Sara Evans: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|American country singer-songwriter (born 1971)}} |
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{{Infobox solo |
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{{For|the historian of the same name|Sara M. Evans}} |
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{{Good article}} |
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|image = saraevansbench.jpg |
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{{Use American English|date=April 2022}} |
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|caption = |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2022}} |
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|instrument = [[Guitar]] |
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{{Infobox person |
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|hometown = [[Boonville, Missouri]] |
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| name = Sara Evans |
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|country = [[United States]] |
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| image = File:Sara_Evans.jpg |
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|music_genre = [[Country music|Country]] |
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| caption = Sara Evans in 2024 |
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|years_active = [[1997]]—present |
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| alt = A bust shot of country music singer Sara Evans against a white background |
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|record_label = [[RCA Nashville]] |
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| birth_name = Sara Lynn Evans |
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|website = [http://saraevans.com saraevans.com] [http://dancingwithsara.com dancingwithsara.com] |
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| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1971|02|05}} |
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| birth_place = [[Boonville, Missouri]], U.S. |
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| spouse = {{plainlist| |
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* {{marriage|Craig Schelske|1993|2007|reason=divorced}} |
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* {{marriage|[[Jay Barker]]|2008}} |
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}} |
}} |
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| children = 3 |
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'''Sara Lynn Evans''', born [[February 5]], [[1971]], in [[New Franklin, Missouri]], is a [[country music]] [[singer]]. |
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| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|record producer|author|actress}} |
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| years_active = 1997–present |
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| module = {{Infobox musical artist |
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| embed = yes |
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| genre = [[Country music|Country]]<ref name="Allmusic"/> |
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| instrument = Vocals |
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| label = {{hlist|[[RCA Records Nashville|RCA Nashville]]|Born to Fly|Melody Place}} |
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| website = {{URL|saraevans.com}} |
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}} |
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}} |
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<!-- Please don't remove the IPA below without rationale. It is very useful for international readers where the name is pronounced differently. --> |
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'''Sara Lynn Evans''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|ɛər|ə}}; born February 5, 1971)<ref>{{cite book|last1=Oermann|first1=Robert K.|last2=Bufwack|first2=Mary A.|title=Finding Her Voice: Women in Country Music: 1800–2000|date=2003|publisher=The Country Music Press & Vanderbilt University Press|location=Nashville, TN|isbn=0-8265-1432-4|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/findinghervoicew0000bufw}}</ref><ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |last1=Bush |first1=John |title=Sara Evans: Biography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sara-evans-mn0000248920/biography |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 13, 2022}}</ref> is an American [[country music]] singer and songwriter. She is also credited as a record producer, actress, and author. She had five songs reach the number one spot on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot Country Songs|country songs]] chart and has sold over six million albums.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tingle |first1=Lauren |title=Sara Evans Inks New Label Deal |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1769589/sara-evans-inks-new-label-deal/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811155859/http://www.cmt.com/news/1769589/sara-evans-inks-new-label-deal/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 11, 2016 |website=[[Country Music Television]] |access-date=March 13, 2022}}</ref> Nine additional singles have reached the top ten of the ''Billboard'' country chart, including "[[I Could Not Ask for More]]", "[[I Keep Looking]]", and "[[Cheatin' (song)|Cheatin']]". Among her top 20 charting singles are "[[Saints & Angels]]", "[[Backseat of a Greyhound Bus]]", and "[[As If (song)|As If]]".<ref name="Billboard Songs">{{cite book|last=Whitburn|first=Joel|title=Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008|publisher=Record Research, Inc.|year=2008|isbn=978-0-89820-177-2}}</ref> She has won accolades from the [[Academy of Country Music]] and the [[Country Music Association]]. She has also been nominated for several more accolades from both associations, including Female Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year. |
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Evans grew up in [[New Franklin, Missouri]], and started performing alongside her siblings in The Evans Family Band. The group performed throughout her childhood and early teenage years in her local area. During her teenage years, Evans and her older brother Matt formed their own band before moving to [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] in 1991 to pursue a country music career. In Nashville, Evans met her first husband Craig Schelske and briefly moved to [[Aumsville, Oregon]], before returning to Nashville. Upon moving back to Nashville, Evans found work as a demo singer, which led to her signing a recording contract with [[RCA Records]]. Her first album ''[[Three Chords and the Truth (Sara Evans album)|Three Chords and the Truth]]'' was released in 1997. It was followed by ''[[No Place That Far]]'' (1998), whose second single of the [[No Place That Far (song)|same name]] topped the ''Billboard'' country chart. |
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==Biography== |
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Sara Lynn Evans was raised on a farm near [[New Franklin, Missouri]], as the oldest girl among seven children. Music always has been a part of her life; by age 5 she was singing every weekend in her family's band. At age 8, she was struck by an automobile in front of the Evans' home and both her legs suffered multiple fractures. Recuperating for months in a wheelchair, she continued singing to help pay her medical bills. When she was 16, she began performing at a [[nightclub]] near [[Columbia, Missouri]], a [[gig]] that lasted two years. |
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Evans reached her peak success in the 2000s with the albums ''[[Born to Fly]]'' (2000), ''[[Restless (Sara Evans album)|Restless]]'' (2003) and ''[[Real Fine Place]]'' (2005). The discs sold over one million copies each and included the number one country singles "[[Born to Fly (song)|Born to Fly]]", "[[Suds in the Bucket]]" and "[[A Real Fine Place to Start]]". In 2006, Evans appeared as a contestant on ''[[Dancing with the Stars]]'' before subsequently dropping out. Evans took steps back from her recording career to focus on her family life, only releasing a ''[[Greatest Hits (Sara Evans album)|Greatest Hits]]'' package in 2008. She re-launched her career in 2011 with her sixth studio album ''[[Stronger (Sara Evans album)|Stronger]]''. It was supported by the two-week number one single "[[A Little Bit Stronger]]". After the release of ''[[Slow Me Down (album)|Slow Me Down]]'' (2014), Evans left RCA and formed her own record label. In 2017, she released her first album through the label, ''[[Words (Sara Evans album)|Words]]''. |
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She moved to [[Nashville, Tennessee]], in [[1991]] to become a country artist. That year she met Craig Schelske there and a year later moved to [[Oregon]]. They were involved both professionally and personally. Schelske and Evans were married in [[1993]] and returned to Nashville in [[1995]], where she began recording demos. Songwriter [[Harlan Howard]] heard Evans' demo of one of his songs, "Tiger By the Tail," at County Q Studios** and decided she should be the one to sing his music. She went under contract with [[RCA]]. |
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==Early life== |
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In [[1997]] Evans released her first album, ''[[Three Chords and the Truth]]''. Critics praised the album for returning to traditional country and named it to many of their year's "top 10" lists. But it did not catch on with country radio at the time, and none of the three singles made the top 40. |
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Sara Lynn Evans was born in [[Boonville, Missouri]], on February 5, 1971.<ref name="Allmusic"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Monica |title=Sara Evans to perform at the 2022 Jefferson County Fair |url=https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/sara-evans-to-perform-at-the-2022-jefferson-county-fair/ |access-date=March 13, 2022 |work=[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox 2 Now]] |date=December 8, 2021}}</ref> She was raised in [[New Franklin, Missouri]]{{sfn|Evans|p=3}} by parents Pat and Jack Evans.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Colurso |first1=Mary |title=Thanksgiving 2020: Sara Evans shares her mom's recipe for Refrigerator Rolls |url=https://www.al.com/life/2020/11/thanksgiving-2020-sara-evans-shares-her-moms-recipe-for-refrigerator-rolls.html |website=AL.com |date=November 18, 2020 |access-date=March 13, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Despres |first1=Tricia |title=Devastated Sara Evans Mourns the Death of Her Father Jack: 'You Are Never Ready for It' |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=November 30, 2020 |url=https://people.com/country/sara-evans-mourns-death-father-jack-never-ready/ |access-date=March 13, 2022}}</ref> She was one of seven children (which also included her half siblings after her mother remarried).{{sfn|Evans|p=3-12}} The Evans family was raised on a 400-acre farm that included several crops and livestock. To make ends meet, her mother became a school bus driver while her father became a pressman for the ''[[Columbia Daily Tribune]]'' newspaper.{{sfn|Evans|p=10}} Evans's family discovered she had a natural singing ability after she started singing along with her two older brothers who were taking guitar lessons. This prompted Evans's mother to put her siblings into a band which they later called The Evans Family Band. Evans started performing lead vocals in the band when she was six years old. She later learned to perform guitar, [[mandolin]], and [[drums]].{{sfn|Evans|p=10-12}} |
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Evans was raised on a farm in New Franklin. When she was eight years old, Evans was hit by a car after crossing the highway that faced her family's farm.<ref name="Car Accident">{{cite magazine |last1=Tracy |first1=Brianne |title=Sara Evans Had 'Severe PTSD and Anxiety' After Being Hit by a Car at Age 8: 'I Still Struggle' |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=September 2, 2020 |url=https://people.com/country/sara-evans-severe-ptsd-anxiety-hit-by-car-exclusive/ |access-date=March 13, 2022}}</ref> She was thrown onto the hood of the car and eventually landed in a grassy field along the highway.{{sfn|Evans|p=16-18}} She had suffered a concussion and a leg injury.<ref name="Car Accident"/> Due to the severity of her injuries, Evans was sent to the [[University of Missouri Hospital]], located 30 miles from her hometown. To avoid having a deformed left leg, doctors had to drill pins into Evans's knee.{{sfn|Evans|p=17-18}} She was unable to move from her hospital bed for six weeks. According to Evans, the accident itself and being tied to the hospital bed resulted in her having [[post-traumatic stress disorder]]. "I had severe PTSD and anxiety, but it was the '80s, and I didn't have a name for it," she explained.<ref name="Car Accident"/> |
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In [[1998]] Evans released her sophomore album ''[[No Place That Far]]''. Critics slammed her on choosing a more pop/country-oriented album. Her first single, "Cryin' Game," hardly made a ripple on the charts. It was her next single, "No Place That Far," a duet with [[Vince Gill]], that would be her first No. 1 single. The album has been certified gold. |
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In 1983, Evans's parents divorced.{{sfn|Evans|p=34}} Her mother remarried in 1985 and the couple had two more children (Evans's half sisters). After her mother remarried, the family moved to a tobacco farm, also located in New Franklin.{{sfn|Evans|p=37}} The Evans Family Band continued performing as well. The group often performed on weekends and later had a manager.{{sfn|Evans|p=27-31}} When she was about ten years old, Evans recorded a song called "I'm Gonna Be the Only Female Fiddle Player in Charlie Daniels Band". She then traveled to Nashville alongside her manager to promote the song at [[CMA Music Festival|Fan Fair]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hughes |first1=Donna |title=Sara Evans Recalls Hair-Raising Experience at First Fan Fair |url=https://theboot.com/sara-evans-cma-music-fest/ |website=The Boot |date=June 2011 |access-date=March 13, 2022}}</ref> Evans later performed on a local program called Country Stampede and briefly formed a band with her brother Matt.{{sfn|Evans|p=46-50}} In 1989, Evans graduated high school.{{sfn|Evans|p=51-52}} She accepted a full scholarship to study music at [[Central Methodist University]] in [[Fayette, Missouri]].<ref name="Missouri">{{cite web |last1=Berry |first1=Heather |title=Sara Evans: Born to Fly |url=https://ruralmissouri.org/born-to-fly/ |website=Rural Missouri.org |date=August 25, 2020 |access-date=March 13, 2022}}</ref> However, she left after one semester once realizing she wanted to pursue a country music career.{{sfn|Evans|p=51-53}} She returned to her mother's New Franklin farm where she got a job at the [[Holiday Inn]] as a waitress. With the money saved from waiting tables, Evans and her brother Matt moved to Nashville in 1991.{{sfn|Evans|p=58-63}} |
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Evans released her "make it or break it" album, ''[[Born To Fly]]'', in [[2000]]. Her first single "Born To Fly" hit No. 1 and proved to be her biggest hit until "Suds in the Bucket." The hits kept coming as her next single, "I Could Not Ask For More," hit No. 2. "Saints and Angels," Evans' favorite song on the album, hit No. 16, and the last single, "I Keep Looking," made it to No. 5. The album has been certified double platinum. |
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After moving to Nashville, Evans got a job waiting tables during the breakfast shift at another Holiday Inn restaurant. At the restaurant she would meet her first husband who was also a waiter at the Holiday Inn. The couple started dating{{sfn|Evans|p=63-64}} and temporarily moved to [[Aumsville, Oregon]], in 1992. In Oregon, she performed billed as Sara Evans & North Santiam.<ref name="Allmusic"/> The couple married while in Oregon and spent three years there before returning to Nashville in the mid-1990s. Through her lawyer, Evans got a job as a [[Demo (music)|demo singer]]. Among the demos she recorded was a cover of [[Buck Owens]]'s "[[I've Got a Tiger by the Tail]]", which was originally intended to be sent to [[Patty Loveless]]. Her demo was heard by Nashville songwriter [[Harlan Howard]] who was impressed by Evans's traditional country singing style.{{sfn|Evans|p=66-68}} Howard convinced executives at [[RCA Records]] to hear Evans sing.<ref name="Allmusic"/> In a live audition for RCA executive [[Joe Galante]], Evans sang three songs. The same day, Evans was offered a recording contract from RCA Records.{{sfn|Evans|p=69-70}} She accepted and signed a seven-album deal with the label.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Bialas |first1=Michael |title=Safe at Home After Nashville Return, Sara Evans Still Plays to Win With 'Copy That' |magazine=[[PopMatters]] |date=May 15, 2020 |url=https://www.popmatters.com/sara-evans-2020-interview-2646002159.html |access-date=March 13, 2022}}</ref> |
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Evans led the pack as the most-nominated artist at the [[2001]] [[Country Music Association]] awards with seven, and she won her first CMA award when her song “Born to Fly” won the award for Video of the Year, her first major country award. |
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==Career== |
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In [[2003]] Evans released ''[[Restless]]''. This album showed her versatility as the songs crossed in with different genres such as country, pop, blues and soul. The album's first single, "Backseat of a Greyhound Bus," went to No. 16. The next single, "Perfect," went to No. 2. The next single, "Suds in the Bucket," went to No. 1, became her biggest hit since "Born to Fly" and quickly became a fan favorite. The next single, "Tonight," fell short of the top 40. ''Restless'' has been certified platinum. |
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===1997–1999: ''Three Chords and the Truth'' and early success=== |
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[[File:PeteAnderson(by Scott Dudelson).jpg|150px|thumb|right|[[Pete Anderson]] produced Evans's debut album.|alt=Country music artist Pete Anderson, playing an electric guitar onstage]] |
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Evans quit her job following the signing of her contract. She chose to have her album produced by [[Pete Anderson]], a producer and guitarist best known for his work with [[Dwight Yoakam]]. To record the album, she moved to [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]].{{sfn|Evans|p=71}} In July 1997, ''[[Three Chords and the Truth (Sara Evans album)|Three Chords and the Truth]]'' was released on RCA.<ref name="Allmusic"/> The album's sound centered around traditional [[honky tonk]] country and drew critical acclaim.<ref name="Country Music">{{cite book |last1=Carlin |first1=Richard |title=Country Music A Biographical Dictionary |date=2014 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9781135361044 |page=126}}</ref> [[Allmusic]]'s James Chrispell positively commented, "This disc rings out with an air of originality helped along by great tunes and solid backup musicianship."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chrispell |first1=James |title=''Three Chords and the Truth'': Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/three-chords-and-the-truth-mw0000020476 |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 14, 2022}}</ref> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' commented, "At once a preserver of the best of country's history and a progressive writer and singer forging a timeless contemporary country sound, she invites favorable comparisons to the best country divas."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Album Reviews |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=October 11, 1997 |page=83 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6wkEAAAAMBAJ&dq=sara+evans+three+chords+and+the+truth+album+review&pg=PT84 |access-date=March 14, 2022}}</ref> However, the album was not commercially successful.<ref name="Country Music"/> The disc peaked at number 56 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top Country Albums|country albums]] chart.<ref name="Country Albums">{{cite magazine |title=Sara Evans chart history (Country Albums) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/sara-evans/chart-history/clp/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 14, 2022}}</ref> Its three singles{{emdash}}in order of release, [[True Lies (song)|True Lies]], [[Three Chords and the Truth (song)|the title track]], and "[[Shame About That]]"{{emdash}}peaked outside the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Country Songs|country songs]] top 40.<ref name="Billboard Songs"/> According to Evans, country radio refused to play the singles, claiming they were "too country". "It was the most disheartening experience of my life–at least to this point," she reflected in her memoir.{{sfn|Evans|p=72}} |
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In an effort to have commercial success, Evans went back into the studio to record her next album. She intended to cut an album that was contemporary yet "without compromising" her musical interests.{{sfn|Evans|p=81}} The result was ''[[No Place That Far]]'',<ref name="Country Music"/> released in October 1998 on RCA.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Evans |first1=Sara |title=''No Place That Far'' (CD Liner Notes and Booklet) |journal=[[RCA Records Nashville]] |date=October 27, 1998 |id=67653}}</ref> The project peaked at number 11 on the ''Billboard'' country albums chart.<ref name="Country Albums"/> While its lead single ("[[Cryin' Game]]") peaked outside the country top 40, its second single (the [[No Place That Far (song)|title track]]) reached the number one spot on the ''Billboard'' country songs chart.<ref name="Billboard Songs"/> Its success was due to the buy-in from country radio programmers who were invited to a private showcase of her new repertoire in [[Cincinnati, Ohio]]. "By the end of the show, they were all eating out of my hands and singing my praises," Evans recounted.{{sfn|Evans|p=82}} The album's final single "[[Fool, I'm a Woman]]" only reached number 32 on the country songs chart,<ref name="Billboard Songs"/> which disappointed Evans. "It felt like I was constantly starting over, like in ''[[Groundhog Day (film)|Groundhog Day]]'', with these people at country radio," she commented.{{sfn|Evans|p=83}} To rebuild career momentum, Evans hired a co-manager. Evans also discovered she was pregnant with her first child during this time. This caused friction with her record label who encouraged her to "lose the baby weight as soon as possible".{{sfn|Evans|p=83-85}} |
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In [[2004]] Evans was the most-played female singer on [[country music radio]]{{fact}}<!-- This uncited information was disputed on 2006-09-09. If still uncited after a week, please remove. --> thanks to singles such as "Suds in the Bucket" and "Perfect." Evans also performed at the 2004 Republican National Convention. |
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===2000–2005: Peak success=== |
