Get To Know Martina McBride
We are honored to have the very talented Martina McBride appearing in a special performance on The Country Music Cruise 2015. The daughter of a Midwestern farmer and cabinetmaker, Martina grew up surrounded by country music. Both her life and career have been grounded in traditional values. She has released 12 consistently strong albums since 1992 and has been an Opry member since 1995. Five of her singles reached No. 1, and she has sold more than 14 million albums. Martina is a spokesperson for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and hosts Middle Tennessee's YWCA Celebrity Auction. She's married to sound engineer John McBride, and they have three daughters, ages 20, 16 and 9. Martina took a few moments to sit down with The Country Music Cruise Connection and discuss her latest news.
Q: Have you ever performed on a cruise before? Did you enjoy it?
Martina: I've only performed on a cruise ship one time and really enjoyed it. It's great to be in such an intimate environment and so close to the audience.
Your latest album, “Everlasting,” features some soul classics, and you really dug deep to find songs like “Little Bit of Rain” and “In the Basement.” Were these all personal favorites from way back, or songs you discovered more recently?
A little of both. Some songs, like “Suspicious Minds” and “I've Been Loving You Too Long,” I've always wanted to record. Others, like “In The Basement,” were fairly new to me. That was one thing that was so much fun about this project was being able to discover some tunes along the way. There is so much music to choose from. It's really like a treasure hunt!
In addition to your hits, can the fans on board expect to hear a few selections of your favorite oldies from “Everlasting” and your album of country classics, “Timeless”?
Yes, we are incorporating some of the hits into the new show. They will be slightly different arrangements, but of course still recognizable. Me and the band are looking forward changing it up a little bit.
Of all your hits, is there one that has special significance for you? If so, why?
I would have to say “Independence Day.” It really changed not only my career but my life, making me much more aware of the problem of domestic violence and abuse, and awakening my passion to do something to make a difference in some way.
Who are your daughters crazy for right now? Who were you crazy for at their age?
My daughters love such a broad spectrum of music! Everything from classic rock to country to indie artists. Some of their favorites right now are Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Amy Winehouse and Jake Bugg. They also really like my new album, which makes me happy! When I was in high school I was crazy about Linda Ronstadt, Pat Benatar, Heart, Jackson Browne, Rickie Lee Jones, and lots of the '80s pop like Journey, Foreigner, Bryan Adams, Night Ranger, etc. But I was also surrounded by top 40 country and classic country music like Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, Reba and Loretta Lynn.
The Grand Ole Opry is one of our partners on this cruise. You’ve been a member for 20 years. Do you feel the presence of those who went before when you step onto the Opry stage? Do you feel as if you’re carrying it on? Is it gratifying to meet your fellow stars in the relaxed backstage environment? Anything else you want to say about the Opry?
I love the Opry and am so proud to be a member. There is not a time that goes by when I step on stage at the Opry that I don't think of Hank Williams, Patsy, Loretta ... all the greats that stood there before me. It's a very special feeling to be on that stage.
In an era when so much is downloadable and virtual, how important is it to you to go out and meet the fans in a concert setting?
There really is no substitution for the live concert experience. Even though you can watch on YouTube and live concert videos, there is no replacement for actually being there, in the room, with your favorite Artist. And for us, as performers, there is no feeling like being on stage and sharing your music with your fans. It doesn’t get better than that!
See Martina McBride perform on The Country Music Cruise 2015. Review cabins and rates, book online or call 855.332.6868.