Narvel Blackstock is a well-known American music manager, TV producer, and former steel guitarist. He is best known for managing top country music stars like Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Blake Shelton through his company, Starstruck Entertainment. Over the years, he has played a major role in shaping the careers of many artists and has also produced successful TV shows.
Born on August 31, 1956, in Tarrant County, Texas, Narvel turned 69 in 2025. His journey from being a steel guitarist to becoming a powerful figure in the music business is truly inspiring. He was married to Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015, and later married Laura Stroud in 2024. He has four children, including the late Brandon Blackstock, who passed away in 2025, and five grandchildren.
Narvel Blackstock Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Narvel Wayne Blackstock |
| Date of Birth | August 31, 1956 |
| Age | 69 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Music Manager, Television Producer, Former Musician |
| Hometown | Tarrant County, Texas, USA |
| Current Residence | Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| Nationality | American |
Early Life
Narvel Blackstock was born and raised in Tarrant County, Texas. His parents, Narvel Leroy Blackstock and Gloria Elizabeth Alexander, raised him alongside his sister Patricia Ann. Growing up in a rural area, Narvel developed a strong love for country music.
As a teenager, he learned to play the steel guitar and performed with local bands in Fort Worth. Inspired by artists like Merle Haggard, he spent his early years playing in Texas honky-tonks. In the early 1980s, he joined Reba McEntire’s band as a steel guitarist. This professional connection soon turned into a strong personal and business partnership, setting the foundation for his future career in music management.
Education
Narvel attended local schools in Fort Worth, Texas. While he went to college, the exact university or degree is not publicly known. Most of his real learning came from being on the road, playing music, and working behind the scenes. In a 2012 interview, he shared, “I learned the business on the road, not in school,” showing how experience shaped his success.
Family Details
Narvel is the son of Narvel Leroy Blackstock and Gloria Elizabeth Alexander. He has one sister, Patricia Ann Blackstock.
In 1973, he married Elisa Gayle Ritter and had three children with her: Brandon (1976–2025), Shawna Rene, and Chassidy Celeste. They divorced in 1988. His son Brandon worked as a talent manager and passed away in August 2025 after battling cancer. Brandon left behind four children.
In 1989, Narvel married country star Reba McEntire, and together they had a son, Shelby Blackstock, born in 1990. Shelby is now a professional racecar driver. Narvel and Reba divorced in 2015 but remained on good terms.
In 2024, Narvel married Laura Putty Stroud, a real estate agent and former friend of Reba. The wedding was held in Nashville and was attended by close friends like Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani. Narvel is now a grandfather to five grandchildren: Savannah, Seth, River Rose, Remington, and Lake Easton Lee.
Career Highlights
| Year | Achievement |
| 1980 | Joined Reba McEntire’s band as a steel guitarist |
| 1988 | Co-founded Starstruck Entertainment |
| 2001 | Executive produced the TV show Reba (ran until 2007) |
| 2012 | Produced Malibu Country featuring Reba and Kelly Clarkson |
| 2024 | Married Laura Stroud and stepped away from active management |
Narvel started his career as a musician, performing in country bands during the 1970s. His major break came when he joined Reba McEntire’s band in 1980. A few years later, he became her manager and helped her grow into a multimedia star.
In 1988, he and Reba co-founded Starstruck Entertainment, a company that went on to manage top names like Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton, and Linda Davis. Narvel played a key role in Reba’s career, producing her hit sitcom Reba (2001–2007) and later Malibu Country (2012). He also worked on TV specials for Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson.
After his divorce from Reba in 2015, Narvel stepped back from full-time management but continued to oversee some projects. He managed Kelly Clarkson until 2020. By 2024, he retired from the spotlight and focused more on family life.
Net Worth
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $50 million |
| Main Income Sources | Talent management, TV production, real estate |
Narvel Blackstock has an estimated net worth of $50 million. His wealth comes from decades of managing successful music artists, producing TV shows, and investing in real estate. One major asset was a Beverly Hills mansion he bought for $9 million and sold for $22.5 million. He also owns an 80-acre property called Starstruck Farm in Tennessee.
A large part of his wealth also came from his 2015 divorce settlement from Reba McEntire, which was worth $47.5 million.
Controversies
Divorce from Reba McEntire (2015)
Narvel and Reba’s divorce after 26 years of marriage gained a lot of media attention. Though they parted ways personally, they remained friendly and professional. Reba once described their relationship as a “business arrangement” that was always work-focused.
Death of Brandon Blackstock (2025)
The passing of Narvel’s son Brandon due to melanoma cancer in August 2025 was a heartbreaking moment for the family. Narvel released a short statement asking for privacy and said, “He was my pride; our family is heartbroken.”
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