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In [[2005]], Evans struck gold with the country ballad "A Real Fine Place to Start". With help from this single, her album ''[[Real Fine Place]]'' was propelled to No. 1 on the country charts and No. 3 on the pop charts with more than 130,000 copies sold in the first week, nearly triple the sales from her previous album, ''Restless''. ''Real Fine Place'' was the best-selling album of her career. The single from the album stood on top of the Billboard and Radio and Record Charts for two weeks. Evans was nominated for two CMA awards, including the prestigious "Female Vocalist of the Year" and prized "Musical Event of the Year" (the latter in part due to her duet with [[Brad Paisley]], "New Again"). However, she lost in both categories. Evans went on the road with Paisley and newcomers [[Sugarland (band)|Sugarland]] on Paisley's Time Well Wasted Tour. "Cheatin'" also cracked the top 10. ''Real Fine Place'' has been certified gold. |
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Evans was motivated to make shifts in her career after watching [[Faith Hill]]'s "[[Breathe (Faith Hill song)|Breathe]]" [[music video]]. "I'm going to lose this weight, grow my hair long, and make the best album Nashville has ever heard," she recounted.{{sfn|Evans|p=84}} She was drawn to the [[Bluegrass music|bluegrass]] sound by [[The Chicks|Dixie Chicks]] and sought out their producer, [[Paul Worley]]. She also sought out rock session musician [[Matt Chamberlain]] to play drums. Together, they would craft Evans's third studio album.{{sfn|Evans|p=86-89}} In October 2000, ''[[Born to Fly]]'' was released on RCA Nashville. Evans co-produced the project with Worley.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Evans |first1=Sara |title=''Born to Fly'' (CD Liner Notes and Booklet) |journal=[[RCA Records Nashville]] |date=October 10, 2000 |id=67964}}</ref> The disc became Evans's breakout album, certifying double platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) for sales of over two million copies in the United States.<ref name="Allmusic"/><ref name="Born to Fly">{{cite web |last1=Paxman |first1=Bob |title=20 Years Later: Sara Evans' 'Born To Fly' |url=https://www.soundslikenashville.com/news/20-years-later-sara-evans-born-to-fly/ |website=Sounds Like Nashville |date=October 12, 2020 |access-date=March 19, 2022}}</ref> Critic Thom Jurek took notice of the record. He described Evans as having the "confidence and authority of a seasoned veteran who is in control of her work."<ref name="Born to Fly 2">{{cite web |last1=Jurek |first1=Thom |title=''Born to Fly'': Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/born-to-fly-mw0000619834 |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 19, 2022}}</ref> ''Born to Fly'' peaked at number six on the ''Billboard'' country albums chart<ref name="Country Albums"/> and number 55 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name="Billboard 200">{{cite magazine |title=Sara Evans chart history (Billboard 200) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/sara-evans/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 19, 2022}}</ref> |
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{{listen|filename=Sara Evans--Born to Fly--Audio.ogg |title="Born to Fly"|description=Rock session drummer [[Matt Chamberlain]] played on the introduction of Evans' 2000 single "[[Born to Fly (song)|Born to Fly]]". Chamberlain and producer [[Paul Worley]] helped establish Evans' musical sound. |format=[[Ogg]]||pos=left}} |
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On [[December 6]], [[2005]], Evans released ''Feels Like Home'' through [[Cracker Barrel]] stores. The album consists of some of her most memorable songs in different remixes. For example, there is an acoustic version of "No Place That Far," a live version of "Born To Fly" and several other remixes of her most popular songs. |
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Four singles were released from ''Born to Fly''. First was the [[Born to Fly (song)|title track]], which Evans co-wrote with [[Darrell Scott]] and [[Marcus Hummon]].{{sfn|Evans|p=87}} This reached the number one spot on the ''Billboard'' country singles chart and number 34 on the Hot 100.<ref name="Billboard Songs"/><ref name="Hot 100">{{cite magazine |title=Sara Evans chart history (Hot 100) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/sara-evans/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 19, 2022}}</ref> Next was a cover of [[Edwin McCain]]'s "[[I Could Not Ask for More]]",<ref name="Top 10">{{cite web |title=Top 10 Sara Evans Songs |url=https://theboot.com/top-sara-evans-songs/ |website=The Boot |date=February 5, 2022 |access-date=March 19, 2022}}</ref> followed by "[[Saints & Angels]]" and "[[I Keep Looking]]", the latter a top-five country hit in 2002.<ref name="Billboard Songs"/> In 2001, Evans received five nominations from the [[Country Music Association Awards]]. This included Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year. She later won Music Video of the Year for ''Born to Fly''{{'}}s title track.<ref name="CMA">{{cite web |title=CMA Past Winners & Nominees: Sara Evans |url=https://cmaawards.com/past-winners-and-nominees/?appSession=234FAAR6474HXW3X6458MUW0N83CJ4SJ229089K88BAB799LWXUC6S0X69T768Y0U7LP6S1K88IYGM565RLX813DN155X0RZ8QJ87HS3JZBG86158R2ZPV29ZL7UR1PS |website=[[Country Music Association]] |access-date=March 19, 2022}}</ref> The [[Academy of Country Music Awards]] also nominated her for Top Female Vocalist.<ref name="ACM">{{cite web |title=Search winners: Sara Evans |url=https://www.acmcountry.com/winners?awardTitle=sara+evans&awardCategory=&awardYear=&actionButton=Submit |website=[[Academy of Country Music]] |access-date=March 19, 2022}}</ref> With her new success, Evans joined [[Reba McEntire]], [[Martina McBride]], [[Jamie O'Neal]], and [[Carolyn Dawn Johnson]] on the all-women headlining Girls Night Out Tour in 2001.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Reba, Martina Spearhead 'Girls' Night Out' Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/reba-martina-spearhead-girls-night-out-tour-77321/ |access-date=March 19, 2022 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=April 9, 2001}}</ref> |
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In August 2003, her fourth studio album ''[[Restless (Sara Evans album)|Restless]]'' was released, with Evans and Worley continuing to co-produce.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Evans |first1=Sara |title=''Restless'' (CD Liner Notes & Booklet) |journal=[[RCA Records Nashville]] |date=August 19, 2003 |id=67074}}</ref> ''Restless'' was met with mixed reviews. Writer Edward Morris described it as being "more pop than country in sound and attitude".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Restless |first1=Edward |title=Sara Evans' ''Restless'' Pop |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1476962/sara-evans-restless-pop/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803184835/http://www.cmt.com/news/1476962/sara-evans-restless-pop/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |access-date=March 19, 2022 |work=[[Country Music Television]] |date=August 18, 2003}}</ref> James Christopher Monger found it to be "slick and predictable".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Monger |first1=James Christopher |title=''Restless'': Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/restless-mw0000314935 |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 19, 2022}}</ref> ''Restless'' debuted at number three on the Top Country Albums chart<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gilbert |first1=Calvin |title=Dierks Works Chart Magic |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1477718/dierks-works-chart-magic/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024152549/http://www.cmt.com/news/1477718/dierks-works-chart-magic/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |access-date=March 19, 2022 |work=[[Country Music Television]] |date=August 28, 2003}}</ref> reached number 20 on the ''Billboard'' 200<ref name="Billboard 200"/> and certified platinum in the United States.<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web |title=Gold & Platinum: Sara Evans |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=sara+evans#search_section |website=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=March 20, 2022}}</ref> While the lead single "[[Backseat of a Greyhound Bus]]", reached the top 20, its second single, "[[Perfect (Sara Evans song)|Perfect]]", climbed to the number two spot on ''Billboard'' country chart.<ref name="Billboard Songs"/> The album's third single was the traditionally-sounding "[[Suds in the Bucket]]". The song was not intended to be part of the project's track list but Evans pushed for its inclusion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Edward |title=Music Row Salutes Sara Evans' "Suds in the Bucket" |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1494934/music-row-salutes-sara-evans-suds-in-the-bucket/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418004107/http://www.cmt.com/news/1494934/music-row-salutes-sara-evans-suds-in-the-bucket/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |access-date=March 19, 2022 |work=[[Country Music Television]] |date=December 15, 2004}}</ref> It became her third number one song on the ''Billboard'' country chart. The fourth and final single "[[Tonight (Sara Evans song)|Tonight]]" was less successful, peaking outside the top 40 of Hot Country Songs in 2005.<ref name="Billboard Songs"/> Evans was subsequently nominated for several awards by the Academy of Country Music in both 2003 and 2004<ref name="ACM"/> She received similar nominations from the Country Music Association.<ref name="CMA"/> In 2004, she co-headlined the Mud & Suds Tour with [[Brad Paisley]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Paisley Grabs Evans, Griggs For 'Mud' Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/paisley-grabs-evans-griggs-for-mud-tour-65446/ |access-date=March 19, 2022 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=December 1, 2004}}</ref> |
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In [[2006]] R&R announced Evans as Female Vocalist of the Year in its 2006 Readers' Poll. In a recent interview with [[CMT]] she also revealed she would headline her own tour in the fall after she rounds out her current tour with Brad Paisley. |
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In 2005, Evans released a cover of [[Radney Foster]]'s "[[A Real Fine Place to Start]]". It became her fourth number one song on the ''Billboard'' country survey<ref name="Billboard Songs"/> and her fourth song to reach the Top 40 on Hot 100.<ref name="Hot 100"/> It would serve as the title track to her fifth studio album ''[[Real Fine Place]]'', which was released in October 2005. Unlike her previous albums, Evans co-produced with [[Mark Bright (record producer)|Mark Bright]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Evans |first1=Sara |title=''Real Fine Place'' (CD Booklet & Album Information) |journal=[[RCA Records Nashville]] |date=October 4, 2005 |id=82876694862}}</ref> Sue Keough of [[BBC]] called it "the perfect balance between radio-friendly country pop and the rootsy sounds she offered with her 1997 debut ''Three Chords And The Truth''."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Keough |first1=Sue |title=Sara Evans ''Real Fine Place'' Review |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/p5bd/ |access-date=March 19, 2022 |work=[[BBC]] |date=2005}}</ref> Meanwhile, ''[[Slant Magazine]]'''s Jonathan Keefe gave it 2.5 stars, calling its notoriety in her catalog "less than essential".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Keefe |first1=Jonathan |title=Review: Sara Evans, Real Fine Place |magazine=[[Slant Magazine]] |date=October 10, 2005 |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/sara-evans-real-fine-place/ |access-date=March 19, 2022}}</ref> Despite mixed reviews, the disc was her first to top the ''Billboard'' country albums chart.<ref name="Country Albums"/> It also debuted at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="Billboard 200"/> Like its predecessors, it also certified platinum in sales.<ref name="RIAA"/> ''Real Fine Place'' also included the single "[[Cheatin' (song)|Cheatin']]", which reached the number nine spot on the country chart. While the follow-up single "Coalmine" faltered on the charts, follow-up "[[You'll Always Be My Baby]]" reached number 13 in 2006.<ref name="Billboard Songs"/> She would also win the Top Female Vocalist award from the Academy of Country Music.<ref name="ACM"/> |
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As of 2006 she has three children, Avery (born at 1:36am 8/21/1999), Olivia (born around noon 1/22/2003) and Audrey (born at 8:06am 10/6/2004). |
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===2006–2009: Setbacks and music hiatus=== |
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She has a global music publishing deal with BMG Music Publishing's Nashville division. |
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[[File:Country singer Sara Evans.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Evans in concert, 2008|alt=Country music singer Sara Evans, singing into a microphone.]] |
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By 2006, Evans had reached the height of her career.{{sfn|Evans|p=90}} She was headlining her own tours,{{sfn|Evans|p=89}} and made almost 300 appearances in one year.{{sfn|Evans|p=92}} In August of that year, Evans joined the cast of ''[[Dancing with the Stars]]'' which aired on the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] network. She made her first appearance on the show in September alongside dancing partner [[Tony Dovolani]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Sara Evans to Compete on Dancing With the Stars |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1538534/sara-evans-to-compete-on-dancing-with-the-stars/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418004107/http://www.cmt.com/news/1538534/sara-evans-to-compete-on-dancing-with-the-stars/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |access-date=March 20, 2022 |work=[[Country Music Television]] |date=August 14, 2006}}</ref> Evans moved her family to [[Beverly Hills, California]] where the show rented her a home while she competed on the program. "It was absolutely exhausting and totally invigorating at the same time," she reflected in her memoir.{{sfn|Evans|p=100}} At the same time, Evans's marriage to husband Craig Schelske was ending. The stress in her personal life caused Evans to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.{{sfn|Evans|p=92-103}} A month following her first appearance, she announced her departure from the show after filing for divorce from Schelske.<ref name="Today">{{cite news |title=Sara Evans quits 'Dancing with the Stars' |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/sara-evans-quits-dancing-stars-wbna15248249 |access-date=March 20, 2022 |work=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]] |date=October 13, 2006}}</ref> "I had to quit working altogether, focus on my children, and really figure out what I was going to do," she later explained.{{sfn|Evans|p=101}} |
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Evans's divorce received widespread media attention between 2006 and 2007.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Despres |first1=Tricia |title=Sara Evans to Open Up About Near-Death Experience in Her Upcoming Memoir |url=https://tasteofcountry.com/sara-evans-near-death-experience-memoir/ |website=[[Taste of Country]] |date=May 22, 2020 |access-date=March 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Rejuvenate">{{cite news |last1=Gilbert |first1=Calvin |title=Sara Evans Rejuvenates Her Career |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1659457/sara-evans-rejuvenates-her-career/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418004106/http://www.cmt.com/news/1659457/sara-evans-rejuvenates-her-career/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |access-date=March 20, 2022 |work=[[Country Music Television]] |date=March 8, 2011}}</ref> These personal events delayed plans for the recording of a studio album for several years. However Evans did continue to sporadically release new music.<ref name="Rejuvenate"/> In 2007, RCA released her first compilation album of ''[[Greatest Hits (Sara Evans album)|Greatest Hits]]''.<ref name="Allmusic"/> The project reached number three on the ''Billboard'' country albums chart<ref name="Country Albums"/> and number eight on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="Billboard 200"/> The disc featured twelve of her most popular recordings, along with four new tracks co-written by Evans.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Evans |first1=Sara |title=''Greatest Hits'' (CD Booklet and Album Information) |journal=[[RCA Records Nashville]] |date=October 9, 2007 |id=708770}}</ref> AllMusic's Thom Jurek gave the album three stars, criticizing its production and choice of material.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jurek |first1=Thom |title=''Greatest Hits'': Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/greatest-hits-mw0000487452?1647812276528 |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 20, 2022}}</ref> Three of its new songs were released as singles. Its lead single "[[As If (song)|As If]]" reached number 11 on the ''Billboard'' country songs chart. It was followed by the top 40 entry "[[Some Things Never Change (Sara Evans song)|Some Things Never Change]]".<ref name="Country Songs">{{cite magazine |title=Sara Evans chart history (Country Songs) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/sara-evans/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 20, 2022}}</ref> Later that year, she co-hosted the Country Music Association Awards.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cmt.com/news/articles/1571971/20071015/mcentire_reba.jhtml | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018033100/http://www.cmt.com/news/articles/1571971/20071015/mcentire_reba.jhtml | url-status=dead | archive-date=October 18, 2007 | publisher=CMT | title=Reba McEntire to Sing Duet on CMA Awards |
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After "Cheatin'", her next single off ''Real Fine Place'' was "Coalmine," which already was at No. 60 before its release date on April 10, but the song failed to reach the top 30. Speculation shows radio was resistant to the song because of the recent coalmine tragedy in West Virginia, even though Evans with the song writers and RCA Nashville agreed to donate procedes from single sales to the coalmine victims' families. Lack of a video also seemed to have hurt "Coalmine"'s overall performance. |
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| access-date=October 16, 2007}}</ref> |
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In May 2008, Evans appeared on ''[[CMT Crossroads]]'', a music show on [[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]] which paired country music artists with pop music artists for collaborative performance. On her episode, she collaborated with pop band [[Maroon 5]] to sing songs from both artists' catalogs.<ref name="Crossroads 1">{{cite news|url=http://www.cmtpress.com/press-release/cmt-crossroads-maroon-5-and-sara-evansblend-pop-and-country/|title=CMT Crossroads: Maroon 5 and Sara Evans Blend Pop and Country|work=CMT Press|date=April 3, 2008|access-date=August 17, 2018}}</ref> In September 2008, Evans recorded the theme song to film ''[[Billy: The Early Years (Soundtrack)|Billy: The Early Years]]''. Released as a single, "[[Low (Sara Evans song)|Low]]" briefly charted on the Hot Country Songs chart.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/aug/11/usa.religion?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront |title=Billy Graham biopic shows at Bible belt churches ahead of October release |work=Guardian |date=August 11, 2008 | location=London | access-date=May 23, 2010 | first=McClatchy | last=Newspapers}}</ref><ref name="Country Songs"/> In June 2009, ABC Daytime and [[SOAPnet]] sponsored a tour, headlined by Evans, that featured performances throughout the middle of the year.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Donahue |first1=Ann |title=Sara Evans, Lionel Richie Bring Songs To Soap Operas |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sara-evans-lionel-richie-bring-songs-to-soap-operas-268411/ |access-date=March 20, 2022 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=June 10, 2009}}</ref> Evans's next single was "[[Feels Just Like a Love Song]]", which only peaked at number 59 on the country songs chart.<ref name="Country Songs"/> She ended 2009 by releasing an [[extended play]] of Christmas music titled ''[[I'll Be Home for Christmas (EP)|I'll Be Home for Christmas]]''. The release coincided with a two-month holiday tour.<ref>{{cite web |title=Holiday Music & Tour Dates From Sara Evans |url=https://www.soundslikenashville.com/news/holiday-music-tour-dates-from-sara-evans/ |website=Sounds Like Nashville |date=October 24, 2009 |access-date=March 20, 2022}}</ref> |
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In spring [[2006]] Sara released ''Always There'' through [[Hallmark]] stores for Mother's Day. The album has six of her favorite already-released songs including a live version of "Suds In The Bucket" and an acoustic version of "Born To Fly." Two new songs are on the disc including "You Ought To Know By Now" and "Brooklyn & Austin." |
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===2010–2015: Comeback and career re-launch with ''Stronger''=== |
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On [[May 23]], 2006, Evans performed her single, "Coalmine," and competed at the 2006 [[ACM]] Awards in Las Vegas, and she won her first ACM for the "Female Vocalist Of The Year." |
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In 2010, Evans collaborated with author Rachel Hauck to write ''The Sweet By and By''. Its follow up book, ''Softly and Tenderly'', was released in January 2011. Both novels focused on Christian themes and the main characters explored their religious relationships.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hughes |first1=Donna |title=Sara Evans Presents Second Novel, 'Softly & Tenderly' |url=https://theboot.com/sara-evans-softly-and-tenderly-new-book/ |website=The Boot |date=January 18, 2011 |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> Evans also returned to music in 2011. She enlisted record producer [[Nathan Chapman (record producer)|Nathan Chapman]] to help re-launch her career.<ref name="Rejuvenate"/> Evans also started searching for material and eventually found the song "[[A Little Bit Stronger]]". The song was co-written by [[Lady Antebellum]] lead singer [[Hillary Scott]], who allowed Evans to record the song after that band did not cut it.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Conaway |first1=Alanna |title=Sara Evans' Career Continues to Grow 'Stronger' with No. 1 Single |url=https://tasteofcountry.com/sara-evans-stronger-no-1/ |website=[[Taste of Country]] |date=May 2, 2011 |access-date=March 23, 2022}}</ref> It was issued as a single in 2010 and topped the [[Hot Country Songs]] chart in 2011. "A Little Bit Stronger" became her first number one single since 2005 and spent two weeks at the top.<ref name="Country Songs"/> It was released on Evans's corresponding sixth studio album, ''[[Stronger (Sara Evans album)|Stronger]]''.<ref name="Rejuvenate"/> The album debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' [[Top Country Albums]] list and number six on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Betts |first1=Stephen L. |title=Sara Evans Tops Chart with 'Stronger' Numbers |url=https://theboot.com/sara-evans-stronger-album-chart/ |website=The Boot |date=March 16, 2011 |access-date=March 23, 2022}}</ref> ''Stronger'' later certified gold in the United States.<ref name="RIAA"/> |
