Sara Evans facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sara Evans
Sara Evans in 2024
Born	Sara Lynn Evans (1971-02-05) February 5, 1971 (age 54) Boonville, Missouri, U.S.
Occupation	Singer songwriter record producer author actress
Years active	1997–present
Spouse(s)	Craig Schelske ​ ​ (m. 1993; div. 2007)​ Jay Barker ​ (m. 2008)​
Children	3
Musical career
Genres	Country
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	RCA Nashville Born to Fly Melody Place

Sara Lynn Evans (born February 5, 1971) is an American country music singer and songwriter. She is also a record producer, author, and actress. Sara has had five songs reach the number one spot on the Billboard country songs chart. She has sold over six million albums.

Nine more of her songs have reached the top ten on the Billboard country chart. These include "I Could Not Ask for More", "I Keep Looking", and "Cheatin'". Some of her top 20 songs are "Saints & Angels", "Backseat of a Greyhound Bus", and "As If". Sara has won awards from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. She has also been nominated for many other awards.

Sara grew up in New Franklin, Missouri. She started performing with her family in The Evans Family Band. This group performed throughout her childhood. Later, Sara and her older brother Matt formed their own band. In 1991, they moved to Nashville to start a country music career. In Nashville, Sara met her first husband, Craig Schelske. She briefly moved to Aumsville, Oregon, before returning to Nashville. Back in Nashville, Sara worked as a demo singer. This led to her signing a record deal with RCA Records. Her first album, Three Chords and the Truth, came out in 1997. Her next album, No Place That Far (1998), had a song of the same name that topped the Billboard country chart.

Sara became very successful in the 2000s with albums like Born to Fly (2000), Restless (2003), and Real Fine Place (2005). Each of these albums sold over one million copies. They included number one country songs like "Born to Fly", "Suds in the Bucket", and "A Real Fine Place to Start". In 2006, Sara was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. She later left the show. Sara then focused on her family. She released a Greatest Hits album in 2008. She restarted her career in 2011 with her sixth album, Stronger. This album featured the number one song "A Little Bit Stronger". After her album Slow Me Down (2014), Sara left RCA. She then started her own record label. In 2017, she released her first album on her new label, called Words.

Early Life and Beginnings

Sara Lynn Evans was born in Boonville, Missouri, on February 5, 1971. She grew up in New Franklin, Missouri, with her parents, Pat and Jack Evans. She was one of seven children. Her family lived on a 400-acre farm. Her mother drove a school bus, and her father worked for a newspaper.

Sara's family noticed she could sing well when she sang along with her brothers. Her mother then put her siblings into a band called The Evans Family Band. Sara started singing lead vocals in the band when she was six. She later learned to play guitar, mandolin, and drums.

[[File:Alsop’s General Store (107 E. Broadway).jpg|thumb|left|180px|A storefront located in New Franklin, Missouri When she was eight, Sara was hit by a car near her family's farm. She suffered a concussion and a leg injury. Doctors had to put pins in her knee. She could not move from her hospital bed for six weeks.

In 1983, Sara's parents divorced. Her mother remarried in 1985. The family moved to a tobacco farm in New Franklin. The Evans Family Band kept performing. When she was about ten, Sara recorded a song. She traveled to Nashville to promote it. Sara later performed on a local TV show. She also formed a band with her brother Matt.

In 1989, Sara graduated high school. She got a scholarship to study music at Central Methodist University. But she left after one semester. She wanted to pursue a country music career. She worked as a waitress to save money. In 1991, Sara and her brother Matt moved to Nashville.

In Nashville, Sara worked as a waitress. She met her first husband there. They moved to Aumsville, Oregon, in 1992. Sara performed as Sara Evans & North Santiam. They married in Oregon and lived there for three years. They returned to Nashville in the mid-1990s.

