

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

When you think of Brad Paisley, you probably picture the quick-witted country star with a guitar in hand and a string of chart-toppers behind him. But there’s much more to ...

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with "Suspicious Minds" Cover

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with “Suspicious Minds” Cover

Elvis Presley’s influence on music is undeniable, and his legacy inspires generations. His 1969 hit “Suspicious Minds” remains a signature track, capturing love, conflict, and heartbreak themes. Decades later, country ...

Alan Jackson Stops "Pop a Top" at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

Alan Jackson Stops “Pop a Top” at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

It’s always remarkable when country legends support each other, especially on music’s biggest stages. Alan Jackson’s unforgettable tribute to George Jones at the 1999 CMA Awards was one such moment, ...

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute to His Dad with "Sing Me Back Home"

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute to His Dad with “Sing Me Back Home”

Stepping into the spotlight with a last name like Haggard carries immense weight. Still, Ben Haggard embraces it with remarkable grace and sincerity. As the youngest son of the legendary ...

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss' Soulful Duet of "Tryin' to Get Over You"

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss’ Soulful Duet of “Tryin’ to Get Over You”

Heartbreak has never sounded as hauntingly beautiful as when Vince Gill and Alison Krauss come together to perform “Tryin’ to Get Over You.” In this breathtaking live duet, their voices ...

Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Surprise at Tyler Perry Play

Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Surprise at Tyler Perry Play

On February 14, 2020, Nashville concertgoers were treated to an unforgettable surprise during Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Tour stop at Bridgestone Arena. It wasn’t just Madea that left the crowd ...

Allie Colleen Honors Keith Whitley with a Heartfelt Cover of "Don't Close Your Eyes"

Allie Colleen Honors Keith Whitley with a Heartfelt Cover of “Don’t Close Your Eyes”

In 2015, Allie Colleen—daughter of country icon Garth Brooks—delivered a touching tribute to Keith Whitley with her rendition of “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” Shared on her Facebook page, the performance ...

Scotty McCreery Wows the Opry with His “Hello Darlin’” Performance

Scotty McCreery Wows the Opry with His “Hello Darlin’” Performance

In 2015, country artist Scotty McCreery took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry, four years after winning American Idol Season 10. He captivated the audience with a stunning rendition ...