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[[File:Sara Evans on Walmart Soundcheck (5547394286).jpg|thumb|left|200px|Evans performing on [[Walmart Soundcheck]], 2011|alt=A view of Sara Evans performing in concert.]] |
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''[[People magazine|People]]'' magazine named Evans among its annual "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" for 2005. In June 2006 a reader poll released by Country Weekly magazine voted Evans among the "most beautiful women in country music," second only to [[Faith Hill]]. |
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In mid-2011, Evans served as the opening act for [[Rascal Flatts]] on their Flatts Fest tour.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Gayle |title=Sara Evans Finds a 'Perfect Match' in Rascal Flatts |url=https://theboot.com/sara-evans-rascal-flatts-tour/ |website=The Boot |date=June 30, 2011 |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> The duo continued touring through 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shelburne |first1=Criag |title=Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans Add 2012 Tour Dates |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1672651/rascal-flatts-sara-evans-add-2012-tour-dates/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418004107/http://www.cmt.com/news/1672651/rascal-flatts-sara-evans-add-2012-tour-dates/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |website=[[Country Music Television]] |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> Also in 2011, "A Little Bit Stronger" was nominated for Single of the Year by the Country Music Association Awards. The program also nominated Evans for Female Vocalist of the Year.<ref name="CMA"/> The Academy of Country Music Awards also nominated Evans for Female Vocalist of the Year in 2011.<ref name="ACM"/> |
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Evans felt pressure to sustain the commercial success from her comeback. "I've worked my ass off," she told ''[[Country Music Television]]''. Evans had hoped to have "two or three big hits" off of ''Stronger''.<ref name="Rejuvenate"/> The follow-up single, a cover of [[Rod Stewart]]'s "[[My Heart Can't Tell You No]]", only reached number 21 on the ''Billboard'' country chart. It was followed by a third single, "[[Anywhere (Sara Evans song)|Anywhere]]", which peaked outside the top 40 in 2012.<ref name="Country Songs"/> Evans also released her third novel in 2012 titled ''Love Lifted Me''. The book was co-written again with Rachel Hauck and followed a similar story to that of her previous book releases.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Conaway |first1=Alanna |title=Sara Evans Releases New Book 'Love Lifted Me' Today |url=https://tasteofcountry.com/sara-evans-love-lifted-me/ |website=[[Taste of Country]] |date=January 3, 2012 |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> Evans also sang the [[The Star-Spangled Banner|National Anthem]] at Game two of the [[2012 NBA Finals]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/6/14/3088342/sara-evans-national-anthem-video-nba-finals-2012 |title=VIDEO: Sara Evans' National Anthem Performance Wasn't The Best |date=June 14, 2012 |publisher=SBNation.com |access-date=August 18, 2013}}</ref> Evans also sang the National Anthem at the start of Game 2 of the [[2015 World Series]] between the [[Kansas City Royals]] and the [[New York Mets]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://countryrebel.com/blogs/videos/74111363-sara-evans-sings-national-anthem-brings-stadium-to-their-feet-at-world-series/ |title=VIDEO: Sara Evans' Sara Evans Sings National Anthem, Brings Stadium To Their Feet At World Series |date=October 29, 2015 |publisher=countryrebel.com |access-date=October 5, 2022}}</ref> |
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After the disappointing performance of "Coalmine" on country radio, Sara has announced at her concerts that her next single will be "You'll Always Be My Baby" from ''Real Fine Place,'' even though her fanclub has expressed their desire for the fourth single off this album to be "Missing Missouri." There is official word that "You'll Always Be My Baby" will hit country radio on August 21, 2006. A video directed by Kristen Barlowe was filmed in Los Angeles in early August 2006. |
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In November 2012, Evans went back into the recording studio alongside Mark Bright to prepare for her next album project.<ref name="Allmusic"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Evasn |first1=Price |title=Sara Evans' AXS Concert Is Career-First |url=https://theboot.com/sara-evans-axs-concert/ |website=The Boot |date=October 26, 2012 |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> A year later RCA released the single "[[Slow Me Down]]".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Dauphin |first1=Chuck |title=Sara Evans Talks 'Slow Me Down' Single, Says Album Is Nearly Done |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sara-evans-talks-slow-me-down-single-says-album-is-nearly-done-5687048/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> According to Evans, the single required more promotion due to the popularity of [[Bro-country]] which had taken chart positions away from women. "I did something like forty-four free shows that year, on top of my regular touring dates," her memoir recalled.{{sfn|Evans|p=202}} Nevertheless, "Slow Me Down" peaked in the top 20,<ref name="Allmusic"/> climbing to number 19 on the ''Billboard'' country songs chart and number 17 on the ''Billboard'' [[Country Airplay]] chart.{{efn|The ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs chart was split into Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay in 2012, with the latter taking the original chart's methodology of only tabulating radio airplay.}}<ref name="Country Songs"/><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sara Evans chart history (Country Songs) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/sara-evans/chart-history/csi/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> Her seventh album of the [[Slow Me Down (album)|same name]] was released in March 2014 on RCA.<ref name="Allmusic"/> The album reached number two on the Country Albums list<ref name="Country Albums"/> and number nine on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="Billboard 200"/> It was named among the "Best of 2014" in AllMusic's year-end ranking<ref>{{cite web |title=''Slow Me Down'': Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/slow-me-down-mw0002609123 |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> and ranked number ten on ''Billboard'''s "Best Country Albums of 2014".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Dauphin |first1=Chuck |title=The 10 Best Country Albums of 2014 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/best-country-albums-2014-6397805/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> |
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Since September 12, 2006, Sara Evans has been competing with other celebrities in [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s [[Dancing with the Stars (US TV series)|Dancing With The Stars]] with (professional) partner [[Tony Dovolani]]. Evans launched a new fan web site, '''[http://www.dancingwithsara.com/ www.dancingwithsara.com]''', to provide behind-the-scenes material from her participation on the program. Sara is the first country music singer to ever participate in the show. |
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In October 2014, Evans appeared on ABC's ''[[Nashville (2012 TV series)|Nashville]]'', playing herself. She performed a duet version of her next single, "[[Put My Heart Down]]", with [[Will Chase]], who performed in-character as Luke Wheeler.<ref name="ET">{{cite web |last1=Schillaci |first1=Sophie |title=Sara Evans on 'Nashville' Guest Role and Being the Real Rayna Jaymes |url=https://www.etonline.com/music/153145_sara_evans_on_nashville_guest_role_being_the_real_rayna_jaymes |website=[[Entertainment Tonight]] |date=October 28, 2014 |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> Evans herself helped inspire the creation of the series lead [[Rayna Jaymes]], as the writers consulted with her about her experiences as a working mother in the country music industry so that Rayna's character would come across as authentic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1793679/exclusive-how-sara-evans-relates-to-rayna-jaymes/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424013234/http://www.cmt.com/news/1793679/exclusive-how-sara-evans-relates-to-rayna-jaymes/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 24, 2018|title=EXCLUSIVE: How Sara Evans Relates to Rayna Jaymes|website=[[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]]}}</ref> In November 2014, Evans released her first full studio album of [[Christmas music]] titled ''[[At Christmas (Sara Evans album)|At Christmas]]''.<ref name="Allmusic"/> The project featured covers of Christmas songs along with original tunes. She later promoted the project on ABC's annual ''CMA Country Christmas'' television special.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Dunkerley |first1=Beville |title=Sara Evans to Release First Christmas Album |date=October 28, 2014 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/sara-evans-to-release-first-christmas-album-205232/ |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> In August 2015, Evans made a second appearance on ''CMT Crossroads'', this time performing alongside rock band [[REO Speedwagon]].<ref name="Crossroads 2">{{cite magazine |last1=Betts |first1=Stephen L. |title=Sara Evans, REO Speedwagon Tapped for 'CMT Crossroads' |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=August 13, 2015 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/sara-evans-reo-speedwagon-tapped-for-cmt-crossroads-227418/ |access-date=March 26, 2022}}</ref> |
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==Discography== |
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===2016–present: New record label and career transition=== |
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{{main|Sara Evans discography}} |
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After spending her entire recording career on RCA, Evans left the label in February 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Black |first1=Lauren Jo |title=Sara Evans & Others Exit Sony Music Nashville |url=https://www.soundslikenashville.com/news/sara-evans-others-exit-sony-music-nashville/ |website=Sounds Like Nashville |date=February 2, 2016 |access-date=March 26, 2022}}</ref> Six months later, she announced that she would be signing a contract with [[Sugar Hill Records (bluegrass label)|Sugar Hill Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicrow.com/2016/08/exclusive-sara-evans-plans-album-on-sugar-hill-records/|title=Exclusive: Sara Evans Plans Album On Sugar Hill Records|date=August 10, 2016|website=Musicrow.com|access-date=June 14, 2017}}</ref> However the label underwent a restructuring and Evans ultimately decided to leave the contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tasteofcountry.com/sara-evans-words-cover-story/|title=Sara Evans Says 'Words' Is the Album of Her Lifetime|website=Taste of Country|date=July 19, 2017 |access-date=August 26, 2017}}</ref> In the same year, Evans appeared on the season finale of [[USA Network]]'s ''[[Chrisley Knows Best]]''. She performed a new track called "Infinite Love". The song was a duet with one of the show's cast members, [[Todd Chrisley]].<ref name="Chrisley">{{cite magazine |last1=Shelburne |first1=Criag |title=Sara Evans Joins Todd Chrisley For New Duet, CMA Fest, Reality Show |magazine=Music Row |date=June 17, 2016 |url=https://musicrow.com/2016/06/sara-evans-joins-todd-chrisley-for-new-duet-cma-fest-reality-show/ |access-date=March 26, 2022}}</ref> A recording by the pair appeared in 2016 that charted in the top 40 of the ''Billboard'' country chart.<ref name="Country Songs"/> Evans and several of her siblings also competed against the Chrisley family on the 2016 season finale of ABC's game show ''[[Celebrity Family Feud]]''.<ref name="Feud">{{cite news |title=Superfan Country Star Sara Evans Embarrassed on 'Celebrity Family Feud' |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/country-star-sara-evans-embarrassed-on-celebrity-family-feud-073939786.html |access-date=March 26, 2022 |work=[[Yahoo! News]] |date=September 12, 2016}}</ref> |
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Evans had become increasingly frustrated with the country radio's lack of support for female artists. "No one seemed to respect all my previous success that I'd worked years to achieve," she recalled in her memoir.{{sfn|Evans|p=202}} The frustration prompted Evans to launch her own label titled Born to Fly Records. [[Sony RED]] partnered with the label to distribute the company's music.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7768249/sara-evans-born-fly-records-label-album-country|title=Sara Evans Launches Born to Fly Records: No More 'Following the Rules of Anyone Else'|website=Billboard.com|access-date=June 14, 2017}}</ref> "Now I'm in the driver's seat, and every decision is made between my managers and me," she commented.{{sfn|Evans|p=203}} The label released ''[[Words (Sara Evans album)|Words]]'', her ninth studio record, in July 2017.<ref name="Allmusic"/> All fourteen of the album's tracks included credits from female songwriters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://people.com/country/sara-evans-words-new-album/|title=Sara Evans on the 'Complete Creative Freedom' of Upcoming Female-Driven Album Words|date=May 2, 2017|website=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=June 14, 2017}}</ref> AllMusic's [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] commented that, "''Words'' offers a sharp and welcome contrast to the bustling digital era."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Erlewine |first1=Stephen Thomas |title=''Words'': Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/words-mw0003055893 |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 26, 2022}}</ref> Mark Kennedy of the ''[[Associated Press]]'' praised the album and concluded, "Artistic freedom has never sounded so good."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kennedy |first1=Mark |title=Review: Sara Evans gets personal on excellent album 'Words' |url=https://apnews.com/article/b66b3c1d70124adaa0d9f55a89b9c90d |access-date=March 26, 2022 |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=July 21, 2017}}</ref> ''Words'' peaked at number four on the ''Billboard'' country albums chart<ref name="Country Albums"/> and number 46 on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="Billboard 200"/> Despite heavy promotion, its lead single ("[[Marquee Sign (song)|Marquee Sign]]") failed to make a chart appearance.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Stark |first1=Phyllis |title=Sara Evans Decries Country Radio's Lack of Support for Female Artists: 'My Family Watches Me Sobbing' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sara-evans-interview-country-radio-lack-support-for-female-artists-8480709/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 26, 2022}}</ref> |
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===Studio Albums=== |
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In 2019, Evans collaborated with her son and daughter to release an EP named ''[[The Barker Family Band]]''. The project featured harmonies from Evans and her children performing covers of songs by [[Aretha Franklin]] and [[Fleetwood Mac]]. A corresponding [[Live from City Winery Nashville|live album]] was recorded at [[City Winery]] in [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]]. Both projects were promoted through a mini tour that included five show dates in May 2019.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Betts |first1=Stephen L. |title=Sara Evans Pays It Forward With New 'Barker Family Band' Project |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=May 8, 2019 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/sara-evans-barker-family-band-tour-new-album-833002/ |access-date=March 26, 2022}}</ref> In May 2020, Evans released her tenth studio project titled ''[[Copy That]]''.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Evans |first1=Sara |title=''Copy That'' (CD Booklet and Liner Notes) |journal=Born to Fly Records |date=May 15, 2020 |id=33287}}</ref> The project was a collection of classic country and [[Pop music|pop]] covers from different decades.<ref name="Allmusic"/> The album received mixed reviews. AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine commented, "''Copy That'' is a clever title for a covers album, but it also raises the question of whether these new cover versions are mere Xeroxes of the original."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Erlewine |first1=Stephen Thomas |title=''Copy That'': Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/copy-that-mw0003385417 |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 26, 2022}}</ref> Meanwhile, Jeffrey B. Remz of ''Country Standard Time'' found it to be "just too syrupy" in his review.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Renz |first1=Jeffrey B. |title=Sara Evans - ''Copy That'' |url=https://www.countrystandardtime.com/d/cdreview.asp?xid=7133 |website=Country Standard Time |access-date=March 26, 2022}}</ref> In September 2020, Evans released a memoir that discussed highlights from her life and career. The book was published by [[Howard Books]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dukes |first1=Billy |title='Born to Fly' Sara Evans Hopes Her Mother Won't Read Her Memoir |url=https://tasteofcountry.com/sara-evans-memoir-country-radio-divorce-interview/ |website=[[Taste of Country]] |date=September 9, 2020 |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> |
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#''[[Three Chords and the Truth]]'' (1997) |
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#''[[No Place That Far]]'' (1998) |
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#''[[Born to Fly]]'' (2000) |
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#''[[Restless (Sara Evans album)|Restless]]'' (2003) |
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#''[[Real Fine Place]]'' (2005) |
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In 2023, Evans competed in [[The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 9|season nine]] of ''[[The Masked Singer (American TV series)|The Masked Singer]]'' as "Mustang". She was eliminated during the season premiere alongside [[Dick Van Dyke]] as "Gnome".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Huff |first1=Lauren |title=Mustang on The Masked Singer thinks a last-minute switch led to her early exit |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=February 15, 2023 |url=https://ew.com/tv/the-masked-singer-mustang-revealed-sara-evans/ |access-date=25 February 2023}}</ref> During this time, Evans stated that she started working on her next studio album that resembled [[neotraditional country]] sound.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://countrynow.com/sara-evans-teases-new-patty-loveless-esque-album-says-it-will-be-super-country/ | title=Sara Evans Teases New 'Patty Loveless-Esque' Album, Says It Will Be 'Super Country' | publisher=Country Now | date=June 17, 2022 | accessdate=November 22, 2022}}</ref> In 2023, Evans signed with Melody Place Records.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Hollabaugh |first1=Lorie |title=Sara Evans Signs With Melody Place Records |magazine=[[MusicRow]] |date=June 29, 2023 |url=https://musicrow.com/2023/06/sara-evans-signs-with-melody-place-records/ |access-date=2 July 2023}}</ref> The same year she accepted an invitation to become an official member of the [[Grand Ole Opry]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Saunders |first1=Angel |title=Sara Evans Tears Up — then Jokingly Declines — When Asked to Join the Grand Ole Opry: 'No Way I'd Say No' |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=August 18, 2023 |url=https://people.com/sara-evans-invited-to-join-grand-ole-opry-emotional-response-7693119 |access-date=19 August 2023}}</ref> Her first Melody Place album was issued in June 2024 titled ''[[Unbroke]]''. The project chronicled her marital conflicts and reconciliation with her second husband. The album's lead single "Pride" was issued in March 2024. Evans also created her own podcast titled ''Diving in Deep with Sara Evans'' which was also released in spring 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Watts |first1=Cindy |title=Sara Evans Reconciles With Husband, Shares Story of Abuse, Recovery on New Podcast And Through New Music |url=https://www.cmt.com/news/xjjwyc/sara-evans-reconciles-with-husband-shares-story-of-abuse-recovery-on-new-podcast-and-through-new-music |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323000554/https://www.cmt.com/news/xjjwyc/sara-evans-reconciles-with-husband-shares-story-of-abuse-recovery-on-new-podcast-and-through-new-music |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 23, 2024 |access-date=31 March 2024 |work=[[Country Music Television]] |date=March 22, 2024}}</ref> |
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===Compilations=== |
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#''Feels Like Home'' (2005, [[Cracker Barrell]]) |
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#''Always There'' (2006, [[Hallmark]]) |
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== |
==Artistry== |
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===Musical styles=== |
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Evans has embedded different styles of country music into her songs throughout her career.<ref name="Allmusic"/><ref name="Contemporary Country">{{cite book |last1=Bush |first1=John |last2=Erlewine |first2=Stephen Thomas |last3=Woodstra |first3=Chris |title=Contemporary Country |date=2008 |isbn=9780879309183 |page=46|publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation }}</ref> In her early career, Evans incorporated a traditional country sound on the albums ''Three Chords and the Truth'' and ''No Place That Far''. Box Paxman explained, "Evans was hailed for her neo-traditional vocal style and obvious respect for country's past".<ref name="Born to Fly"/> When Evans released 2000's ''Born to Fly'', her sound shifted towards a contemporary country musical identity. "''Born to Fly'' marks an uptown shift in Evans' musical landscape. With Worley at the helm, the singer has made a much more contemporary record than her previous outings," commented Lisa Young of ''CMT''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Lisa |title=Born to Fly Makes Sara Smile |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1472483/born-to-fly-makes-sara-smile/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327005557/http://www.cmt.com/news/1472483/born-to-fly-makes-sara-smile/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |website=[[Country Music Television]] |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> Thom Jurek from AllMusic noted a similar theme while reviewing the disc: "''Born to Fly'' emphasizes the more contemporary sounds on the recording, while placing some of the rootsy bluegrass back in the mix."<ref name="Born to Fly 2"/> |
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[[File:Sara Evans rocks Fort Eustis in free show 120713-F-LG169-094.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Evans performing for the military in 2012|alt=Country music singer Sara Evans, singing into a microphone with her arms outstretched]] |
