Whoever's in New England (song)

"Whoever's in New England" is the name of a popular single made famous by Reba McEntire in 1986. The song was considered one of her signature and breakthrough singles.

[edit] Song background

The song was written in the voice of a Southern woman who believes her husband is having an affair during his business trips up north, but pledges that she will remain available to him when "whoever's in New England's through with you." ^[1] The song was taken from Barry Manilow's 70s Pop hit, "Weekend in New England". The 2007 Sugarland hit "Stay" was inspired by it, and tells the story from the perspective of the mistress.

It was a career-making song for McEntire, not least because it was promoted by her first music video. Reaching number one in May 1986, it marked a major breakthrough for her, beginning a string of chart-topping hits that didn't begin to slow down for the next three years. "Little Rock," the follow-up single, also hit number one, as did the Whoever's in New England album, her first LP to be certified platinum. ^[2]

In 1987, McEntire won the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Whoever's in New England", her first Grammy Award. Also thanks in part to the success of the song, McEntire won a number of awards from the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music.

[edit] Music video

"Whoever's in New England" was McEntire's first music video. The video aired on CMT in 1986 and was quite popular as well.

[edit] References

^ About Reba McEntire's "Whoever's In New England" at All Music Guide; retrieved February 3, 2008.
^ About Reba McEntire's "Whoever's In New England" at All Music Guide; retrieved February 3, 2008.

Preceded by "Tomb of the Unknown Love" by Kenny Rogers	Billboard Hot Country Singles number one single by Reba McEntire May 31, 1986	Succeeded by "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby" by Ronnie Milsap