It was 1993. If you turned on a country radio station, you couldn't escape the soaring, glass-shattering notes of a song that basically defined a decade. You know the one. Two women, one man, and a whole lot of vocal fireworks. But while everyone knows the song, the real story of Reba McEntire and Linda Davis is way more interesting than just a chart-topping hit. It’s a story about loyalty, a massive middle finger to record label executives, and a friendship that honestly changed the trajectory of country music history.
Most people think Linda Davis was just some random singer Reba found for a duet. Not even close. Before they ever stepped into a studio to record "Does He Love You," Linda was already a powerhouse in her own right, even if the mainstream public hadn't quite caught on yet. She was singing jingles for Dr. Pepper and KFC and working as a backup singer in Reba's road band.
Basically, Reba knew what she had. She wasn't about to let that talent go to waste.
The Fight for "Does He Love You"
Let’s be real: record labels in the 90s were all about the "safe" bet. When Reba found the song—written by Billy Stritch and Sandy Knox—she knew it needed two voices that could absolutely belt. It’s a theatrical piece. It’s a conversation between a wife and a mistress. It’s high drama.
MCA Records, Reba’s label at the time, wanted a "superstar" pairing. They were pushing hard for Wynonna Judd or Trisha Yearwood. They wanted a name that would guarantee a No. 1. Reba, being Reba, had other ideas. She had been listening to Linda Davis sing every night on tour. She knew Linda’s voice matched hers in power and "fire," as critic Robert Oermann once put it.
Reba actually went through the motions to satisfy the label. She sent a demo to Wynonna. But when she didn't hear back quickly—and word got around that Wynonna wasn't super keen on singing about marital infidelity anyway—Reba made her move. She told the label she was recording it with Linda.
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It was a gutsy move. If the song had flopped, it would have been on Reba's head. Instead, it became one of the biggest female duets in the history of the genre.
Why the Chemistry Actually Worked
The magic between Reba McEntire and Linda Davis wasn't just about hitting high notes. It was the contrast. You have Reba’s signature Oklahoma twang and sharp delivery meeting Linda’s smooth, "song stylist" approach.
In the music video—which was basically a mini-movie directed by Jon Small—the tension is palpable. Fun fact: the video features actor/director Rob Reiner playing a director, and it was filmed while Reba was actually working on the movie North. The ending where the boat explodes? Pure 90s country gold.
But behind the scenes, there was zero "diva" energy. Linda has often talked about how much she learned from watching Reba. She spent years sitting backstage, waiting for her 80-minute set to start, just observing how a pro handles a crowd.
They weren't rivals. They were a team.
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Life After the Explosion
What happened after the song hit No. 1 and won a Grammy?
For Linda Davis, it was a massive launchpad. She signed with Arista Nashville and finally got her own solo hits, like "Some Things Are Meant to Be." But she never really left the Reba circle. They continued to perform together, and Reba even gave Linda songs that she had originally intended for her own albums. That kind of generosity is pretty rare in Nashville.
If you’re a modern country fan, you definitely know Linda’s legacy, even if you don't realize it. Her daughter is Hillary Scott, the lead singer of Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum). In 2016, the whole family—Linda, husband Lang Scott, and daughters Hillary and Rylee—released a gospel album called Love Remains. It won two Grammys.
It’s kinda cool to see that vocal talent pass down through the generations.
Where Are They Now?
As of 2026, both women are still very much active. Reba is, well, Reba. She’s a multi-media mogul, a coach on The Voice, and still headlining shows that sell out in minutes.
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Linda Davis has carved out a really unique niche. She’s become a bit of a "singer's singer" in Nashville. She runs a consulting firm called Stage/Performance 101, where she coaches new artists on how to actually own a stage. She’s also a regular on the "Country Music Cruise" and still performs at the Grand Ole Opry.
When they do get back together—like they did for Reba's Revived Remixed Revisited project or various surprise Opry appearances—the crowd still loses their minds.
What We Can Learn From the Reba/Linda Dynamic
Honestly, their story is a masterclass in a few things:
- Trust your gut. Reba knew Linda was the right choice despite what the "experts" in suits said.
- Mentorship matters. Linda didn't just take the paycheck; she studied the craft by watching the best in the business.
- Longevity is about respect. You don't stay friends in a cutthroat industry for 30+ years without genuine mutual admiration.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into their catalog, don't just stop at "Does He Love You." Check out their other collaboration "On My Own" (which also featured Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood) or Linda’s solo work on the Black Dog soundtrack.
The next time you hear those opening piano chords of their big hit, remember it wasn't just a "vocal battle." It was two friends proving that sometimes the "backup singer" is exactly the superstar the song needs.
Next Steps for Fans:
Go listen to the 2021 "Revisited" version of "Does He Love You" featuring Dolly Parton to hear how the song evolves with a different dynamic, then compare it to the original 1993 live performance at the CMA Awards. You can also look up Linda Davis's "Stage/Performance 101" if you're an aspiring artist looking for the same coaching that helped shape some of Nashville's biggest modern stars.