Sara got a job as a demo singer. She recorded a cover of Buck Owens's "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail". A songwriter named Harlan Howard heard her demo. He was impressed by her traditional country singing. Howard convinced executives at RCA Records to listen to Sara. Sara sang three songs for RCA executive Joe Galante. The same day, RCA Records offered her a recording contract. She signed a seven-album deal.

Music Career Highlights

Starting Out (1997–1999)

[[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]] Sara quit her job after signing her contract. She chose Pete Anderson to produce her first album. He was known for working with Dwight Yoakam. Sara moved to Los Angeles to record. In July 1997, Three Chords and the Truth was released by RCA. The album had a traditional honky tonk country sound. Critics praised it. Allmusic called it original with "great tunes." Billboard said she was both traditional and modern.

However, the album did not sell well. It reached number 56 on the Billboard country albums chart. Its three songs, "True Lies", the title track, and "Shame About That", did not reach the top 40 on the Billboard country songs chart. Sara said country radio would not play them because they were "too country."

To gain more success, Sara recorded her next album. She wanted it to be modern but still true to her style. This album was No Place That Far, released in October 1998. It reached number 11 on the Billboard country albums chart. The first song, "Cryin' Game", did not do well. But the second song, the title track, became number one on the Billboard country songs chart. Radio stations liked her new music. The last song from the album, "Fool, I'm a Woman", only reached number 32. Sara felt like she was always starting over. She hired a new manager. Sara also found out she was pregnant with her first child.

Reaching the Top (2000–2005)

Sara was inspired to make changes in her career. She liked the bluegrass sound of the Dixie Chicks. She decided to work with their producer, Paul Worley. She also got rock musician Matt Chamberlain to play drums. Together, they created Sara's third album. In October 2000, Born to Fly was released. Sara co-produced it with Worley. This album became a huge success. It sold over two million copies in the United States. Critics praised it. Thom Jurek said Sara had the "confidence of a seasoned veteran." Born to Fly reached number six on the Billboard country albums chart. It also reached number 55 on the Billboard 200.

Four songs were released from Born to Fly. The title track, which Sara co-wrote, reached number one on the Billboard country singles chart. It also reached number 34 on the Hot 100. Next was a cover of Edwin McCain's "I Could Not Ask for More". Then came "Saints & Angels" and "I Keep Looking", which was a top-five country hit in 2002. In 2001, Sara received five nominations from the Country Music Association Awards. She won Music Video of the Year for "Born to Fly". The Academy of Country Music Awards also nominated her for Top Female Vocalist. With her new success, Sara joined other female artists on the Girls Night Out Tour in 2001.

In August 2003, her fourth album, Restless, was released. Sara and Worley continued to produce it. Restless received mixed reviews. It debuted at number three on the Top Country Albums chart. It reached number 20 on the Billboard 200. The album sold over one million copies. The first song, "Backseat of a Greyhound Bus", reached the top 20. The second song, "Perfect", climbed to number two. The album's third song was "Suds in the Bucket". This song became her third number one hit. The fourth song, "Tonight", was less successful. Sara was nominated for several awards in 2003 and 2004. In 2004, she toured with Brad Paisley.

In 2005, Sara released a cover of Radney Foster's "A Real Fine Place to Start". It became her fourth number one song. It was also her fourth song to reach the Hot 100 top 40. This song was the title track for her fifth album, Real Fine Place, released in October 2005. Sara co-produced this album with Mark Bright. Critics had mixed reviews. It was Sara's first album to top the Billboard country albums chart. It also debuted at number three on the Billboard 200. This album also sold over one million copies. Real Fine Place included the song "Cheatin'", which reached number nine. Another song, "You'll Always Be My Baby", reached number 13 in 2006. She also won the Top Female Vocalist award from the Academy of Country Music.

Taking a Break (2006–2009)

Evans in concert, 2008

By 2006, Sara Evans was at the peak of her career. She was headlining her own tours. She made almost 300 appearances in one year. In August 2006, Sara joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars. She appeared on the show in September with her dancing partner Tony Dovolani. Sara moved her family to Beverly Hills, California, for the show. Sara later announced she was leaving the show.

