Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson’s Peers, who were contacted by The Gene Watson Fan Site, during 2017, were most gracious with their time and words.
It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Barbara Mandrell, which she submitted to this site on Tuesday 5 December 2017.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Barbara Mandrell who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Barbara Mandrell
This quote was submitted on Tuesday 5 December 2017.
‘Gene Watson is one of the greatest voices in country music, ever!
He is a true artist’
Thank you, Barbara Mandrell, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Barbara Mandrell…
Barbara Mandrell was, by the tender age of five, already on the way to becoming a country music sensation.
Today, Barbara Mandrell is considered a pioneer of the industry and a music legend among fans everywhere.
Born to a musical family in Houston, Texas, Barbara Mandrell began playing the accordion and reading sheet music before she could read words.
By the age of eleven, Barbara Mandrell was a prodigy on the steel guitar, which prompted her father to take her to a music trade show in Chicago.
Barbara Mandrell’s performance caught the attention of legendary country music guitarists, Chet Atkins (Friday 20 June 1924 – Saturday 30 June 2001) and ‘Uncle’ Joe Maphis (Thursday 12 May 1921 – Friday 27 June 1986). It was Barbara Mandrell’s first foray into the music industry, and the beginning of a storied, and successful, career in country music.
After her landmark performance at a trade show, ‘Uncle’ Joe Maphis (Thursday 12 May 1921 – Friday 27 June 1986) invited Barbara Mandrell to join his show at The Showboat Hotel in Las Vegas. It became one of the single greatest influences on her musicianship and, by the time she was a teenager, Barbara Mandrell was touring with ‘The Johnny Cash Show’ – Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003).
‘The Johnny Cash Show’ included high-profile guests, including Patsy Cline (Thursday 8 September 1932 – Tuesday 5 March 1963), George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) and June Carter Cash (Sunday 23 June 1929 – Thursday 15 May 2003).
A short time later, Barbara Mandrell’s father, Irby Mandrell, formed The Mandrell Family Band, and the act embarked on a successful tour across Asia. The formation of the band also brought Barbara Mandrell together with her future husband, Ken Dudney, after her dad hired him as the drummer.
In 1967, Barbara Mandrell married Ken Dudney and made the decision to step away from the music industry to focus on being a wife. She’d just returned from an exhausting tour in another country and had already been working for nearly a decade when she turned nineteen years old.
In 1968, Barbara Mandrell went to live with her parents after Ken Dudney, who was working as a Navy carrier pilot at the time, was deployed.
Barbara Mandrell gradually began playing a few shows again here and there at the urging of friends in the industry. Barbara Mandrell had a come-to-Jesus moment while sitting in the balcony of The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville with her father, watching another female performer on stage.
Barbara Mandrell felt that she was not destined for a life of sitting in the audience. Barbara Mandrell’s passion was reignited and she made the decision to get back on stage and give it her all as a solo artist.
Barbara Mandrell moved to Nashville after high school and signed a recording contract with Columbia Records in 1969.
On Thursday 9 September 1971, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of her debut album, ‘Treat Him Right’ (Columbia Records, 1971), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)’, which was written by Jerry Butler and Otis Ray Redding Jr. (Tuesday 9 September 1941 – Sunday 10 December 1967) (No.55, 1969)
‘Playing Around With Love’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) (No.18, 1970)
‘Do Right Woman, Do Right Man’, which was written by Lincoln Wayne ‘Chips’ Moman (Saturday 12 June 1937 – Monday 13 June 2016) and Dan Penn (No.17, 1970)
‘Treat Him Right’ (written by Roy Head and Gene Kurtz) (No.12, 1971)
Barbara Mandrell’s debut album, ‘Treat Him Right’ (Columbia Records, 1971), also included the following tracks:
‘He’ll Never Take The Place of You’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), Charlie Daniels and Bob Johnson
‘The Letter’, which was written by Wayne Carson Thompson (Monday 31 May 1943 – Monday 20 July 2015)
‘Break My Mind’, which was written by John D. Loudermilk (Saturday 31 March 1934 – Wednesday 21 September 2016)
‘Watching My World Walk Away’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)
‘Baby, Come Home’ (written by Forest Borders)
‘I Almost Lost My Mind’, which was written by Ivory Joe Hunter (Saturday 10 October 1914 – Friday 8 November 1974)
‘Games People Play’, which was written by Joe South (Wednesday 28 February 1940 – Wednesday 5 September 2012)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s debut album, ‘Treat Him Right’ (Columbia Records, 1971), included the following:
Jerry Kennedy, Grady Martin (Thursday 17 January 1929 – Monday 3 December 2001), Billy Sanford, Harold Bradley (Saturday 2 January 1926 – Thursday 31 January 2019) and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
Pete Drake (Saturday 8 October 1932 – Friday 29 July 1988) and Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Bob Moore (Wednesday 30 November 1932 – Wednesday 22 September 2021) (bass)
Buddy Harman (Sunday 23 December 1928 – Thursday 21 August 2008) and Kenneth Buttrey (drums)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano)
The Jordanaires (vocals)
Barbara Mandrell’s debut album, ‘Treat Him Right’ (Columbia Records, 1971), reached No.44 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1971.