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For complete singles discography, see [[Sara Evans discography]]. |
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When the genre shifted back to a traditional country style, Evans followed suit with 2005's ''Real Fine Place''. Writer Jacquilynne Schlesier found Evans to be a "natural choice to lead the parade" considering the acclaim she received from her debut album.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schlesier |first1=Jacquilynne |title=Sara Evans -- ''Real Fine Place'' |url=https://www.countrystandardtime.com/d/cdreview.asp?xid=3160 |website=Country Standard Time |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> Critic Johnny Loftus also found a traditional element to her 2005 transition, commenting that, "''Real Fine Place'' is sure to lure traditional country fans with Evans' rich vocal presence and the album's assertion that the simplest things in life are its truest."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Loftus |first1=Johnny |title=''Real Fine Place'': Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/real-fine-place-mw0000405446 |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> |
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As the genre shifted towards a pop and rock-inspired sound, Evans's music also made the shift. In his review of 2011's ''Stronger'', Jurek highlighted how Evans was attentive to the changing trends: "Contemporary country music has undergone a tumultuous shift in terms of its production style and songwriting trends. Though her life experiences--good and bad--have kept her from recording, Evans reveals here she's been paying close attention."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jurek |first1=Thom |title=''Stronger'': Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/stronger-mw0002095608 |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> Ken Tucker of ''[[NPR]]'' found Evans to have fondness for pop and that she found more confidence singing it her later career: "It's undeniable that on her last album, 2011's ''Stronger'', and this new one [2014's] ''Slow Me Down'', Evans has located a new undercurrent of steely firmness that has only strengthened her singing."<ref name="NPR">{{cite news |last1=Tucker |first1=Ken |title=Review: Sara Evans: Country Power Ballads With A Punch |url=https://www.npr.org/2014/03/20/291883955/sara-evans-country-power-ballads-with-a-punch |access-date=March 27, 2022 |work=[[NPR]] |date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> After leaving RCA Records, Evans began experimenting with other musical styles, particularly on the 2020 album ''Copy That''. Reflecting on her current musical style, Evans commented, "For the first time in my career, I felt like I didn't have to stay in any certain genre".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Despres |first1=Tricia |title=Sara Evans is Covering Whatever She Wants |magazine=[[American Songwriter]] |date=May 2020 |url=https://americansongwriter.com/sara-evans-copy-that-album-feature/ |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> When promoting her eleventh album ''Unbroke'', Evans cited a desire to return to more traditional country sounds and lyrics. |
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<!--- ONLY TOP 25 CHARTING SINGLES SHOULD GO HERE. THIS IS WHY WE HAVE THE DISCOGRAPHY PAGE.. TO SHOW ALL OF THEM AND NOT CLUTTER THIS PAGE.---> |
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===Voice=== |
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{| border="3" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse;" width="100%" |
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Writers and critics have highlighted the power of Evans's voice. Ken Tucker of ''NPR'' commented, "Sara Evans is a singer with a big voice who knows what to do with it. Her phrasing is conversational; she rarely tries to goose the emotion in a song by stretching out syllables or leaping registers."<ref name="NPR"/> In reviewing a live show, Emily Yahr of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' described Evans as having a "crystal-clear powerhouse [[twang]]."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yahr |first1=Emily |title=Sara Evans knows what's good for what ails you |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/sara-evans-knows-whats-good-for-what-ails-you/2012/12/16/8aa7b338-47ac-11e2-b6f0-e851e741d196_story.html |access-date=March 27, 2022 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=December 16, 2012}}</ref> Other journalists have noted that Evans's singing has a specific identity. AllMusic's John Bush described her as having "an instantly recognizable contralto"<ref name="Allmusic"/> while ''The Boot'' wrote, "Evans has built a hugely successful career on the strength of her song choices, as well as her readily identifiable voice."<ref name="Top 10"/> |
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|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" |
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! width="28"| Year |
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==Personal life== |
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! Title |
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===First marriage, children and divorce=== |
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! Album |
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Evans married Craig Schelske in 1993. At the time of their marriage, Schelske was an aspiring musician.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_cma_close_up/article/0,,GAC_26068_4740202,00.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20070801223434/http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_cma_close_up/article/0,,GAC_26068_4740202,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=August 1, 2007 | publisher=GAC | title=Sara Evans Balances Superstardom With Supermom-hood | access-date=October 2, 2007 }}</ref><ref name=autogenerated1 /> In 2002, Schelske ran for [[Member of Congress|congress]] in the fifth district in his home state of Oregon as a Republican candidate.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web| url=http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=277629>1=7702| publisher=msn.com| title=Country Star Sara Evans Granted Divorce| website=Music.msn.com| access-date=October 2, 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071002095158/http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=277629>1=7702| archive-date=October 2, 2007| url-status=dead}}</ref> After Evans became commercially successful, the couple moved into a home located in [[Franklin, Tennessee]]. They also had a residence outside [[Aumsville, Oregon]], and a residence in Missouri.<ref name="Franklin">{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Catherine |last2=Blanton |first2=Brandy |title=Sara Evans |url=https://franklinis.com/sara-evans/ |website=Franklin Is: The Online Voice of Williamson County |date=August 21, 2006 |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> In 1999, Evans gave birth to their first son, Avery Jack.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Lifeline: Births |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=September 11, 1999 |page=96 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oggEAAAAMBAJ&dq=Sara+Evans+welcomes+first+son+avery+jack+in+1999&pg=PT117 |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> She had a daughter named Olivia Margaret in 2003,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sara Evans Welcomes Daughter |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1459709/sara-evans-welcomes-daughter/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118200722/http://www.cmt.com/news/1459709/sara-evans-welcomes-daughter/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 18, 2015 |website=[[Country Music Television]] |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> and a second daughter named Audrey Elizabeth one year later.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sara Evans delivers a baby girl |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=October 8, 2004 |url=https://people.com/parents/sara_evans_deli/ |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> Evans's children are also musical; both Avery and Olivia have performed in her touring band, the former as a guitarist and the latter as a vocalist.<ref name="Barker Family Band">{{cite magazine |last1=Betts |first1=Stephen L. |title=Sara Evans Pays It Forward With New 'Barker Family Band' Project |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=May 8, 2019 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/sara-evans-barker-family-band-tour-new-album-833002/ |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> Her daughter released her first music in 2021 while her son currently tours as part of [[Thomas Rhett]]'s band.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Farthing |first1=Lydia |title=Sara Evans' Daughter Olivia Evans Makes Pop Debut With 'Of Course I Do' |magazine=Music Row |date=July 9, 2021 |url=https://musicrow.com/2021/07/sara-evans-daughter-olivia-evans-makes-pop-debut-with-of-course-i-do/ |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> |
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!align="center" width="60"|<small>'''[[Billboard Hot 100|US]]'''</small> |
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!align="center" width="60"|<small>'''[[Country Tracks chart|US Country]]'''</small> |
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After her 2006 departure from ''Dancing with the Stars'', it was disclosed that Evans had filed for divorce from Schelske.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=2563441 | publisher=ABC | title=Country Singer Sara Evans Cites Porn, Adultery and Abuse in Divorce Papers |
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!align="center" width="60"|<small>'''[[Billboard Pop 100|US Pop]]'''</small> |
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| access-date=October 2, 2007}}</ref> In court documents, Evans accused Schelske of unemployment, alcoholism, infidelity, watching adult entertainment with their children present, maintaining sexually explicit photographs of himself and others, and verbal abuse. Schelske denied all of his wife's claims. He explained that the "interrupted adult entertainment viewing" was inadvertent and involved both Schelske and Evans. Schelske also claimed that his explicit photograph collection was limited to images of the married couple, and counterclaimed that Evans had numerous personal problems.<ref>{{cite web|author=Craig Shelburne|date=2006|publisher=[[CMT News]]|title="Schelske Says Evans Cheated, Watched Porn With Him: His Divorce Papers Mention [her] Drinking Problem, "Apparent Nervous Breakdown"|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1543698/schelske-says-evans-cheated-watched-porn-with-him.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408155222/http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1543698/schelske-says-evans-cheated-watched-porn-with-him.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 8, 2011|access-date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> Schelske accused Evans of having multiple affairs with fellow musicians, including [[Kenny Chesney]]. A representative for Chesney called the allegations "ridiculous".<ref>{{cite web|author=Finn, Natalie|title="Ex Accuses Sara Evans of Being Really Restless."|website=E!online.com|date=September 11, 2007|url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b56134_Ex_Accuses_Sara_Evans_of_Being_Really_Restless.html|access-date=August 26, 2017}}</ref> |
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!align="center"|'''<small>[[Music recording sales certification|RIAA Certification]]</small>''' |
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On September 28, 2007, the divorce between Evans and Schelske became final. The divorce agreement established a joint custody plan for their three children, a split of marital assets, and an alimony agreement where Evans would pay Schelske at least $500,000 over 10 years.<ref name=autogenerated1/> Subsequently, Evans' ex-nanny sued her for $3 million,<ref name="tennessean.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007704110474|title=None|website=[[The Tennessean]]}}</ref> claiming that Evans had smeared her name by accusing her of an affair with Schelske.<ref name="tennessean.com"/> The lawsuit was settled in July 2009 for $500,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theboot.com/2009/07/16/sara-evans-former-nanny-settles-lawsuit/ |title=Sara Evans' Former Nanny Settles Lawsuit |publisher=Theboot.com |date=July 16, 2009 |access-date=August 18, 2013}}</ref> Following their divorce, Evans obtained two temporary restraining orders against Schelske in 2010 and 2011, restricting him from making any derogatory statements to the media about Evans or their former marriage.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2010-02-26-sara-evans_N.htm | work=USA Today | title=Sara Evans files restraining order against her ex | date=February 26, 2010 | access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tasteofcountry.com/sara-evans-ex-husband-restraining-order/|title=Sara Evans Secures Restraining Order Against Ex-Husband|website=Taste of Country|date=October 5, 2011 |access-date=August 26, 2017}}</ref> |
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Schelske also sued Evans's Nashville attorney John Hollins Sr. and his firm (Hollins, Wagster, Yarbrough, Weatherly & Raybin, P.C.) for "slander, false light and other damages" after Hollins gave an October 2006 interview to ''People'' magazine regarding Evans' divorce claims. That lawsuit resulted in an undisclosed financial settlement and a written apology from Hollins in 2011, which stated in part: "My firm and I represented Sara Evans in a highly contested divorce from Craig Schelske... to the best of my ability. I regret that my actions on behalf of Sara Evans caused Mr. Schelske harm in any way." Schelske issued a public statement thanking God, family, and friends for staying alongside during the period, and stating: "Sara is not my enemy... Hollins... he's the one who did this."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salem-news.com/articles/march272011/evans-settlement.php|title=Settlement Reached by Sara Evan's Ex-Husband in Slander Lawsuit Against Evans' Divorce Attorney - Salem-News.Com|website=Salem-news.com|access-date=August 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2011/05/05/written-apology-from-sara-evans-attorney-made-public/|title=The Tennessean|website=Blogs.tennessean.com|access-date=August 26, 2017}}</ref> |
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{{quote box |
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|quote = "I was balancing motherhood, a failing marriage, three young kids on the road with me, and an extremely demanding career. I was determined not to let country radio have any excuse not to play me. I didn't see any signs that I was headed for a crash." |
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|source = — Evans on the events leading to several personal challenges{{sfn|Evans|p=92}} |
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|width = 25% |
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|align = right |
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}} |
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===Second marriage=== |
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Through her marriage counselor, Evans would meet her second husband [[Jay Barker]]. The pair first began exchanging emails in 2007 and started a romantic relationship shortly afterward.{{sfn|Evans|p=110}} Barker was a former [[University of Alabama]] quarterback, and at the time of their meeting was a radio host. The pair married on June 14, 2008, in Franklin; their children were their attendants.<ref>[https://people.com/celebrity/sara-evans-marries-her-football-hero/ Sara Evans Marries Her Football Hero - Weddings, Sara Evans]. People.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2015.</ref><ref>Finan, Eileen. (June 17, 2008) [https://web.archive.org/web/20080618102129/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20207150,00.html FIRST LOOK: Sara Evans Wedding Photo - Weddings, Music News, Sara Evans]. People.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2015.</ref> Barker shared custody of four children with his ex-wife, which would total to seven kids when both families were present. "We are truly a family. We don't think of it as 'blended'; they are just our kids. But we also understand our roles. If I'm around when Sara's kids' father is around, I give him his place as their dad," Barker explained in 2011.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Hearon |first1=Sarah |title=Sara Evans and Estranged Husband Jay Barker's Relationship Timeline |magazine=[[US Weekly]] |date=February 2, 2022 |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/sara-evans-and-jay-barkers-relationship-divorce-timeline/ |access-date=April 1, 2022}}</ref> The family later settled in [[Mountain Brook, Alabama]], which is a suburb of [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]].{{sfn|Evans|p=113}} |
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In 2019, the family returned to Nashville so that Evans could live in closer proximity to the country music business.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Chambers |first1=Jesse |title=Country star Sara Evans praises Mountain Brook in new memoir |magazine=Village Living Online |date=September 23, 2020 |url=https://www.villagelivingonline.com/people/country-star-sara-evans-praises-mountain-brook-in-her-new-me/ |access-date=April 1, 2022}}</ref> On January 15, 2022, Barker was arrested for [[Assault#Aggravated assault|aggravated assault]], after he allegedly attempted to use his car to hit Evans while she was a passenger in a friend's car after leaving a party. The arrest affidavit has the couple listed as separated,<ref>{{cite web |last=Dukes |first=Billy |title=Sara Evans' Husband Jay Barker Arrested After Reportedly Trying to Hit Her With His Vehicle |url=https://tasteofcountry.com/sara-evans-husband-jay-barker-arrested-felony-assault/ |website=[[Taste of Country]] |date=January 16, 2022 |access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref> and that Evans had filed for divorce prior to the incident in August 2021, citing "irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scoopnashville.com/2022/01/sara-evans-filed-for-divorce-prior-to-jay-barkers-arrest-for-attempting-to-run-over-her-with-a-vehicle/|title=Sara Evans Filed for Divorce Prior to Jay Barker's Arrest for Attempting to Run Over Her with a Vehicle|first=Jason|last=Steen|date=January 16, 2022|publisher=Scoop Nashville|access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref> Barker responded on social media to his arrest claiming that the reports "do not adequately capture the full context and complex fabric of our lives". Barker was released from the Davidson County Jail on a $10,000 bond and was scheduled for a court appearance in March 2022.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=DeSantis |first1=Rachel |title=Sara Evans' Estranged Husband Jay Barker Addresses Arrest for Alleged Aggravated Assault with Car |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=January 17, 2022 |url=https://people.com/country/sara-evans-estranged-husband-jay-barker-addresses-arrest/ |access-date=April 1, 2022}}</ref> In June 2022, Barker entered a plea deal and was sentenced to a year of probation. Around that time, a divorce between Evans and Barker was "in progress", according to ''Billboard''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sara Evans' Estranged Husband Jay Barker Avoids Jail Time After Domestic Violence Arrest |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/sara-evans-jay-barker-domestic-violence-sentence-1235085972/ |access-date=13 June 2022 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=June 10, 2022}}</ref> |
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In March 2024 interview, Evans stated that the couple had reconciled and are now living together again.<ref name="People separation">{{cite magazine |last1=DeSantis |first1=Rachel |title=Why Sara Evans Is Asking for 'Benefit of the Doubt' After Reconciling with Husband: 'People Are Going to Be Mad' (Exclusive) |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=March 22, 2024 |url=https://people.com/sara-evans-benefit-of-doubt-reconciling-jay-barker-exclusive-8612361 |access-date=31 March 2024}}</ref> She stated that both of them had been in therapy together (and separately) to work on their relationship. Evans expressed anxiety around how people would view her getting back together with Barker and stressed that her decision to stay with him was not meant as a prescription for any relationship facing similar circumstances.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sara Evans Discusses Reuniting with Husband Jay Barker, Writing an Album About Their Troubled Relationship: 'The Story Is Mine to Tell'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/country/sara-evans-unbroke-album-jay-barker-husband-marriage-1235637748/|access-date=22 March 2024 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=March 21, 2024}}</ref> |
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===Personal setbacks and challenges=== |
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Evans has suffered from panic attacks and anxiety during different points in her life.<ref name="iHeart">{{cite web |last1=Taylor |first1=Blake |title=Sara Evans Opens Up About PTSD And Anxiety After Being Hit By A Car |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2020-09-04-sara-evans-opens-up-about-ptsd-and-anxiety-after-being-hit-by-a-car/ |website=[[iHeart Media|iHeart]] |date=July 8, 2020 |access-date=16 April 2022}}</ref><ref name="Car Accident"/> In her memoir, Evans described having a "meltdown" in December 2005 once realizing her first marriage was ending. She recounted having "terrifying thoughts" of being kidnapped and losing control of herself. For ten days, Evans refused to leave her Nashville home and was afraid to "walk from one room to another". She was also briefly brought into the hospital and was diagnosed with "exhaustion". Evans found solace in her Christian faith and began working with a pastor who helped her gain control of her mental health. "He encouraged me to just stay home for the time being and get rest and let God do the rest," she remembered.{{sfn|Evans|p=90-97}} Evans also met with a doctor who prescribed her anti-anxiety medication.<ref name="iHeart"/> |
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In December 2012, Evans was nearly killed in a plane crash in [[Minnesota]].{{sfn|Evans|p=123}}<ref name="Car Accident"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Danielsen |first1=Aarik |title=Words and Wings |url=https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/entertainment/2020/09/02/words-and-wings-country-star-sara-evans-shares-her-story-in-new-memoir/113747630/ |access-date=16 April 2022 |work=[[Columbia Daily Tribune]] |date=September 2, 2020}}</ref> Following a successful takeoff, the aircraft's [[gyroscope]] malfunctioned, causing her private plane to fly upside down.{{sfn|Evans|p=128}} "I knew we had not been in the air long, so we were probably seconds from dying. I completely accepted it. It was so strange and peaceful," her memoir recalled.{{sfn|Evans|p=127}} The pilots were able to recenter the plane despite its one wing breaking. The pilots then made an emergency landing in [[Fargo, North Dakota]].{{sfn|Evans|p=128-129}} |