These personal events caused delays in recording new music. However, Sara continued to release songs now and then. In 2007, RCA released her first collection of hits, Greatest Hits. This album reached number three on the Billboard country albums chart. It featured twelve of her popular songs and four new ones. Three of the new songs were released as singles. "As If" reached number 11. "Some Things Never Change" reached the top 40. Later that year, she co-hosted the Country Music Association Awards.

In May 2008, Sara appeared on CMT Crossroads. This show pairs country artists with pop artists. She performed with pop band Maroon 5. In September 2008, Sara recorded the theme song for the film Billy: The Early Years. The song, "Low", briefly charted. In June 2009, Sara headlined a tour. Her next song, "Feels Just Like a Love Song", reached number 59. She ended 2009 by releasing a Christmas music collection called I'll Be Home for Christmas. She also went on a holiday tour.

Coming Back Strong (2010–2015)

In 2010, Sara worked with author Rachel Hauck to write a book called The Sweet By and By. Its next book, Softly and Tenderly, came out in January 2011. Both books focused on Christian themes. Sara also returned to music in 2011. She worked with producer Nathan Chapman. Sara found the song "A Little Bit Stronger". It was co-written by Lady Antebellum singer Hillary Scott. Sara released it as a song in 2010. It topped the Hot Country Songs chart in 2011 for two weeks. This was her first number one song since 2005.

Evans performing on Walmart Soundcheck, 2011

"A Little Bit Stronger" was on Sara's sixth album, Stronger. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums list. It reached number six on the Billboard 200. Stronger later sold over 500,000 copies.

In mid-2011, Sara opened for Rascal Flatts on their Flatts Fest tour. They continued touring through 2012. Also in 2011, "A Little Bit Stronger" was nominated for Single of the Year. Sara was also nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Sara wanted to keep her success going. She hoped for more big hits from Stronger. The next song, a cover of Rod Stewart's "My Heart Can't Tell You No", reached number 21. A third song, "Anywhere", did not reach the top 40 in 2012. Sara also released her third book in 2012, Love Lifted Me. She sang the National Anthem at a basketball game in 2012. She also sang it at a baseball game in 2015.

In November 2012, Sara went back to the studio with Mark Bright. A year later, RCA released the song "Slow Me Down". Sara said the song needed more promotion. "Slow Me Down" reached number 19 on the Billboard country songs chart. Her seventh album, same name, was released in March 2014. The album reached number two on the Country Albums list. It was named one of the "Best of 2014" by AllMusic.

In October 2014, Sara appeared on ABC's Nashville. She played herself. She sang a duet with Will Chase. Sara helped inspire the character of Rayna Jaymes on the show. In November 2014, Sara released her first full Christmas album, At Christmas. It had covers and new songs. She promoted it on a TV special. In August 2015, Sara appeared on CMT Crossroads again. This time she performed with rock band REO Speedwagon.

New Beginnings (2016–Present)

After many years with RCA, Sara left the label in February 2016. She later announced she would sign with Sugar Hill Records. But the label changed, and Sara decided to leave. In 2016, Sara appeared on the show Chrisley Knows Best. She sang a new song called "Infinite Love" with Todd Chrisley. This song charted in the top 40. Sara and her siblings also competed on Celebrity Family Feud against the Chrisley family.

Sara was frustrated that country radio did not support female artists enough. This led her to start her own label, Born to Fly Records. Sony RED helps distribute her music. Sara said, "Now I'm in the driver's seat." Her ninth album, Words, was released in July 2017. All fourteen songs on the album were written or co-written by women. Critics praised the album. Words reached number four on the Billboard country albums chart. Its first song, "Marquee Sign", did not chart.

In 2019, Sara worked with her son and daughter on an album called The Barker Family Band. It featured their harmonies on covers of songs by Aretha Franklin and Fleetwood Mac. They also recorded a live album and went on a mini tour. In May 2020, Sara released her tenth album, Copy That. It was a collection of classic country and pop cover songs. The album received mixed reviews. In September 2020, Sara released a book about her life and career.