On Saturday 29 July 1972, Barbara Mandrell was inducted as a member of The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
In October 1972, David Houston (Monday 9 December 1935 – Tuesday 30 November 1993) & Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘A Perfect Match’ (Epic Records, 1972), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘After Closing Time’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Danny Walls (No.6, 1970)
‘We’ve Got Everything But Love’, which was written by Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986) (No.20, 1971)
‘A Perfect Match’, which was written by Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007) and Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 – Wednesday 25 May 2005) (No.24, 1972)
‘I Love You, I Love You’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Danny Walls (No.6, 1973)
‘Lovin’ You is Worth It’, which was written by Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986) and Quinton Claunch (No.40, 1974)
David Houston (Monday 9 December 1935 – Tuesday 30 November 1993) & Barbara Mandrell’s ‘A Perfect Match’ (Epic Records, 1972) also included the following tracks:
‘We’re Gonna Make It All The Way’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023)
‘Something To Brag About’ (written by Bobby Braddock)
‘Try a Little Harder’ (written by Thomas Kramer and Larry Ryan)
‘Almost Persuaded’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007)
‘How Can It Be Wrong (When It Feels So Right)’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017), Danny Walls and Sammy Lyons
‘We Go Together’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017), Danny Walls and Sammy Lyons
Personnel involved in the recording of David Houston (Monday 9 December 1935 – Tuesday 30 November 1993) & Barbara Mandrell’s ‘A Perfect Match’ (Epic Records, 1972) included the following:
Jerry Kennedy, Billy Sanford, Wayne Moss and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
Pete Drake (Saturday 8 October 1932 – Friday 29 July 1988) (steel guitar)
Bob Moore (Wednesday 30 November 1932 – Wednesday 22 September 2021) (bass)
Buddy Harman (Sunday 23 December 1928 – Thursday 21 August 2008) (drums)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano)
The Jordanaires and The Nashville Edition (vocals)
David Houston (Monday 9 December 1935 – Tuesday 30 November 1993) & Barbara Mandrell’s ‘A Perfect Match’ (Epic Records, 1972) reached No.38 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1972.
In December 1973, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘The Midnight Oil’ (Columbia Records, 1973), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Tonight My Baby’s Coming Home’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007) (No.10, 1971)
‘Show Me’, which was written by Joe Tex (Thursday 8 August 1935 – Friday 13 August 1982) (No.11, 1972)
‘Hold On (To The Love I Got)’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017), Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986) and Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) (No.27, 1972)
‘Give A Little, Take A Little’ (written by Mike Kosser and Steve Pippin) (No.24, 1973)
‘The Midnight Oil’ (written by Joe Allen) (No.7, 1973)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘The Midnight Oil’ (Columbia Records, 1973) also included the following tracks:
‘Jamestown Ferry’, which was written by Bobby Borchers and Mack Vickery (Wednesday 8 June 1938 – Tuesday 21 December 2004)
‘In The Name of Love’, which was written by Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986), Earl Montgomery and George Richey (Saturday 30 November 1935 – Saturday 31 July 2010)
‘Ain’t It Good’ (written by Freddy Weller)
‘Satisfied’, which was written by Irene Ethel ‘Martha Carson’ Amburgey Cosse (Thursday 19 May 1921 – Thursday 16 December 2004)
‘Smile, Somebody Loves You’ (written by Tony Austin)
‘We’re Gonna Hold On’, which was written by Earl Montgomery and George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘The Midnight Oil’ (Columbia Records, 1973) included the following:
Jerry Kennedy, Grady Martin Thursday 17 January 1929 – Monday 3 December 2001), Billy Sanford, Harold Bradley (Saturday 2 January 1926 – Thursday 31 January 2019) and Bobby Thompson (Monday 5 July 1937 – Wednesday 18 May 2005) (guitar)
Pete Drake (Saturday 8 October 1932 – Friday 29 July 1988) and Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Roy Huskey Jr. (Monday 17 December 1956 – Saturday 6 September 1997) (bass)
Willie Ackerman (Monday 1 May 1939 – Thursday 13 December 2012) (drums)
Buddy Spicher and Johnny Gimble (Sunday 30 May 1926 – Saturday 9 May 2015) (fiddle)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘The Midnight Oil’ (Columbia Records, 1973) reached No.8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1973.
