Narvel Blackstock
Narvel Blackstock is an American music manager, television producer, and former musician, best known for being the ex-husband of country music star Reba McEntire. Over the years, he has become a significant figure in the country music industry due to his work managing several top artists, including McEntire, and his pivotal role in the success of Starstruck Entertainment, his talent management company.
Early Life and Career
Born on August 31, 1956, in Tarrant County, Texas, Narvel Blackstock grew up with an interest in music. He initially pursued a career as a musician and steel guitar player, performing with various bands. However, it was his transition from being a performer to a music manager and television producer that established his legacy in the entertainment industry.
Narvel’s understanding of the music industry, combined with his network of contacts, helped him transition into managing some of the biggest names in country music. He soon became known for his ability to guide artists through the complexities of the business and help shape their careers for long-term success.
Rise to Fame: Starstruck Entertainment
Narvel Blackstock co-founded Starstruck Entertainment, his talent management company, which represented several high-profile artists, most notably his then-wife, Reba McEntire. Blackstock’s company grew into one of the leading management firms in the country music world, and he played a key role in guiding McEntire’s career.
His other clients included Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, and Rascal Flatts, which helped Starstruck Entertainment become a cornerstone of country and pop music. Blackstock’s ability to handle the business side of the industry while helping his artists navigate the complexities of fame and success made him an essential figure in the music world.
Marriage to Reba McEntire
Narvel Blackstock’s most public and high-profile relationship was with Reba McEntire, one of the biggest stars in country music history. The couple met while Blackstock was part of McEntire’s band, and their professional relationship soon blossomed into a romantic partnership.
They married on June 3, 1989, in a private ceremony in Lake Tahoe, California. The marriage combined both personal and professional aspects, with Blackstock managing McEntire’s career. During their time together, McEntire’s success in the country music world grew exponentially, largely due to Blackstock’s business acumen and management expertise.
Together, they had one son, Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock, born in 1990, who later pursued a career as a race car driver.
Divorce from Reba McEntire
After 26 years of marriage, Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock announced their divorce in 2015. Their separation came as a surprise to many fans who had viewed them as one of the strongest couples in country music. McEntire later explained that the decision to divorce was mutual but emotionally challenging.
The divorce was finalized in 2015, with McEntire stating that it was not her decision to end the marriage. Despite their split, the couple maintained an amicable relationship, and McEntire has praised Blackstock for his contributions to her career.
Life After Divorce
After his divorce from Reba McEntire, Narvel Blackstock kept a relatively low profile and continued working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. It was reported that Narvel remarried Laura Stroud, a woman who had previously been a close friend of McEntire’s. The two have kept their personal life away from the media, and little is known about their relationship.
Despite stepping back from the public eye, Blackstock’s influence on the country music industry continues. His son, Brandon Blackstock, also a talent manager, has carried on the legacy of managing some of the industry’s top names, including Kelly Clarkson.
Legacy and Influence
Narvel Blackstock’s legacy is cemented through his years of managing high-profile talent in the country music industry. His expertise in music management and artist representation helped make Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, and Kelly Clarkson some of the most successful artists in the world. Even after his divorce from McEntire, Blackstock’s influence in the industry remains strong, largely due to his role in shaping his son’s career and continuing to support the artists he manages.
Blackstock’s Starstruck Entertainment remains a major player in the music industry, with a track record of successfully managing and guiding artists to stardom.
Net Worth and Financials
As of 2025, Narvel Blackstock’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $50 million. His fortune was built primarily through his work as a music manager and television producer, as well as his ownership stake in Starstruck Entertainment. Blackstock also benefited financially from his divorce settlement with Reba McEntire, which was reportedly substantial, though the exact figures remain private.
Conclusion
Narvel Blackstock’s impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. As the founder of Starstruck Entertainment, he played an instrumental role in shaping the careers of some of the biggest stars in country music. His marriage to Reba McEntire and their professional partnership elevated both of their careers, and their enduring connection continues to resonate with fans. Despite his more private life after the divorce, Blackstock’s influence and legacy in the entertainment industry are undeniable.
Today, Narvel continues to be an influential figure in talent management and remains an important part of the history of country music and entertainment. His career and personal life, while often in the spotlight due to his relationship with McEntire and his children, demonstrate his ability to adapt and thrive in the ever‑evolving world of music and entertainment.
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