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===Advocacy=== |
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Evans is a spokesperson for the National Eating Disorders Association and has spoken out widely on this subject.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,,GAC_26063_4774112,00.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123170757/http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,,GAC_26063_4774112,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 23, 2013 | publisher=GAC | title=Sara Evans: "Diet Is A Four Letter Word" | access-date=October 2, 2007 }}</ref> She was influenced to become their spokesperson after having a close friend suffer from [[anorexia]]. "Thankfully, I have never suffered from an eating disorder but am well aware of our society’s obsession with body image," she told ''CMT''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Evans Speaks Out About Eating Disorders |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1525190/evans-speaks-out-about-eating-disorders/ |access-date=16 April 2022 |work=[[Country Music Television]] |date=March 1, 2006}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> She also hosted a charity event, Fashion for Every Body, which featured a fashion show, silent auction and performance by Evans.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,,GAC_26063_4926668,00.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124071446/http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,,GAC_26063_4926668,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 24, 2013 | publisher=GAC | title=Sara Evans Hosts Fashion For Every Body | access-date=October 2, 2007 }}</ref> A [[Libertarianism|libertarian]] [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]], Evans also showed support for [[Texas]] Congressman [[Ron Paul]] in the [[2008 United States presidential election|2008 Presidential election]] and was the headliner at his "[[Ron Paul's Rally for the Republic|Rally For The Republic]]" on September 2, 2008, in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]], the same day as the [[2008 Republican National Convention|Republican National Convention]] in neighboring [[St. Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul]].<ref>McCarthy, Daniel (September 22, 2008) [http://www.amconmag.com/article/2008/sep/22/00019/ Ron Paul's Party], ''[[The American Conservative]]''</ref> |
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==Discography== |
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{{Main|Sara Evans discography}} |
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'''Studio albums''' |
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* ''[[Three Chords and the Truth (Sara Evans album)|Three Chords and the Truth]]'' (1997) |
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* ''[[No Place That Far]]'' (1998) |
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* ''[[Born to Fly]]'' (2000) |
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* ''[[Restless (Sara Evans album)|Restless]]'' (2003) |
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* ''[[Real Fine Place]]'' (2005) |
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* ''[[Stronger (Sara Evans album)|Stronger]]'' (2011) |
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* ''[[Slow Me Down]]'' (2014) |
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* ''[[At Christmas (Sara Evans album)|At Christmas]]'' (2014) |
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* ''[[Words (Sara Evans album)|Words]]'' (2017) |
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* ''[[Copy That]]'' (2020) |
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* ''[[Unbroke]]'' (2024) |
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==Awards and nominations== |
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{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Sara Evans}} |
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Evans has won several awards for her work as a music artist. This includes one accolade from the [[Academy of Country Music]]<ref name="ACM"/> and one accolade from the [[Country Music Association]].<ref name="CMA"/> |
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==Filmography== |
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{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
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|+ Film and television appearances by Sara Evans |
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! scope="col" style="width:15em;"|Title |
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! scope="col"|Year |
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! scope="col"|Role |
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! scope="col" class="unsortable"| Notes |
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! {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
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|- |
|- |
||
! scope="row"| ''[[Dancing with the Stars (American season 3)|Dancing with the Stars]]'' |
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|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF" |
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| 2006 |
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| '''[[1999 in music|1999]]''' |
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| Herself |
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| "[[No Place That Far (Song)|No Place that Far]]" |
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| 13 episodes |
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| ''No Place That Far'' |
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|align="center"| |
| align="center"| <ref name="Today"/> |
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|align="center"| '''#1''' |
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|align="center"| - |
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|align="center"| - |
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|- |
|- |
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! scope="row"| ''[[CMT Crossroads]]'' |
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|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF" |
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| 2008, 2015 |
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| '''[[2000 in music|2000]]''' |
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| Herself |
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| "Born to Fly" |
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| 2 starring episodes |
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| ''Born to Fly'' |
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|align="center"| |
| align="center"| <ref name="Crossroads 1"/><ref name="Crossroads 2"/> |
||
|align="center"| '''#1''' |
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|align="center"| - |
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|align="center"| - |
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|- |
|- |
||
! scope="row"| ''[[Nashville (2012 TV series)|Nashville]]'' |
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|- bgcolor="#efefef" |
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| 2014 |
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| '''[[2001 in music|2001]]''' |
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| Herself |
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| "I Could Not Ask For More" |
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| |
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| ''Born to Fly'' |
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|align="center"| |
| align="center"| <ref name="ET"/> |
||
|align="center"| 2 |
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|align="center"| - |
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|align="center"| - |
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|- |
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|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF" |
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| '''[[2002 in music|2002]]''' |
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| "Saints And Angels" |
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| ''Born to Fly'' |
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|align="center"| - |
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|align="center"| 16 |
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|align="center"| - |
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|align="center"| - |
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|- |
|- |
||
! scope="row"| ''[[Chrisley Knows Best]]'' |
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|- bgcolor="#efefef" |
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| rowspan="2"| 2016 |
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| '''[[2002 in music|2002]]''' |
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| Herself |
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| "I Keep Looking" |
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| |
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| ''Born to Fly'' |
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|align="center"| |
| align="center"| <ref name="Chrisley"/> |
||
|align="center"| 5 |
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|align="center"| - |
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|align="center"| - |
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|- |
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|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF" |
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| '''[[2003 in music|2003]]''' |
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| "Backseat of a Greyhound Bus" |
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| ''Restless'' |
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|align="center"| - |
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|align="center"| 16 |
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|align="center"| - |
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|align="center"| - |
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|- |
|- |
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! scope="row"| ''[[Celebrity Family Feud]]'' |
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|- bgcolor="#efefef" |
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| Herself |
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| '''[[2004 in music|2004]]''' |
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| |
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| "Perfect" |
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| align="center"| <ref name="Feud"/> |
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| ''Restless'' |
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|align="center"| 46 |
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|align="center"| 2 |
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|align="center"| - |
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|align="center"| - |
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|- |
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|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF" |
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| '''[[2004 in music|2004]]''' |
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| "Suds in the Bucket" |
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| ''Restless'' |
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|align="center"| 33 |
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|align="center"| '''#1''' |
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|align="center"| - |
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|align="center"| '''Gold''' |
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|- |
|- |
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! scope="row"| ''[[The Talk (talk show)|The Talk]]'' |
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|- bgcolor="#efefef" |
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| 2018 |
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| '''[[2005 in music|2005]]''' |
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| Herself |
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| "A Real Fine Place to Start" |
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| Guest co-host |
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| ''Real Fine Place'' |
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| align="center"| <ref>{{cite news |last1=Milligan |first1=Kaitlin |title=Sara Evans to Guest Cohost on THE TALK |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Sara-Evans-to-Guest-Cohost-on-THE-TALK-20181109 |access-date=March 27, 2022 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]] |date=November 9, 2018}}</ref> |
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|align="center"| 38 |
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|align="center"| '''#1''' |
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|align="center"| 67 |
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|align="center"| '''Gold''' |
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|- |
|- |
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! scope="row"| ''[[Hollywood Squares#Nashville Squares (2019)|Nashville Squares]]'' |
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|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF" |
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| 2019 |
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| '''[[2005 in music|2005]]''' |
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| Herself |
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| "Cheatin'" |
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| Center Square |
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| ''Real Fine Place'' |
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| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |title=Sara Evans on CMT Nashville Squares |website=[[Facebook]] |url=https://www.facebook.com/saraevans/videos/560485434718932/ |date=October 30, 2019|access-date=August 19, 2023}}</ref> |
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|align="center"| 69 |
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|align="center"| 9 |
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|align="center"| - |
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|align="center"| - |
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|- |
|- |
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! scope="row"| ''A Nashville Christmas Carol'' |
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| 2020 |
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| Belinda Manners |
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| |
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| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |title=Sara Evans as Belinda on A Nashville Christmas Carol |url=https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-nashville-christmas-carol/cast/sara-evans |website=[[Hallmark Channel]] |access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> |
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|- |
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! scope="row"| ''[[The Masked Singer (American TV series)|The Masked Singer]]'' |
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| 2023 |
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| Herself/The Mustang |
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| Season 9 Premiere |
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| align="center"| <ref>{{cite magazine |title=Mustang Talks Galloping Away From 'Masked Singer,' Belting a Rock Classic |
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|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/country/mustang-masked-singer-eliminated-whitesnake-1235255045/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=February 16, 2023}}</ref> |
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|} |
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==Books== |
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* ''You'll Always Be My Baby'' {{small|(with [[Tony Martin (songwriter)|Tony Martin]] and [[Tom Shapiro]])}} (2006)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Evans |first1=Sara |last2=Martin |first2=Tony |last3=Shapiro |first3=Tom |title=''You'll Always Be My Baby'' |date=2006 |publisher=Thomas Nelson Publishing |isbn=9781404104518}}</ref> |
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* ''Sweet By and By'' {{small|(with Rachel Hauck)}} (2010)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Evans |first1=Sara |last2=Hauck |first2=Rachel |title=Sweet By and By |date=2010 |publisher=Thomas Nelson Incorporated |isbn=9781595547781}}</ref> |
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* ''Softly and Tenderly'' {{small|(with Rachel Hauck)}} (2011)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Evans |first1=Sara |last2=Hauck |first2=Rachel |title=Softly and Tenderly |date=2011 |publisher=Thomas Nelson Incorporated |isbn=9781401685089}}</ref> |
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* ''Love Lifted Me'' {{small|(with Rachel Hauck)}} (2012)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Evans |first1=Sara |title=''Love Lifted Me'' |date=2012 |publisher=Thomas Nelson Incorporated |isbn=9781401686215}}</ref> |
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* ''Born to Fly: A Memoir'' (2020)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Evans |first1=Sara |title=Born to Fly: A Memoir |date=2020 |publisher=[[Howard Books]] |location=New York, NY |isbn=978-1-5011-6258-9}}</ref> |
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==Notes== |
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{{notelist}} |
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==References== |
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===Footnotes=== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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===Books=== |
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{{Refbegin}} |
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* {{cite book |last1=Evans |first1=Sara |title=Born to Fly: A Memoir |date=2020 |publisher=[[Howard Books]] |location=New York, NY |isbn=978-1-5011-6258-9 |ref={{harvid|Evans}}}} |
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{{Refend}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{commons category}} |
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*[http://www.saraevans.com/ Sara Evans official site] |
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* {{Official website|http://www.saraevans.com}} |
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*[http://www.myspace.com/saraevansmusic Sara Evans MySpace site] |
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*[http://www.dancingwithsara.com/ Official site featuring Sara Evans' participation on ABC's ''Dancing with the Stars''] |
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{{Sara Evans}} |
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==Resources== |
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{{Sara Evans songs}} |
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*"Biography Sara Evans". [http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/evans_sara/bio.jhtml Country Music Television]. Retrieved Sep. 23, 2004. and **amended by an "I witness account". |
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{{Grand Ole Opry members}} |
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*"Sara Evans: Timeline". [http://www.sara-online.net/timeline.html Sara-Online.Net Timeline]. Retrieved Oct. 4, 2005. |
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{{Authority control}} |
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*"Sara Evans: Topping the Charts". [http://www.sara-online.net/main_index.html Sara Evans @ Sara-Online.Net]. Retrieved Oct. 4, 2005. |
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[[Category:1971 births|Evans, Sara]] |
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[[Category:American country singers|Evans, Sara]] |
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[[Category:Living people|Evans, Sara]] |
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[[Category:Missouri musicians|Evans, Sara]] |
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[[Category:People from Columbia, Missouri|Evans, Sara]] |
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[[Category:RCA Records artists|Evans, Sara]] |
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[[Category:US Dancing with the Stars participants|Evans, Sara]] |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Evans, Sara}} |
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[[pdc:Sara Evans]] |
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[[Category:1971 births]] |
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[[Category:20th-century American singer-songwriters]] |
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[[Category:20th-century evangelicals]] |
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[[Category:Alabama Republicans]] |
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[[Category:American contraltos]] |
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[[Category:American country singer-songwriters]] |
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[[Category:Participants in American reality television series]] |
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[[Category:People from Mountain Brook, Alabama]] |
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[[Category:People with post-traumatic stress disorder]] |
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[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Alabama]] |
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[[Category:Singers from Birmingham, Alabama]] |
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[[Category:Singers from Missouri]] |
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[[Category:Singers from Nashville, Tennessee]] |
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[[Category:Singers from Tennessee]] |
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[[Category:Tennessee Republicans]] |
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[[Category:Sara Evans| ]] |
Latest revision as of 02:40, 18 December 2024
Sara Evans | |
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Born | Sara Lynn Evans February 5, 1971 Boonville, Missouri, U.S. |
Occupations |
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Years active | 1997–present |
Spouses | |
Children | 3 |
Musical career | |
Genres | Country[1] |
Instrument | Vocals |
Labels |
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Website | saraevans |
Sara Lynn Evans (/ˈsɛərə/; born February 5, 1971)[2][1] is an American country music singer and songwriter. She is also credited as a record producer, actress, and author. She had five songs reach the number one spot on the Billboard country songs chart and has sold over six million albums.[3] Nine additional singles have reached the top ten of the Billboard country chart, including "I Could Not Ask for More", "I Keep Looking", and "Cheatin'". Among her top 20 charting singles are "Saints & Angels", "Backseat of a Greyhound Bus", and "As If".[4] She has won accolades from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. She has also been nominated for several more accolades from both associations, including Female Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year.
