Whether dominating country radio airwaves with one of her hit singles or attracting new fans with her spirited turn on television’s Dancing with the Stars, Sara Evans, who performs Friday at Lincoln Theater Napa Valley, is in that class of artists who have transcended musical genres to become a household name.

Evans’ musical accomplishments are celebrated with the recent release of “Sara Evans — Greatest Hits.” The 14-song collection features 10 of her classics like “No Place That Far,” “A Real Fine Place to Start” and “Born to Fly”  as well as four new songs.

The package marks the first time Evans has worked with producer John Shanks. “He’s just amazing to work with and he was exactly what I needed for this project,” Evans said. “I know I’ll work with him again if he’ll have me. He doesn’t do anything like everybody normally does. He has no formula.”

A native of Booneville, Miss. raised with six siblings, Evans began singing country music with her family’s band when she was 5 years old. At 16, she landed a gig at a club in Columbia, Miss., and then headed to Nashville.

She got her first break when songwriter Harlan Howard tapped her to sing his demos. A deal with RCA Records followed.

Her debut disc, “Three Chords and the Truth,” earned praise from critics; her second disc, “No Place That Far,” brought commercial success that matched her critical acclaim. Her next album, “Born to Fly” produced four hit singles” “I Could Not Ask for More,” “Saints and Angels,” “I Keep Looking” and the title track.

Evans credits her success to “luck, the kindness of country radio and a good record label.” Her ability to write songs that connect with the heart of her audience and her willingness to take risks has widened her following.

“Some things just feel right,” she  said, citing her participation in ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” “It totally, totally changed my career. It was one of the best times of my life. I loved it.”

In June, Evans married former University of Alabama quarterback and sports program host Jay Barker.

“I’m just really grateful for what I have,” Evans said. “I want my life to mean something and I want to make music that matters.”

Sara Evans performs at Lincoln Theater Napa Valley Friday at 8 p.m. For tickets, which range from $59 to $79, contact the Lincoln Theater Box Office at 944-1300 or  www.linco

lntheater.org.

Sara Evans

Lincoln Theater Napa Valley

Friday, Aug. 1, 8 p.m.

Tickets $59 to $79

Box office:  944-1300 or www.lincolntheater.org.