In August 1974, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘This Time I Almost Made It’ (Columbia Records, 1974), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘This Time I Almost Made It’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) (No.12, 1974)
‘Wonder When My Baby’s Comin’ Home’ (written by Kermit Goell and Arthur Kent) (No.39, 1975)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘This Time I Almost Made It’ (Columbia Records, 1974) also included the following tracks:
‘Feeling Like A Woman’, which was written by Jerry Donald Chesnut (Thursday 7 May 1931 – Saturday 15 December 2018)
‘Wisdom of A Fool’ (written by Abner Silver and Roy Alfred)
‘You’re All I Need To Get By’, which was written by Nickolas Ashford (Sunday 4 May 1941 – Monday 22 August 2011) and Valerie Simpson
‘Keep On Singing’ (written by Bobby Hart and Danny Janssen)
‘A Very Special Love Song’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017)
‘Today I Started Loving You Again’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Bonnie Owens (Tuesday 1 October 1929 – Monday 24 April 2006)
‘Kiss The Hurt Away’ (written by Chuck Reed and Finley Duncan)
‘Words’, which was written by Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, CBE (Thursday 22 December 1949 – Sunday 12 January 2003) and Robin Gibb, CBE (Thursday 22 December 1949 – Sunday 20 May 2012)
‘Something’, which was written by George Harrison, MBE (Thursday 25 February 1943 – Thursday 29 November 2001)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘This Time I Almost Made It’ (Columbia Records, 1974) reached No.41 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1974.
On Monday 3 May 1976, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘This Is Barbara Mandrell’ (Dot Records, 1976), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Standing Room Only’ (written by Charles Silver and Susan Manchester) (No.5, 1975)
‘That’s What Friends Are For’ (written by Ed Penney and Rob Parsons) (No.16, 1976)
‘Love Is Thin Ice’ (written by Geoff Morgan) (No.24, 1976)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘This Is Barbara Mandrell’ (Dot Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:
‘Beginning of The End’, which was written by Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 – Saturday 27 December 1997)
‘Husband Stealer’, which was written by Gary Sanford ‘Flip’ Paxton (Thursday 18 May 1939 – Sunday 17 July 2016) and Steve Paxton
‘She Don’t Have To Stop & Rock The Baby’ (written by Dan Hice and Ruby Hice)
‘Love The Second Time Around’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024)
‘Can’t Help But Wonder’ (written by Sharon Sanders)
‘Will We Ever Make Love In Love Again’ (written by Bud Reneau and Sarah Johns)
‘Mental Revenge’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017)
‘Just In Case’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘This Is Barbara Mandrell’ (Dot Records, 1976) included the following:
Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020), Steve Gibson, Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019), Bobby Thompson (Monday 5 July 1937 – Wednesday 18 May 2005) and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
Harald ‘Hal’ Rugg (Tuesday 21 July 1936 – Tuesday 9 August 9, 2005) and John Hughey (Wednesday 27 December 1933 – Sunday 18 November 2007) (steel guitar)
Mike Leech (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) and Hayward Bishop (drums)
Tommy Williams (fiddle)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022), David Briggs and Bobby Ogdin (piano, organ)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica, vibes)
Farrell Morris (percussion)
Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings (strings)
Archie Jordan (arrangements)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘This Is Barbara Mandrell’ (Dot Records, 1976) reached No.26 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1976.