Evans grew up in New Franklin, Missouri, and started performing alongside her siblings in The Evans Family Band. The group performed throughout her childhood and early teenage years in her local area. During her teenage years, Evans and her older brother Matt formed their own band before moving to Nashville in 1991 to pursue a country music career. In Nashville, Evans met her first husband Craig Schelske and briefly moved to Aumsville, Oregon, before returning to Nashville. Upon moving back to Nashville, Evans found work as a demo singer, which led to her signing a recording contract with RCA Records. Her first album Three Chords and the Truth was released in 1997. It was followed by No Place That Far (1998), whose second single of the same name topped the Billboard country chart.
Evans reached her peak success in the 2000s with the albums Born to Fly (2000), Restless (2003) and Real Fine Place (2005). The discs sold over one million copies each and included the number one country singles "Born to Fly", "Suds in the Bucket" and "A Real Fine Place to Start". In 2006, Evans appeared as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars before subsequently dropping out. Evans took steps back from her recording career to focus on her family life, only releasing a Greatest Hits package in 2008. She re-launched her career in 2011 with her sixth studio album Stronger. It was supported by the two-week number one single "A Little Bit Stronger". After the release of Slow Me Down (2014), Evans left RCA and formed her own record label. In 2017, she released her first album through the label, Words.
Early life
[edit]Sara Lynn Evans was born in Boonville, Missouri, on February 5, 1971.[1][5] She was raised in New Franklin, Missouri[6] by parents Pat and Jack Evans.[7][8] She was one of seven children (which also included her half siblings after her mother remarried).[9] The Evans family was raised on a 400-acre farm that included several crops and livestock. To make ends meet, her mother became a school bus driver while her father became a pressman for the Columbia Daily Tribune newspaper.[10] Evans's family discovered she had a natural singing ability after she started singing along with her two older brothers who were taking guitar lessons. This prompted Evans's mother to put her siblings into a band which they later called The Evans Family Band. Evans started performing lead vocals in the band when she was six years old. She later learned to perform guitar, mandolin, and drums.[11]
Evans was raised on a farm in New Franklin. When she was eight years old, Evans was hit by a car after crossing the highway that faced her family's farm.[12] She was thrown onto the hood of the car and eventually landed in a grassy field along the highway.[13] She had suffered a concussion and a leg injury.[12] Due to the severity of her injuries, Evans was sent to the University of Missouri Hospital, located 30 miles from her hometown. To avoid having a deformed left leg, doctors had to drill pins into Evans's knee.[14] She was unable to move from her hospital bed for six weeks. According to Evans, the accident itself and being tied to the hospital bed resulted in her having post-traumatic stress disorder. "I had severe PTSD and anxiety, but it was the '80s, and I didn't have a name for it," she explained.[12]
In 1983, Evans's parents divorced.[15] Her mother remarried in 1985 and the couple had two more children (Evans's half sisters). After her mother remarried, the family moved to a tobacco farm, also located in New Franklin.[16] The Evans Family Band continued performing as well. The group often performed on weekends and later had a manager.[17] When she was about ten years old, Evans recorded a song called "I'm Gonna Be the Only Female Fiddle Player in Charlie Daniels Band". She then traveled to Nashville alongside her manager to promote the song at Fan Fair.[18] Evans later performed on a local program called Country Stampede and briefly formed a band with her brother Matt.[19] In 1989, Evans graduated high school.[20] She accepted a full scholarship to study music at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri.[21] However, she left after one semester once realizing she wanted to pursue a country music career.[22] She returned to her mother's New Franklin farm where she got a job at the Holiday Inn as a waitress. With the money saved from waiting tables, Evans and her brother Matt moved to Nashville in 1991.[23]
After moving to Nashville, Evans got a job waiting tables during the breakfast shift at another Holiday Inn restaurant. At the restaurant she would meet her first husband who was also a waiter at the Holiday Inn. The couple started dating[24] and temporarily moved to Aumsville, Oregon, in 1992. In Oregon, she performed billed as Sara Evans & North Santiam.[1] The couple married while in Oregon and spent three years there before returning to Nashville in the mid-1990s. Through her lawyer, Evans got a job as a demo singer. Among the demos she recorded was a cover of Buck Owens's "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail", which was originally intended to be sent to Patty Loveless. Her demo was heard by Nashville songwriter Harlan Howard who was impressed by Evans's traditional country singing style.[25] Howard convinced executives at RCA Records to hear Evans sing.[1] In a live audition for RCA executive Joe Galante, Evans sang three songs. The same day, Evans was offered a recording contract from RCA Records.[26] She accepted and signed a seven-album deal with the label.[27]
Career
[edit]1997–1999: Three Chords and the Truth and early success
[edit]Evans quit her job following the signing of her contract. She chose to have her album produced by Pete Anderson, a producer and guitarist best known for his work with Dwight Yoakam. To record the album, she moved to Los Angeles.[28] In July 1997, Three Chords and the Truth was released on RCA.[1] The album's sound centered around traditional honky tonk country and drew critical acclaim.[29] Allmusic's James Chrispell positively commented, "This disc rings out with an air of originality helped along by great tunes and solid backup musicianship."[30] Billboard commented, "At once a preserver of the best of country's history and a progressive writer and singer forging a timeless contemporary country sound, she invites favorable comparisons to the best country divas."[31] However, the album was not commercially successful.[29] The disc peaked at number 56 on the Billboard country albums chart.[32] Its three singles—in order of release, True Lies, the title track, and "Shame About That"—peaked outside the Billboard country songs top 40.[4] According to Evans, country radio refused to play the singles, claiming they were "too country". "It was the most disheartening experience of my life–at least to this point," she reflected in her memoir.[33]
In an effort to have commercial success, Evans went back into the studio to record her next album. She intended to cut an album that was contemporary yet "without compromising" her musical interests.[34] The result was No Place That Far,[29] released in October 1998 on RCA.[35] The project peaked at number 11 on the Billboard country albums chart.[32] While its lead single ("Cryin' Game") peaked outside the country top 40, its second single (the title track) reached the number one spot on the Billboard country songs chart.[4] Its success was due to the buy-in from country radio programmers who were invited to a private showcase of her new repertoire in Cincinnati, Ohio. "By the end of the show, they were all eating out of my hands and singing my praises," Evans recounted.[36] The album's final single "Fool, I'm a Woman" only reached number 32 on the country songs chart,[4] which disappointed Evans. "It felt like I was constantly starting over, like in Groundhog Day, with these people at country radio," she commented.[37] To rebuild career momentum, Evans hired a co-manager. Evans also discovered she was pregnant with her first child during this time. This caused friction with her record label who encouraged her to "lose the baby weight as soon as possible".[38]
2000–2005: Peak success
[edit]Evans was motivated to make shifts in her career after watching Faith Hill's "Breathe" music video. "I'm going to lose this weight, grow my hair long, and make the best album Nashville has ever heard," she recounted.[39] She was drawn to the bluegrass sound by Dixie Chicks and sought out their producer, Paul Worley. She also sought out rock session musician Matt Chamberlain to play drums. Together, they would craft Evans's third studio album.[40] In October 2000, Born to Fly was released on RCA Nashville. Evans co-produced the project with Worley.[41] The disc became Evans's breakout album, certifying double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of over two million copies in the United States.[1][42] Critic Thom Jurek took notice of the record. He described Evans as having the "confidence and authority of a seasoned veteran who is in control of her work."[43] Born to Fly peaked at number six on the Billboard country albums chart[32] and number 55 on the Billboard 200.[44]
Four singles were released from Born to Fly. First was the title track, which Evans co-wrote with Darrell Scott and Marcus Hummon.[45] This reached the number one spot on the Billboard country singles chart and number 34 on the Hot 100.[4][46] Next was a cover of Edwin McCain's "I Could Not Ask for More",[47] followed by "Saints & Angels" and "I Keep Looking", the latter a top-five country hit in 2002.[4] In 2001, Evans received five nominations from the Country Music Association Awards. This included Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year. She later won Music Video of the Year for Born to Fly's title track.[48] The Academy of Country Music Awards also nominated her for Top Female Vocalist.[49] With her new success, Evans joined Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Jamie O'Neal, and Carolyn Dawn Johnson on the all-women headlining Girls Night Out Tour in 2001.[50]
In August 2003, her fourth studio album Restless was released, with Evans and Worley continuing to co-produce.[51] Restless was met with mixed reviews. Writer Edward Morris described it as being "more pop than country in sound and attitude".[52] James Christopher Monger found it to be "slick and predictable".[53] Restless debuted at number three on the Top Country Albums chart[54] reached number 20 on the Billboard 200[44] and certified platinum in the United States.[55] While the lead single "Backseat of a Greyhound Bus", reached the top 20, its second single, "Perfect", climbed to the number two spot on Billboard country chart.[4] The album's third single was the traditionally-sounding "Suds in the Bucket". The song was not intended to be part of the project's track list but Evans pushed for its inclusion.[56] It became her third number one song on the Billboard country chart. The fourth and final single "Tonight" was less successful, peaking outside the top 40 of Hot Country Songs in 2005.[4] Evans was subsequently nominated for several awards by the Academy of Country Music in both 2003 and 2004[49] She received similar nominations from the Country Music Association.[48] In 2004, she co-headlined the Mud & Suds Tour with Brad Paisley.[57]
In 2005, Evans released a cover of Radney Foster's "A Real Fine Place to Start". It became her fourth number one song on the Billboard country survey[4] and her fourth song to reach the Top 40 on Hot 100.[46] It would serve as the title track to her fifth studio album Real Fine Place, which was released in October 2005. Unlike her previous albums, Evans co-produced with Mark Bright.[58] Sue Keough of BBC called it "the perfect balance between radio-friendly country pop and the rootsy sounds she offered with her 1997 debut Three Chords And The Truth."[59] Meanwhile, Slant Magazine's Jonathan Keefe gave it 2.5 stars, calling its notoriety in her catalog "less than essential".[60] Despite mixed reviews, the disc was her first to top the Billboard country albums chart.[32] It also debuted at number three on the Billboard 200.[44] Like its predecessors, it also certified platinum in sales.[55] Real Fine Place also included the single "Cheatin'", which reached the number nine spot on the country chart. While the follow-up single "Coalmine" faltered on the charts, follow-up "You'll Always Be My Baby" reached number 13 in 2006.[4] She would also win the Top Female Vocalist award from the Academy of Country Music.[49]
2006–2009: Setbacks and music hiatus
[edit]By 2006, Evans had reached the height of her career.[61] She was headlining her own tours,[62] and made almost 300 appearances in one year.[63] In August of that year, Evans joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars which aired on the ABC network. She made her first appearance on the show in September alongside dancing partner Tony Dovolani.[64] Evans moved her family to Beverly Hills, California where the show rented her a home while she competed on the program. "It was absolutely exhausting and totally invigorating at the same time," she reflected in her memoir.[65] At the same time, Evans's marriage to husband Craig Schelske was ending. The stress in her personal life caused Evans to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.[66] A month following her first appearance, she announced her departure from the show after filing for divorce from Schelske.[67] "I had to quit working altogether, focus on my children, and really figure out what I was going to do," she later explained.[68]
Evans's divorce received widespread media attention between 2006 and 2007.[69][70] These personal events delayed plans for the recording of a studio album for several years. However Evans did continue to sporadically release new music.[70] In 2007, RCA released her first compilation album of Greatest Hits.[1] The project reached number three on the Billboard country albums chart[32] and number eight on the Billboard 200.[44] The disc featured twelve of her most popular recordings, along with four new tracks co-written by Evans.[71] AllMusic's Thom Jurek gave the album three stars, criticizing its production and choice of material.[72] Three of its new songs were released as singles. Its lead single "As If" reached number 11 on the Billboard country songs chart. It was followed by the top 40 entry "Some Things Never Change".[73] Later that year, she co-hosted the Country Music Association Awards.[74]
In May 2008, Evans appeared on CMT Crossroads, a music show on CMT which paired country music artists with pop music artists for collaborative performance. On her episode, she collaborated with pop band Maroon 5 to sing songs from both artists' catalogs.[75] In September 2008, Evans recorded the theme song to film Billy: The Early Years. Released as a single, "Low" briefly charted on the Hot Country Songs chart.[76][73] In June 2009, ABC Daytime and SOAPnet sponsored a tour, headlined by Evans, that featured performances throughout the middle of the year.[77] Evans's next single was "Feels Just Like a Love Song", which only peaked at number 59 on the country songs chart.[73] She ended 2009 by releasing an extended play of Christmas music titled I'll Be Home for Christmas. The release coincided with a two-month holiday tour.[78]
2010–2015: Comeback and career re-launch with Stronger
[edit]In 2010, Evans collaborated with author Rachel Hauck to write The Sweet By and By. Its follow up book, Softly and Tenderly, was released in January 2011. Both novels focused on Christian themes and the main characters explored their religious relationships.[79] Evans also returned to music in 2011. She enlisted record producer Nathan Chapman to help re-launch her career.[70] Evans also started searching for material and eventually found the song "A Little Bit Stronger". The song was co-written by Lady Antebellum lead singer Hillary Scott, who allowed Evans to record the song after that band did not cut it.[80] It was issued as a single in 2010 and topped the Hot Country Songs chart in 2011. "A Little Bit Stronger" became her first number one single since 2005 and spent two weeks at the top.[73] It was released on Evans's corresponding sixth studio album, Stronger.[70] The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums list and number six on the Billboard 200.[81] Stronger later certified gold in the United States.[55]
In mid-2011, Evans served as the opening act for Rascal Flatts on their Flatts Fest tour.[82] The duo continued touring through 2012.[83] Also in 2011, "A Little Bit Stronger" was nominated for Single of the Year by the Country Music Association Awards. The program also nominated Evans for Female Vocalist of the Year.[48] The Academy of Country Music Awards also nominated Evans for Female Vocalist of the Year in 2011.[49]
Evans felt pressure to sustain the commercial success from her comeback. "I've worked my ass off," she told Country Music Television. Evans had hoped to have "two or three big hits" off of Stronger.[70] The follow-up single, a cover of Rod Stewart's "My Heart Can't Tell You No", only reached number 21 on the Billboard country chart. It was followed by a third single, "Anywhere", which peaked outside the top 40 in 2012.[73] Evans also released her third novel in 2012 titled Love Lifted Me. The book was co-written again with Rachel Hauck and followed a similar story to that of her previous book releases.[84] Evans also sang the National Anthem at Game two of the 2012 NBA Finals.[85] Evans also sang the National Anthem at the start of Game 2 of the 2015 World Series between the Kansas City Royals and the New York Mets.[86]
In November 2012, Evans went back into the recording studio alongside Mark Bright to prepare for her next album project.[1][87] A year later RCA released the single "Slow Me Down".[88] According to Evans, the single required more promotion due to the popularity of Bro-country which had taken chart positions away from women. "I did something like forty-four free shows that year, on top of my regular touring dates," her memoir recalled.[89] Nevertheless, "Slow Me Down" peaked in the top 20,[1] climbing to number 19 on the Billboard country songs chart and number 17 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.[a][73][90] Her seventh album of the same name was released in March 2014 on RCA.[1] The album reached number two on the Country Albums list[32] and number nine on the Billboard 200.[44] It was named among the "Best of 2014" in AllMusic's year-end ranking[91] and ranked number ten on Billboard's "Best Country Albums of 2014".[92]
