Red Hot for Reba

Red Hot for Reba is an original country song written and produced by Joseph “Seph” Stanek, a Broadway actor, producer, and vocal coach based in New York City. Blending humor, heart, and Nashville-style storytelling, this Reba McEntire tribute single celebrates one of country music’s most iconic voices through playful lyrics and spirited production.

Red Hot for Reba was a true passion project, the kind of work you don’t plan for but feel called to create. As a longtime music producer and creative director, I’ve had the privilege of producing countless albums and original works for other artists. But with Red Hot for Reba, every part of the process from songwriting to production was a personal labor of love.

The idea was sparked when one of my vocal students entered a songwriting contest. Although I had guided countless artists through performances, productions, and recordings, I had never personally entered a song contest myself. I wanted to lead her with full authenticity, so I challenged myself to write and produce an original song — immersing myself completely in the creative process.

When it came time to choose a subject, there was no question: Reba McEntire. Reba has been an iconic figure in my life since childhood, when a poster of her, emblazoned with the words READ MY MIND, first captivated my imagination. That admiration only deepened years later when I had the chance to work with Reba professionally, beginning with Andrea Bocelli’s gala in Rome in 2017. After introducing myself as a relative of Roy Acuff, Reba, with her trademark warmth, smiled and said, “Any kin of Roy Acuff is kin to me too. I am officially a part of your family now. What can I do for you?” It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment of connection with one of my heroes.

For Red Hot for Reba, I oversaw every element of production, ensuring that the final piece captured the humor, heart, and timeless spirit that Reba McEntire embodies. The song was inspired by that formative childhood memory, a playful, upbeat tribute to Reba’s influence on my musical journey. When I presented the finished track to her, Reba’s reaction said it all: “Well thanks, that’ll be stuck in my head for the next three months now.”

Red Hot for Reba is a testament to the power of inspiration, mentorship, and the enduring magic of country music storytelling: a project where personal passion and professional artistry finally intersected.