Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight to Feature Barbara Mandrell

If you are a Barbara Mandrell fan, I extend an invitation to join me Sunday October 12th at 11 am as we journey through the life and music of Barbara.

She caught the attention of country star Chet Atkins when she was just 11 years old.  He helped her meet country stars and she was able to tour with Patsy Cline when she was 13 years old.  Barbara and her family later formed The Mandrell Family Band, which toured the country to considerable fame.  She became the only female country musician to win the CMA Entertainer of the Year award twice.

She strove to make a name for herself and women in country music.  In 1972 she was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

There are two singles that standout for me in her career. The first of a song written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan, Sleeping Single in a Double Bed, which was released in August of 1978 from the album Moods.  That single stayed at number one for three weeks and spent a total of 11 weeks on the country chart.

I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool was released in April of 1981.  It featured a guest appearance by country star George Jones.  That song was released during a period of rapid growth in the popularity of country music thanks in part to the movie Urban Cowboy.  The song went to number one which became her signature song.

She finally retired from country music in 1997.  Her last show was called, "Barbara Mandrell and the Do-Rites: The Last Dance."

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