With over 14 million albums sold, Martina McBride has become a household name in the music industry. Yet, despite her incredible success, she remains grounded and credits her roots in rural Kansas for shaping her work ethic and drive. In an exclusive interview with Closer, Martina opens up about her upbringing and how it has influenced her career in music.
“I grew up as the daughter of a third-generation farmer,” Martina shares with us. “That life taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. You see, farming isn’t easy; it demands passion and dedication. Those lessons stuck with me and played a huge role in my journey to making it big in the music world.” Her hits, including “Independence Day” and “A Broken Wing,” reflect the strength and resilience instilled in her during her formative years.
Martina’s commitment to her craft hasn’t just brought her chart-topping success—it’s also inspired her to give back. Last May, the 54-year-old appeared on the second season of NBC’s Songland, mentoring the next generation of songwriters. Earlier this year, she released “Girls Like Me,” a single written by Halie, one of the talented participants on the show.
Read also:Weekly Horoscopes What The Stars Have In Store For You February 9ndash15
Scroll down to read Closer’s exclusive Q&A with Martina McBride!
What Does “Girls Like Me” Mean to You?
Martina explains, “This song came out of Songland, a show that nurtures up-and-coming songwriters and gives them the chance to get their music heard by established artists. Songwriters hold a special place in my heart, and I adore the message in this track. It’s about embracing life’s imperfections and recognizing that they’re what make us stronger. It’s like saying, ‘I’ve been through it, and it’s going to be okay.’”
Why Is Representing Women Important to You?
Martina emphasizes, “It’s incredibly important to me. Women today are creating music that’s authentic and powerful. We express ourselves in unique ways, and that excites me. I love singing songs that empower women and uplift their voices.”
How Have You Guided Your Daughters, Delaney, Emma, and Ava, to Become Great Women?
Martina reflects, “It’s all about communication. They know they can come to me for anything—big or small. I’ve worked hard to instill that trust in them from a young age, and it’s paid off. Being their mom is, without a doubt, my favorite job.”
What Makes You Most Proud of Who They’re Becoming?
“Their compassion stands out to me,” Martina says. “They’re kind, thoughtful, and determined to make the world a better place. They’re intelligent, funny, and see the world through a unique lens. Watching them grow into such incredible young women fills me with immense pride.”
What’s the Secret to Your 32-Year Marriage to John McBride?
Martina attributes her long-lasting relationship to open communication. “John is not only my partner in life but also my sound engineer,” she says. “We’re both from Kansas, which gives us another layer of connection. Finding someone who complements me so well has been a blessing. Plus, we genuinely enjoy spending time together!”
Read also:Is Alan Ritchson Really The Hollywood Hunk We Think He Is
How Has Your Family Fared Through the Pandemic?
“We’ve spent a lot of quality time together,” Martina reveals. “While the pandemic hasn’t been easy, I’ve cherished this opportunity to slow down and focus on family. We ate every meal together, played games, and had meaningful conversations. It was a precious time to reconnect and appreciate each other more deeply.”
Did You Always Know You Wanted to Be a Performer?
Martina nods. “Yes, I always knew I wanted to sing and perform. As a teenager, I dreamed of finding my way to Nashville. This has always been my dream, and I’m so grateful to have achieved it.”
Who Were Your Biggest Musical Influences Growing Up?
Martina shares, “Growing up, legends like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Reba McEntire inspired me, but Linda Ronstadt was my biggest influence. Her voice mesmerized me, and I admired how she crossed genres effortlessly. Without formal training, I learned by singing along to her records for hours. It’s how I developed my skills.”
If You Hadn’t Become a Singer, What Do You Think You’d Be Doing?
“Cooking is another passion of mine,” Martina muses. “I might have opened a restaurant or started a catering company. If I stayed in the music industry, I could have been a producer or helped artists find the right songs. Creativity would