In October 2014, Evans appeared on ABC's Nashville, playing herself. She performed a duet version of her next single, "Put My Heart Down", with Will Chase, who performed in-character as Luke Wheeler.[93] Evans herself helped inspire the creation of the series lead Rayna Jaymes, as the writers consulted with her about her experiences as a working mother in the country music industry so that Rayna's character would come across as authentic.[94] In November 2014, Evans released her first full studio album of Christmas music titled At Christmas.[1] The project featured covers of Christmas songs along with original tunes. She later promoted the project on ABC's annual CMA Country Christmas television special.[95] In August 2015, Evans made a second appearance on CMT Crossroads, this time performing alongside rock band REO Speedwagon.[96]
2016–present: New record label and career transition
[edit]After spending her entire recording career on RCA, Evans left the label in February 2016.[97] Six months later, she announced that she would be signing a contract with Sugar Hill Records.[98] However the label underwent a restructuring and Evans ultimately decided to leave the contract.[99] In the same year, Evans appeared on the season finale of USA Network's Chrisley Knows Best. She performed a new track called "Infinite Love". The song was a duet with one of the show's cast members, Todd Chrisley.[100] A recording by the pair appeared in 2016 that charted in the top 40 of the Billboard country chart.[73] Evans and several of her siblings also competed against the Chrisley family on the 2016 season finale of ABC's game show Celebrity Family Feud.[101]
Evans had become increasingly frustrated with the country radio's lack of support for female artists. "No one seemed to respect all my previous success that I'd worked years to achieve," she recalled in her memoir.[89] The frustration prompted Evans to launch her own label titled Born to Fly Records. Sony RED partnered with the label to distribute the company's music.[102] "Now I'm in the driver's seat, and every decision is made between my managers and me," she commented.[103] The label released Words, her ninth studio record, in July 2017.[1] All fourteen of the album's tracks included credits from female songwriters.[104] AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine commented that, "Words offers a sharp and welcome contrast to the bustling digital era."[105] Mark Kennedy of the Associated Press praised the album and concluded, "Artistic freedom has never sounded so good."[106] Words peaked at number four on the Billboard country albums chart[32] and number 46 on the Billboard 200.[44] Despite heavy promotion, its lead single ("Marquee Sign") failed to make a chart appearance.[107]
In 2019, Evans collaborated with her son and daughter to release an EP named The Barker Family Band. The project featured harmonies from Evans and her children performing covers of songs by Aretha Franklin and Fleetwood Mac. A corresponding live album was recorded at City Winery in Nashville. Both projects were promoted through a mini tour that included five show dates in May 2019.[108] In May 2020, Evans released her tenth studio project titled Copy That.[109] The project was a collection of classic country and pop covers from different decades.[1] The album received mixed reviews. AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine commented, "Copy That is a clever title for a covers album, but it also raises the question of whether these new cover versions are mere Xeroxes of the original."[110] Meanwhile, Jeffrey B. Remz of Country Standard Time found it to be "just too syrupy" in his review.[111] In September 2020, Evans released a memoir that discussed highlights from her life and career. The book was published by Howard Books.[112]
In 2023, Evans competed in season nine of The Masked Singer as "Mustang". She was eliminated during the season premiere alongside Dick Van Dyke as "Gnome".[113] During this time, Evans stated that she started working on her next studio album that resembled neotraditional country sound.[114] In 2023, Evans signed with Melody Place Records.[115] The same year she accepted an invitation to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.[116] Her first Melody Place album was issued in June 2024 titled Unbroke. The project chronicled her marital conflicts and reconciliation with her second husband. The album's lead single "Pride" was issued in March 2024. Evans also created her own podcast titled Diving in Deep with Sara Evans which was also released in spring 2024.[117]
Artistry
[edit]Musical styles
[edit]Evans has embedded different styles of country music into her songs throughout her career.[1][118] In her early career, Evans incorporated a traditional country sound on the albums Three Chords and the Truth and No Place That Far. Box Paxman explained, "Evans was hailed for her neo-traditional vocal style and obvious respect for country's past".[42] When Evans released 2000's Born to Fly, her sound shifted towards a contemporary country musical identity. "Born to Fly marks an uptown shift in Evans' musical landscape. With Worley at the helm, the singer has made a much more contemporary record than her previous outings," commented Lisa Young of CMT.[119] Thom Jurek from AllMusic noted a similar theme while reviewing the disc: "Born to Fly emphasizes the more contemporary sounds on the recording, while placing some of the rootsy bluegrass back in the mix."[43]
When the genre shifted back to a traditional country style, Evans followed suit with 2005's Real Fine Place. Writer Jacquilynne Schlesier found Evans to be a "natural choice to lead the parade" considering the acclaim she received from her debut album.[120] Critic Johnny Loftus also found a traditional element to her 2005 transition, commenting that, "Real Fine Place is sure to lure traditional country fans with Evans' rich vocal presence and the album's assertion that the simplest things in life are its truest."[121]
As the genre shifted towards a pop and rock-inspired sound, Evans's music also made the shift. In his review of 2011's Stronger, Jurek highlighted how Evans was attentive to the changing trends: "Contemporary country music has undergone a tumultuous shift in terms of its production style and songwriting trends. Though her life experiences--good and bad--have kept her from recording, Evans reveals here she's been paying close attention."[122] Ken Tucker of NPR found Evans to have fondness for pop and that she found more confidence singing it her later career: "It's undeniable that on her last album, 2011's Stronger, and this new one [2014's] Slow Me Down, Evans has located a new undercurrent of steely firmness that has only strengthened her singing."[123] After leaving RCA Records, Evans began experimenting with other musical styles, particularly on the 2020 album Copy That. Reflecting on her current musical style, Evans commented, "For the first time in my career, I felt like I didn't have to stay in any certain genre".[124] When promoting her eleventh album Unbroke, Evans cited a desire to return to more traditional country sounds and lyrics.
Voice
[edit]Writers and critics have highlighted the power of Evans's voice. Ken Tucker of NPR commented, "Sara Evans is a singer with a big voice who knows what to do with it. Her phrasing is conversational; she rarely tries to goose the emotion in a song by stretching out syllables or leaping registers."[123] In reviewing a live show, Emily Yahr of The Washington Post described Evans as having a "crystal-clear powerhouse twang."[125] Other journalists have noted that Evans's singing has a specific identity. AllMusic's John Bush described her as having "an instantly recognizable contralto"[1] while The Boot wrote, "Evans has built a hugely successful career on the strength of her song choices, as well as her readily identifiable voice."[47]
Personal life
[edit]First marriage, children and divorce
[edit]Evans married Craig Schelske in 1993. At the time of their marriage, Schelske was an aspiring musician.[126][127] In 2002, Schelske ran for congress in the fifth district in his home state of Oregon as a Republican candidate.[127] After Evans became commercially successful, the couple moved into a home located in Franklin, Tennessee. They also had a residence outside Aumsville, Oregon, and a residence in Missouri.[128] In 1999, Evans gave birth to their first son, Avery Jack.[129] She had a daughter named Olivia Margaret in 2003,[130] and a second daughter named Audrey Elizabeth one year later.[131] Evans's children are also musical; both Avery and Olivia have performed in her touring band, the former as a guitarist and the latter as a vocalist.[132] Her daughter released her first music in 2021 while her son currently tours as part of Thomas Rhett's band.[133]
After her 2006 departure from Dancing with the Stars, it was disclosed that Evans had filed for divorce from Schelske.[134] In court documents, Evans accused Schelske of unemployment, alcoholism, infidelity, watching adult entertainment with their children present, maintaining sexually explicit photographs of himself and others, and verbal abuse. Schelske denied all of his wife's claims. He explained that the "interrupted adult entertainment viewing" was inadvertent and involved both Schelske and Evans. Schelske also claimed that his explicit photograph collection was limited to images of the married couple, and counterclaimed that Evans had numerous personal problems.[135] Schelske accused Evans of having multiple affairs with fellow musicians, including Kenny Chesney. A representative for Chesney called the allegations "ridiculous".[136]
On September 28, 2007, the divorce between Evans and Schelske became final. The divorce agreement established a joint custody plan for their three children, a split of marital assets, and an alimony agreement where Evans would pay Schelske at least $500,000 over 10 years.[127] Subsequently, Evans' ex-nanny sued her for $3 million,[137] claiming that Evans had smeared her name by accusing her of an affair with Schelske.[137] The lawsuit was settled in July 2009 for $500,000.[138] Following their divorce, Evans obtained two temporary restraining orders against Schelske in 2010 and 2011, restricting him from making any derogatory statements to the media about Evans or their former marriage.[139][140]
Schelske also sued Evans's Nashville attorney John Hollins Sr. and his firm (Hollins, Wagster, Yarbrough, Weatherly & Raybin, P.C.) for "slander, false light and other damages" after Hollins gave an October 2006 interview to People magazine regarding Evans' divorce claims. That lawsuit resulted in an undisclosed financial settlement and a written apology from Hollins in 2011, which stated in part: "My firm and I represented Sara Evans in a highly contested divorce from Craig Schelske... to the best of my ability. I regret that my actions on behalf of Sara Evans caused Mr. Schelske harm in any way." Schelske issued a public statement thanking God, family, and friends for staying alongside during the period, and stating: "Sara is not my enemy... Hollins... he's the one who did this."[141][142]
"I was balancing motherhood, a failing marriage, three young kids on the road with me, and an extremely demanding career. I was determined not to let country radio have any excuse not to play me. I didn't see any signs that I was headed for a crash."
Second marriage
[edit]Through her marriage counselor, Evans would meet her second husband Jay Barker. The pair first began exchanging emails in 2007 and started a romantic relationship shortly afterward.[143] Barker was a former University of Alabama quarterback, and at the time of their meeting was a radio host. The pair married on June 14, 2008, in Franklin; their children were their attendants.[144][145] Barker shared custody of four children with his ex-wife, which would total to seven kids when both families were present. "We are truly a family. We don't think of it as 'blended'; they are just our kids. But we also understand our roles. If I'm around when Sara's kids' father is around, I give him his place as their dad," Barker explained in 2011.[146] The family later settled in Mountain Brook, Alabama, which is a suburb of Birmingham.[147]
In 2019, the family returned to Nashville so that Evans could live in closer proximity to the country music business.[148] On January 15, 2022, Barker was arrested for aggravated assault, after he allegedly attempted to use his car to hit Evans while she was a passenger in a friend's car after leaving a party. The arrest affidavit has the couple listed as separated,[149] and that Evans had filed for divorce prior to the incident in August 2021, citing "irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct".[150] Barker responded on social media to his arrest claiming that the reports "do not adequately capture the full context and complex fabric of our lives". Barker was released from the Davidson County Jail on a $10,000 bond and was scheduled for a court appearance in March 2022.[151] In June 2022, Barker entered a plea deal and was sentenced to a year of probation. Around that time, a divorce between Evans and Barker was "in progress", according to Billboard.[152]
In March 2024 interview, Evans stated that the couple had reconciled and are now living together again.[153] She stated that both of them had been in therapy together (and separately) to work on their relationship. Evans expressed anxiety around how people would view her getting back together with Barker and stressed that her decision to stay with him was not meant as a prescription for any relationship facing similar circumstances.[154]
Personal setbacks and challenges
[edit]Evans has suffered from panic attacks and anxiety during different points in her life.[155][12] In her memoir, Evans described having a "meltdown" in December 2005 once realizing her first marriage was ending. She recounted having "terrifying thoughts" of being kidnapped and losing control of herself. For ten days, Evans refused to leave her Nashville home and was afraid to "walk from one room to another". She was also briefly brought into the hospital and was diagnosed with "exhaustion". Evans found solace in her Christian faith and began working with a pastor who helped her gain control of her mental health. "He encouraged me to just stay home for the time being and get rest and let God do the rest," she remembered.[156] Evans also met with a doctor who prescribed her anti-anxiety medication.[155]
In December 2012, Evans was nearly killed in a plane crash in Minnesota.[157][12][158] Following a successful takeoff, the aircraft's gyroscope malfunctioned, causing her private plane to fly upside down.[159] "I knew we had not been in the air long, so we were probably seconds from dying. I completely accepted it. It was so strange and peaceful," her memoir recalled.[160] The pilots were able to recenter the plane despite its one wing breaking. The pilots then made an emergency landing in Fargo, North Dakota.[161]
Advocacy
[edit]Evans is a spokesperson for the National Eating Disorders Association and has spoken out widely on this subject.[162] She was influenced to become their spokesperson after having a close friend suffer from anorexia. "Thankfully, I have never suffered from an eating disorder but am well aware of our society’s obsession with body image," she told CMT.[163] She also hosted a charity event, Fashion for Every Body, which featured a fashion show, silent auction and performance by Evans.[164] A libertarian Republican, Evans also showed support for Texas Congressman Ron Paul in the 2008 Presidential election and was the headliner at his "Rally For The Republic" on September 2, 2008, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the same day as the Republican National Convention in neighboring St. Paul.[165]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
- Three Chords and the Truth (1997)
- No Place That Far (1998)
- Born to Fly (2000)
- Restless (2003)
- Real Fine Place (2005)
- Stronger (2011)
- Slow Me Down (2014)
- At Christmas (2014)
- Words (2017)
- Copy That (2020)
- Unbroke (2024)
Awards and nominations
[edit]Evans has won several awards for her work as a music artist. This includes one accolade from the Academy of Country Music[49] and one accolade from the Country Music Association.[48]
Filmography
[edit]Title | Year | Role | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dancing with the Stars | 2006 | Herself | 13 episodes | [67] |
CMT Crossroads | 2008, 2015 | Herself | 2 starring episodes | [75][96] |
Nashville | 2014 | Herself | [93] | |
Chrisley Knows Best | 2016 | Herself | [100] | |
Celebrity Family Feud | Herself | [101] | ||
The Talk | 2018 | Herself | Guest co-host | [166] |
Nashville Squares | 2019 | Herself | Center Square | [167] |
A Nashville Christmas Carol | 2020 | Belinda Manners | [168] | |
The Masked Singer | 2023 | Herself/The Mustang | Season 9 Premiere | [169] |
Books
[edit]- You'll Always Be My Baby (with Tony Martin and Tom Shapiro) (2006)[170]
- Sweet By and By (with Rachel Hauck) (2010)[171]
- Softly and Tenderly (with Rachel Hauck) (2011)[172]
- Love Lifted Me (with Rachel Hauck) (2012)[173]
- Born to Fly: A Memoir (2020)[174]
Notes
[edit]- ^ The Billboard Hot Country Songs chart was split into Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay in 2012, with the latter taking the original chart's methodology of only tabulating radio airplay.
References
[edit]Footnotes
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Bush, John. "Sara Evans: Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ Oermann, Robert K.; Bufwack, Mary A. (2003). Finding Her Voice: Women in Country Music: 1800–2000. Nashville, TN: The Country Music Press & Vanderbilt University Press. ISBN 0-8265-1432-4.
