Reba and Lady Gaga, divas in diverse genres

March 28 1955 — Reba (Nell) McEntire, American country singer-songwriter, producer and actress, is born in McAlester, Oklahoma. She begins her career in the music industry singing in her high school band, on local radio shows with her siblings and at rodeos. In 1974, while studying at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, she performs the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City and catches the attention of country artist Red Steagall. He agrees to help her launch a country-music career in Nashville, Tennessee. In the early 1990s, she branches into film, Broadway and television acting. Among her many awards are 16 Grammy nominations with three wins. March 28 1986 — Lady Gaga, American pop singer-songwriter, producer and actress, is born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta in New York City. She begins performing as a teenager, singing at open mic nights and acting in school plays. She studied at Collaborative Arts Project 21, through New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, before dropping out to pursue a career in music. After initial disappointments, she rises to prominence in 2008 with her debut studio album, “The Fame”, and its chart-topping singles “Just Dance” and “Poker Face”. She ventures into film and television acting in 2015. Among her many awards are 20 Grammy nominations with 12 wins.