In 2023, Sara competed on The Masked Singer as "Mustang". She was eliminated early in the season. During this time, Sara said she was working on a new album. In 2023, Sara signed with Melody Place Records. She also became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. Her first Melody Place album, Unbroke, came out in June 2024. The album's first song, "Pride", was released in March 2024. Sara also started her own podcast called Diving in Deep with Sara Evans.

Her Music Style

How Her Music Sounds

Sara Evans has used different styles of country music in her songs. Early in her career, she had a traditional country sound. This was heard on her albums Three Chords and the Truth and No Place That Far. Critics praised her traditional vocal style.

Evans performing for the military in 2012

When Sara released Born to Fly in 2000, her sound became more modern country. Lisa Young of CMT said Born to Fly was a "much more contemporary record." Thom Jurek from AllMusic also noted the modern sounds.

When country music shifted back to a traditional style, Sara followed with Real Fine Place in 2005. Critics found a traditional element in this album. Johnny Loftus said Real Fine Place would attract traditional country fans.

As country music moved towards pop and rock, Sara's music also changed. In his review of Stronger (2011), Thom Jurek said Sara paid attention to changing trends. Ken Tucker of NPR said Sara had a fondness for pop music. After leaving RCA Records, Sara started trying other musical styles. She said, "For the first time in my career, I felt like I didn't have to stay in any certain genre."

Her Amazing Voice

Writers and critics often talk about the power of Sara Evans's voice. Ken Tucker of NPR said, "Sara Evans is a singer with a big voice who knows what to do with it." Emily Yahr described Sara as having a "crystal-clear powerhouse twang."

Journalists have also noted that Sara's singing has a unique sound. AllMusic's John Bush said she has an "instantly recognizable contralto." The Boot wrote that Sara has built a successful career because of her song choices and her "readily identifiable voice."

Family Life

Sara Evans married Craig Schelske in 1993. They had three children: a son named Avery Jack (born 1999), and two daughters, Olivia Margaret (born 2003) and Audrey Elizabeth (born 2004). Sara's children are also musical. Avery and Olivia have performed in her touring band. Olivia released her own music in 2021. Avery tours with Thomas Rhett's band. Sara and Craig divorced in 2007.

Sara met her second husband, Jay Barker, through her marriage counselor. Jay Barker was a former football player and a radio host. They started exchanging emails in 2007 and began a relationship. They married on June 14, 2008. Their children were part of the wedding. Jay had four children from a previous marriage, making a total of seven children when both families were together. The family settled in Mountain Brook, Alabama.

In 2019, the family moved back to Nashville. In 2022, there were reports of difficulties in their marriage. However, in a March 2024 interview, Sara stated that she and Jay had reconciled. They are now living together again. She shared that they both went to therapy to work on their relationship.

Important Causes

Sara Evans is a spokesperson for the National Eating Disorders Association. She has spoken widely about this topic. She was inspired to become a spokesperson after a close friend suffered from anorexia. Sara said, "Thankfully, I have never suffered from an eating disorder but am well aware of our society’s obsession with body image." She also hosted a charity event called Fashion for Every Body.

Sara has also shown support for politicians. In 2008, she supported Texas Congressman Ron Paul in the Presidential election. She was a headliner at his "Rally For The Republic" event.

Albums

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

Sara Evans has won several awards for her music. This includes one award from the Academy of Country Music and one from the Country Music Association.

On TV and Film

Books

• You'll Always Be My Baby (with Tony Martin and Tom Shapiro) (2006)
• Sweet By and By (with Rachel Hauck) (2010)
• Softly and Tenderly (with Rachel Hauck) (2011)
• Love Lifted Me (with Rachel Hauck) (2012)
• Born to Fly: A Memoir (2020)

See also

In Spanish: Sara Evans para niños