- ^ Tingle, Lauren. "Sara Evans Inks New Label Deal". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on August 11, 2016. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. ISBN 978-0-89820-177-2.
- ^ Ryan, Monica (December 8, 2021). "Sara Evans to perform at the 2022 Jefferson County Fair". Fox 2 Now. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 3.
- ^ Colurso, Mary (November 18, 2020). "Thanksgiving 2020: Sara Evans shares her mom's recipe for Refrigerator Rolls". AL.com. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ Despres, Tricia (November 30, 2020). "Devastated Sara Evans Mourns the Death of Her Father Jack: 'You Are Never Ready for It'". People. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 3-12.
- ^ Evans, p. 10.
- ^ Evans, p. 10-12.
- ^ a b c d e Tracy, Brianne (September 2, 2020). "Sara Evans Had 'Severe PTSD and Anxiety' After Being Hit by a Car at Age 8: 'I Still Struggle'". People. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 16-18.
- ^ Evans, p. 17-18.
- ^ Evans, p. 34.
- ^ Evans, p. 37.
- ^ Evans, p. 27-31.
- ^ Hughes, Donna (June 2011). "Sara Evans Recalls Hair-Raising Experience at First Fan Fair". The Boot. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 46-50.
- ^ Evans, p. 51-52.
- ^ Berry, Heather (August 25, 2020). "Sara Evans: Born to Fly". Rural Missouri.org. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 51-53.
- ^ Evans, p. 58-63.
- ^ Evans, p. 63-64.
- ^ Evans, p. 66-68.
- ^ Evans, p. 69-70.
- ^ Bialas, Michael (May 15, 2020). "Safe at Home After Nashville Return, Sara Evans Still Plays to Win With 'Copy That'". PopMatters. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 71.
- ^ a b c Carlin, Richard (2014). Country Music A Biographical Dictionary. Taylor & Francis. p. 126. ISBN 9781135361044.
- ^ Chrispell, James. "Three Chords and the Truth: Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits". AllMusic. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
- ^ "Album Reviews". Billboard. October 11, 1997. p. 83. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Sara Evans chart history (Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 72.
- ^ Evans, p. 81.
- ^ Evans, Sara (October 27, 1998). "No Place That Far (CD Liner Notes and Booklet)". RCA Records Nashville. 67653.
- ^ Evans, p. 82.
- ^ Evans, p. 83.
- ^ Evans, p. 83-85.
- ^ Evans, p. 84.
- ^ Evans, p. 86-89.
- ^ Evans, Sara (October 10, 2000). "Born to Fly (CD Liner Notes and Booklet)". RCA Records Nashville. 67964.
- ^ a b Paxman, Bob (October 12, 2020). "20 Years Later: Sara Evans' 'Born To Fly'". Sounds Like Nashville. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ a b Jurek, Thom. "Born to Fly: Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits". AllMusic. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f "Sara Evans chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 87.
- ^ a b "Sara Evans chart history (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ a b "Top 10 Sara Evans Songs". The Boot. February 5, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ a b c d "CMA Past Winners & Nominees: Sara Evans". Country Music Association. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e "Search winners: Sara Evans". Academy of Country Music. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ "Reba, Martina Spearhead 'Girls' Night Out' Tour". Billboard. April 9, 2001. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ Evans, Sara (August 19, 2003). "Restless (CD Liner Notes & Booklet)". RCA Records Nashville. 67074.
- ^ Restless, Edward (August 18, 2003). "Sara Evans' Restless Pop". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on August 3, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ Monger, James Christopher. "Restless: Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits". AllMusic. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ Gilbert, Calvin (August 28, 2003). "Dierks Works Chart Magic". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Gold & Platinum: Sara Evans". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Morris, Edward (December 15, 2004). "Music Row Salutes Sara Evans' "Suds in the Bucket"". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ "Paisley Grabs Evans, Griggs For 'Mud' Tour". Billboard. December 1, 2004. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ Evans, Sara (October 4, 2005). "Real Fine Place (CD Booklet & Album Information)". RCA Records Nashville. 82876694862.
- ^ Keough, Sue (2005). "Sara Evans Real Fine Place Review". BBC. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ Keefe, Jonathan (October 10, 2005). "Review: Sara Evans, Real Fine Place". Slant Magazine. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 90.
- ^ Evans, p. 89.
- ^ a b Evans, p. 92.
- ^ "Sara Evans to Compete on Dancing With the Stars". Country Music Television. August 14, 2006. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 100.
- ^ Evans, p. 92-103.
- ^ a b "Sara Evans quits 'Dancing with the Stars'". Today. October 13, 2006. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 101.
- ^ Despres, Tricia (May 22, 2020). "Sara Evans to Open Up About Near-Death Experience in Her Upcoming Memoir". Taste of Country. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e Gilbert, Calvin (March 8, 2011). "Sara Evans Rejuvenates Her Career". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Evans, Sara (October 9, 2007). "Greatest Hits (CD Booklet and Album Information)". RCA Records Nashville. 708770.
- ^ Jurek, Thom. "Greatest Hits: Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits". AllMusic. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Sara Evans chart history (Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "Reba McEntire to Sing Duet on CMA Awards". CMT. Archived from the original on October 18, 2007. Retrieved October 16, 2007.
- ^ a b "CMT Crossroads: Maroon 5 and Sara Evans Blend Pop and Country". CMT Press. April 3, 2008. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
- ^ Newspapers, McClatchy (August 11, 2008). "Billy Graham biopic shows at Bible belt churches ahead of October release". Guardian. London. Retrieved May 23, 2010.
- ^ Donahue, Ann (June 10, 2009). "Sara Evans, Lionel Richie Bring Songs To Soap Operas". Billboard. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "Holiday Music & Tour Dates From Sara Evans". Sounds Like Nashville. October 24, 2009. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Hughes, Donna (January 18, 2011). "Sara Evans Presents Second Novel, 'Softly & Tenderly'". The Boot. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ Conaway, Alanna (May 2, 2011). "Sara Evans' Career Continues to Grow 'Stronger' with No. 1 Single". Taste of Country. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
- ^ Betts, Stephen L. (March 16, 2011). "Sara Evans Tops Chart with 'Stronger' Numbers". The Boot. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
- ^ Thompson, Gayle (June 30, 2011). "Sara Evans Finds a 'Perfect Match' in Rascal Flatts". The Boot. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ Shelburne, Criag. "Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans Add 2012 Tour Dates". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ Conaway, Alanna (January 3, 2012). "Sara Evans Releases New Book 'Love Lifted Me' Today". Taste of Country. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ "VIDEO: Sara Evans' National Anthem Performance Wasn't The Best". SBNation.com. June 14, 2012. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
- ^ "VIDEO: Sara Evans' Sara Evans Sings National Anthem, Brings Stadium To Their Feet At World Series". countryrebel.com. October 29, 2015. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
- ^ Evasn, Price (October 26, 2012). "Sara Evans' AXS Concert Is Career-First". The Boot. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ Dauphin, Chuck. "Sara Evans Talks 'Slow Me Down' Single, Says Album Is Nearly Done". Billboard. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ a b Evans, p. 202.
- ^ "Sara Evans chart history (Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ "Slow Me Down: Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits". AllMusic. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ Dauphin, Chuck. "The 10 Best Country Albums of 2014". Billboard. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ a b Schillaci, Sophie (October 28, 2014). "Sara Evans on 'Nashville' Guest Role and Being the Real Rayna Jaymes". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE: How Sara Evans Relates to Rayna Jaymes". CMT. Archived from the original on April 24, 2018.
- ^ Dunkerley, Beville (October 28, 2014). "Sara Evans to Release First Christmas Album". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ a b Betts, Stephen L. (August 13, 2015). "Sara Evans, REO Speedwagon Tapped for 'CMT Crossroads'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ Black, Lauren Jo (February 2, 2016). "Sara Evans & Others Exit Sony Music Nashville". Sounds Like Nashville. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ "Exclusive: Sara Evans Plans Album On Sugar Hill Records". Musicrow.com. August 10, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
- ^ "Sara Evans Says 'Words' Is the Album of Her Lifetime". Taste of Country. July 19, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
- ^ a b Shelburne, Criag (June 17, 2016). "Sara Evans Joins Todd Chrisley For New Duet, CMA Fest, Reality Show". Music Row. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ a b "Superfan Country Star Sara Evans Embarrassed on 'Celebrity Family Feud'". Yahoo! News. September 12, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ "Sara Evans Launches Born to Fly Records: No More 'Following the Rules of Anyone Else'". Billboard.com. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
- ^ Evans, p. 203.
- ^ "Sara Evans on the 'Complete Creative Freedom' of Upcoming Female-Driven Album Words". People. May 2, 2017. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Words: Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits". AllMusic. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ Kennedy, Mark (July 21, 2017). "Review: Sara Evans gets personal on excellent album 'Words'". Associated Press. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ Stark, Phyllis. "Sara Evans Decries Country Radio's Lack of Support for Female Artists: 'My Family Watches Me Sobbing'". Billboard. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ Betts, Stephen L. (May 8, 2019). "Sara Evans Pays It Forward With New 'Barker Family Band' Project". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ Evans, Sara (May 15, 2020). "Copy That (CD Booklet and Liner Notes)". Born to Fly Records. 33287.
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Copy That: Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits". AllMusic. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ Renz, Jeffrey B. "Sara Evans - Copy That". Country Standard Time. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ Dukes, Billy (September 9, 2020). "'Born to Fly' Sara Evans Hopes Her Mother Won't Read Her Memoir". Taste of Country. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ Huff, Lauren (February 15, 2023). "Mustang on The Masked Singer thinks a last-minute switch led to her early exit". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
- ^ "Sara Evans Teases New 'Patty Loveless-Esque' Album, Says It Will Be 'Super Country'". Country Now. June 17, 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
- ^ Hollabaugh, Lorie (June 29, 2023). "Sara Evans Signs With Melody Place Records". MusicRow. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ^ Saunders, Angel (August 18, 2023). "Sara Evans Tears Up — then Jokingly Declines — When Asked to Join the Grand Ole Opry: 'No Way I'd Say No'". People. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ Watts, Cindy (March 22, 2024). "Sara Evans Reconciles With Husband, Shares Story of Abuse, Recovery on New Podcast And Through New Music". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
- ^ Bush, John; Erlewine, Stephen Thomas; Woodstra, Chris (2008). Contemporary Country. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 46. ISBN 9780879309183.
- ^ Young, Lisa. "Born to Fly Makes Sara Smile". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ Schlesier, Jacquilynne. "Sara Evans -- Real Fine Place". Country Standard Time. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ Loftus, Johnny. "Real Fine Place: Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits". AllMusic. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ Jurek, Thom. "Stronger: Sara Evans: Songs, reviews, credits". AllMusic. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ a b Tucker, Ken (March 20, 2014). "Review: Sara Evans: Country Power Ballads With A Punch". NPR. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ Despres, Tricia (May 2020). "Sara Evans is Covering Whatever She Wants". American Songwriter. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ Yahr, Emily (December 16, 2012). "Sara Evans knows what's good for what ails you". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "Sara Evans Balances Superstardom With Supermom-hood". GAC. Archived from the original on August 1, 2007. Retrieved October 2, 2007.
- ^ a b c "Country Star Sara Evans Granted Divorce". Music.msn.com. msn.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2007. Retrieved October 2, 2007.
- ^ Anderson, Catherine; Blanton, Brandy (August 21, 2006). "Sara Evans". Franklin Is: The Online Voice of Williamson County. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "Lifeline: Births". Billboard. September 11, 1999. p. 96. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "Sara Evans Welcomes Daughter". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on January 18, 2015. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "Sara Evans delivers a baby girl". People. October 8, 2004. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ Betts, Stephen L. (May 8, 2019). "Sara Evans Pays It Forward With New 'Barker Family Band' Project". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ Farthing, Lydia (July 9, 2021). "Sara Evans' Daughter Olivia Evans Makes Pop Debut With 'Of Course I Do'". Music Row. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "Country Singer Sara Evans Cites Porn, Adultery and Abuse in Divorce Papers". ABC. Retrieved October 2, 2007.
- ^ Craig Shelburne (2006). ""Schelske Says Evans Cheated, Watched Porn With Him: His Divorce Papers Mention [her] Drinking Problem, "Apparent Nervous Breakdown"". CMT News. Archived from the original on April 8, 2011. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ Finn, Natalie (September 11, 2007). ""Ex Accuses Sara Evans of Being Really Restless."". E!online.com. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
- ^ a b "None". The Tennessean.
- ^ "Sara Evans' Former Nanny Settles Lawsuit". Theboot.com. July 16, 2009. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
- ^ "Sara Evans files restraining order against her ex". USA Today. February 26, 2010. Retrieved May 23, 2010.
- ^ "Sara Evans Secures Restraining Order Against Ex-Husband". Taste of Country. October 5, 2011. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
- ^ "Settlement Reached by Sara Evan's Ex-Husband in Slander Lawsuit Against Evans' Divorce Attorney - Salem-News.Com". Salem-news.com. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
- ^ "The Tennessean". Blogs.tennessean.com. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
- ^ Evans, p. 110.
- ^ Sara Evans Marries Her Football Hero - Weddings, Sara Evans. People.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2015.
- ^ Finan, Eileen. (June 17, 2008) FIRST LOOK: Sara Evans Wedding Photo - Weddings, Music News, Sara Evans. People.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2015.
- ^ Hearon, Sarah (February 2, 2022). "Sara Evans and Estranged Husband Jay Barker's Relationship Timeline". US Weekly. Retrieved April 1, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 113.
- ^ Chambers, Jesse (September 23, 2020). "Country star Sara Evans praises Mountain Brook in new memoir". Village Living Online. Retrieved April 1, 2022.
- ^ Dukes, Billy (January 16, 2022). "Sara Evans' Husband Jay Barker Arrested After Reportedly Trying to Hit Her With His Vehicle". Taste of Country. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
- ^ Steen, Jason (January 16, 2022). "Sara Evans Filed for Divorce Prior to Jay Barker's Arrest for Attempting to Run Over Her with a Vehicle". Scoop Nashville. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
- ^ DeSantis, Rachel (January 17, 2022). "Sara Evans' Estranged Husband Jay Barker Addresses Arrest for Alleged Aggravated Assault with Car". People. Retrieved April 1, 2022.
- ^ "Sara Evans' Estranged Husband Jay Barker Avoids Jail Time After Domestic Violence Arrest". Billboard. June 10, 2022. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
- ^ DeSantis, Rachel (March 22, 2024). "Why Sara Evans Is Asking for 'Benefit of the Doubt' After Reconciling with Husband: 'People Are Going to Be Mad' (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
- ^ "Sara Evans Discusses Reuniting with Husband Jay Barker, Writing an Album About Their Troubled Relationship: 'The Story Is Mine to Tell'". Billboard. March 21, 2024. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
- ^ a b Taylor, Blake (July 8, 2020). "Sara Evans Opens Up About PTSD And Anxiety After Being Hit By A Car". iHeart. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 90-97.
- ^ Evans, p. 123.
- ^ Danielsen, Aarik (September 2, 2020). "Words and Wings". Columbia Daily Tribune. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
- ^ Evans, p. 128.
- ^ Evans, p. 127.
- ^ Evans, p. 128-129.
- ^ "Sara Evans: "Diet Is A Four Letter Word"". GAC. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved October 2, 2007.
- ^ "Evans Speaks Out About Eating Disorders". Country Music Television. March 1, 2006. Retrieved April 16, 2022.[dead link ]
- ^ "Sara Evans Hosts Fashion For Every Body". GAC. Archived from the original on January 24, 2013. Retrieved October 2, 2007.
- ^ McCarthy, Daniel (September 22, 2008) Ron Paul's Party, The American Conservative
- ^ Milligan, Kaitlin (November 9, 2018). "Sara Evans to Guest Cohost on THE TALK". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "Sara Evans on CMT Nashville Squares". Facebook. October 30, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ "Sara Evans as Belinda on A Nashville Christmas Carol". Hallmark Channel. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "Mustang Talks Galloping Away From 'Masked Singer,' Belting a Rock Classic". Billboard. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Evans, Sara; Martin, Tony; Shapiro, Tom (2006). You'll Always Be My Baby. Thomas Nelson Publishing. ISBN 9781404104518.
- ^ Evans, Sara; Hauck, Rachel (2010). Sweet By and By. Thomas Nelson Incorporated. ISBN 9781595547781.
- ^ Evans, Sara; Hauck, Rachel (2011). Softly and Tenderly. Thomas Nelson Incorporated. ISBN 9781401685089.
- ^ Evans, Sara (2012). Love Lifted Me. Thomas Nelson Incorporated. ISBN 9781401686215.
- ^ Evans, Sara (2020). Born to Fly: A Memoir. New York, NY: Howard Books. ISBN 978-1-5011-6258-9.
Books
[edit]- Evans, Sara (2020). Born to Fly: A Memoir. New York, NY: Howard Books. ISBN 978-1-5011-6258-9.
External links
[edit]- 1971 births
- Living people
- 20th-century American singer-songwriters
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- 20th-century American women singers
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- Alabama Republicans
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- RCA Records Nashville artists
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