On Friday 29 November 1976, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Midnight Angel’ (Dot Records, 1976), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Midnight Angel’ (written by Bob Morrison and Bill Anthony) (No.16, 1976)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Midnight Angel’ (Dot Records, 1976), which was produced by Tom Collins, and also included the following tracks:
‘From Saturday Night To Sunday Quiet’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024)
‘Partners’, which was written by Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 – Saturday 27 December 1997)
‘Better Off By Myself’ (written by Geoff Morgan)
‘Fool’s Gold’ (written by Robert Jones)
‘It’s A Beautiful Morning With You’ (written by Archie Jordan)
‘Pillow Pleasure’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024)
‘I Count You’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024) and Barbara Mandrell
‘I Never Said I Love You’, which was written by Archie Jordan and Mack David (Friday 5 July 1912 – Thursday 30 December 1993)
‘Slippin’ Around Again’, which was written by Roger D. Bowling (Sunday 3 December 1944 – Sunday 26 December 1982) and Morris Simmons
‘Married, But Not To Each Other’ (written by Denise LaSalle and Frances Miller)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Midnight Angel’ (Dot Records, 1976) included the following:
Billy Sanford, Steve Gibson, Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020), Glenn Keener, Jack Mollette and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
John Hughey (Wednesday 27 December 1933 – Sunday 18 November 2007) (steel guitar)
Mike Leech (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums)
Tommy Williams (fiddle)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) and Bobby Ogdin (piano)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica, vibes)
Farrell Morris (percussion, vibes)
Gordon Stoker (The Jordanaires) (Sunday 3 August 1924 – Wednesday 27 March 2013), Hoyt Hawkins (The Jordanaires) (Thursday 31 March 1927 – 1982), Janie Fricke, Lea Jane Berinati, Neal Matthews (The Jordanaires) (Saturday 26 October 1929 – Friday 21 April 2000) and Ray Walker (vocals)
Archie Jordan (arrangements)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Midnight Angel’ (Dot Records, 1976) reached No.24 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1976.
In May 1977, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Lovers, Friends & Strangers’ (Dot Records / ABC Records, 1977), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Married, But Not To Each Other’ (written by Denise LaSalle and Frances Miller) (No.3, 1977)
‘Hold Me’, which was written by Glenn Ray McGuirt (1938 – Thursday 11 June 2020) (No.12, 1977)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Lovers, Friends & Strangers’ (Dot Records / ABC Records, 1977) also included the following tracks:
‘She Loved Me Out of You’ (written by Dean Dillon and Gary Harrison)
‘This is Not Another Cheatin’ Song’, which was written by Joe Maphis (Thursday 12 May 1921 – Friday 27 June 1986) and Rose Lee Maphis (Friday 29 December 1922 – Tuesday 26 October 2021)
‘How Long Does It Take’ (written by Dean Dillon)
‘Bedroom Reunion’ (written by Dean Dillon and Johnny McCollum)
‘We Are The One’, which was written by Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 – Saturday 27 December 1997)
‘After The Lovin’ (written by Alan Bernstein, Ritchie Adams and Richard Zigler)
‘Lovers, Friends & Strangers’, which was written by Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 – Saturday 27 December 1997)
‘Let My Man Go, Jesus’ (written by Don Devaney)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Lovers, Friends & Strangers’ (Dot Records / ABC Records, 1977) included the following:
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019), Steve Gibson, Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020), Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014), Glenn Keener and Stephen Schaffer (guitar)
Harald ‘Hal’ Rugg (Tuesday 21 July 1936 – Tuesday 9 August 9, 2005) and John Hughey (Wednesday 27 December 1933 – Sunday 18 November 2007) (steel guitar)
Mike Leech (bass)
Hayward Bishop and Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums)
Tommy Williams (fiddle)
Bobby Thompson (Monday 5 July 1937 – Wednesday 18 May 2005) (banjo)
Bobby Ogden, David Briggs and Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano, keyboards)
Charlie McCoy and Terry McMillan (Monday 12 October 1953 – Friday 2 February 2007) (harmonica)
Farrell Morris (vibes, percussion)
Ann Migliore, Carl Gorodetzky, Donald Christian Teal, Gary Vanosdale, George Binkley, Lennie Haight, Marvin Chantry, Roy Christensen, Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings and Steven Smith (strings)
Holladay Sisters and The Lea Jane Singers (vocals)
Archie Jordan (arrangements)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Lovers, Friends & Strangers’ (Dot Records / ABC Records, 1977) reached No.26 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1977.
In July 1977, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘The Best of Barbara Mandrell’ (Columbia Records, 1977), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included the following tracks:
‘Scarlet Water’ (written by Freddy Weller and Spooner Oldham) / this track was a new recording for this album
‘Tonight My Baby’s Coming Home’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007) (No.10, 1971)
‘Kiss The Hurt Away’ (written by Chuck Reed and Finley Duncan) / this track was an album track from 1974
‘Treat Him Right’ (written by Roy Head and Gene Kurtz) (No.12, 1971)
‘A Very Special Love Song’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) / this track was an album track from 1974
‘The Midnight Oil’ (written by Joe Allen) (No.7, 1973)
‘Show Me’, which was written by Joe Tex (Thursday 8 August 1935 – Friday 13 August 1982) (No.11, 1972)
‘This Time I Almost Made It’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) (No.12, 1974)
‘Wonder When My Baby’s Comin’ Home’ (written by Kermit Goell and Arthur Kent) (No.39, 1975)
‘Do Right Woman, Do Right Man’, which was written by Lincoln Wayne ‘Chips’ Moman (Saturday 12 June 1937 – Monday 13 June 2016) and Dan Penn (No.17, 1970)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘The Best of Barbara Mandrell’ (Columbia Records, 1977) reached No.37 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1977.
On Friday 18 November 1977, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Love’s Ups & Downs’ (Dot Records, 1977), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the billboard country music singles chart:
‘Woman To Woman’ (written by James Banks, Eddie Marton and Henderson Thigpen) (No.4, 1977) / this track also reached No.92 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1977
‘Tonight’ (written by Don Cook and Rafe Van Hoy) (No.5, 1978)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Love’s Ups & Downs’ (Dot Records, 1977) also included the following tracks:
‘(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher & Higher’, which was written by Carl Smith (Tuesday 15 March 1927 – Saturday 16 January 2010), Gary Jackson and Raynard Miner
‘Don’t Hand Me No Hand Me Down Love’ (written by Rory Bourke and Charles Silver)
‘If I Were A River’ (written by Marty Yonts)
‘Magician’, which was written by Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 – Saturday 27 December 1997)
‘Let The Rain Out’ (written by Geoff Morgan)
‘Fancy Place To Cry’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024)
‘Walking Home In The Rain’, which was written by Paul Craft (Friday 12 August 1938 – Saturday 18 October 2014)
‘How Long’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Love’s Ups & Downs’ (Dot Records, 1977) included the following:
Billy Sanford, Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019), Steve Gibson, Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020), Bobby Thompson (Monday 5 July 1937 – Wednesday 18 May 2005), Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) and Glenn Keener (guitar)
Harald ‘Hal’ Rugg (Tuesday 21 July 1936 – Tuesday 9 August 9, 2005) and John Hughey (Wednesday 27 December 1933 – Sunday 18 November 2007) (steel guitar)
Mike Leech (bass)
Hayward Bishop and Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums)
Tommy Williams (fiddle)
Bobby Ogdin, David Briggs, Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) and Tony Migliore¨(piano, keyboards)
Farrell Morris (vibes, percussion)
Carl Gorodetsky, Gary Vanosdale, George Binkley, Marvin Chantry, Roy Christensen, Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings, Stephanie Woolf, Steven Smith and Wilfred Lehmann (strings)
Dorothy Deleonibus, Duane West, Ginger Holladay, Gordon Stoker (The Jordanaires) (Sunday 3 August 1924 – Wednesday 27 March 2013), Hoyt Hawkins (The Jordanaires) (Thursday 31 March 1927 – 1982), Janie Fricke, Lea Jane Berinati, Neal Matthews (The Jordanaires) (Saturday 26 October 1929 – Friday 21 April 2000), Ray Walker, Sherilyn Kramer and Tom Brannon (vocals)
Archie Jordan (arrangements)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Love’s Ups & Downs’ (Dot Records, 1977) reached No.29 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart in 1977.
On Wednesday 20 September 1978, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Moods’ (ABC Records, 1978), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Sleeping Single In A Double Bed’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.1 for three weeks in November 1978)
‘(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right’, which was written by Homer Banks (Saturday 2 August 1941 – Thursday 3 April 2003), Raymond Earl Jackson (1941 – Friday 10 November 1972) and Carl Hampton (No.1 for one week in April 1979) / this track also reached No.31 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1978
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Moods’ (ABC Records, 1978) also included the following tracks:
‘No Walls, No Ceilings, No Floors’, which was written by Archie Jordan and Mack David (Friday 5 July 1912 – Thursday 30 December 1993)
‘It’s A Crying Shame’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘Early Fall’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024)
‘Pity Party’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘I Feel The Hurt Coming On’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘Just One More of Your Goodbyes’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘I Believe In You’, which was written by Donald ‘Don’ Addrisi (Wednesday 14 December 1938 – Tuesday 13 November 1984) and Dick Addrisi
‘Don’t Bother To Knock’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Moods’ (ABC Records, 1978) included the following:
Dale Sellers, James Burton, Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020) and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
John Hughey (Wednesday 27 December 1933 – Sunday 18 November 2007) (steel guitar)
Mike Leech and Peter Bordonali (bass)
Hayward Bishop, Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021), Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992) and Clyde Brooks (drums)
Robert Ogdin and David Briggs (piano, keyboards)
Lee Hargrove, Shane Keister and Tony Migliore (synthesizer)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica, vibes)
Terry McMillan (Monday 12 October 1953 – Friday 2 February 2007) (harmonica)
Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings (strings)
Archie Jordan (arrangements)
The Bruce Dees Singers, Janie Fricke, and The Lea Jane Singers (vocals)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Moods’ (ABC Records, 1978) reached No.8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1978.
On Friday 19 January 1979, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘The Best of Barbara Mandrell’ (ABC Records, 1979), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included the following tracks:
‘Woman To Woman’ (written by James Banks, Eddie Marton and Henderson Thigpen) (No.4, 1977) / this track also reached No.92 on the Billboard hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1977
‘Love Is Thin Ice’ (written by Geoff Morgan) (No.24, 1976)
‘Hold Me’, which was written by Glenn Ray McGuirt (1938 – Thursday 11 June 2020) (No.12, 1977)
‘After The Lovin’ (written by Alan Bernstein, Ritchie Adams and Richard Zigler) / this track was an album track from 1977
‘Married, But Not To Each Other’ (written by Denise LaSalle and Frances Miller) (No.3, 1977)
‘Sleeping Single In A Double Bed’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.1 for three weeks in November 1978)
‘That’s What Friends Are For’ (written by Ed Penney and Rob Parsons) (No.16, 1976)
‘Midnight Angel’ (written by Bob Morrison and Bill Anthony) (No.16, 1976)
‘Standing Room Only’ (written by Charles Silver and Susan Manchester) (No.5, 1975)
‘Tonight’ (written by Don Cook and Rafe Van Hoy) (No.5, 1978)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘The Best of Barbara Mandrell’ (ABC Records, 1979) reached No.13 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1979, and No.170 on the Billboard Top pop music albums chart in 1979.
On Friday 17 August 1979, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Just For The Record’ (MCA Records, 1979), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Fooled By A Feeling’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.4, 1979)
‘Years’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.1 for one week in February / March 1980)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Just For The Record’ (MCA Records, 1979) also included the following tracks:
‘My Love Can Do No Wrong’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘She’s Out There Dancin’ Alone’ (written by Geoff Morgan)
‘Selfish’ (written by Geoff Morgan)
‘Darlin’ (written by Oscar Blandamer and Renee Marte)
‘Using Him To Get To You’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘Is It Love Yet’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘I Can Wait’, which was written by Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 – Wednesday 25 May 2005)
‘Love Takes A Long Time To Die’ (written by Geoff Morgan)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Just For The Record’ (MCA Records, 1979) included the following:
Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020) and Bruce Dees (guitar)
Pete Bordonali (guitar, mandolin)
John Hughey (Wednesday 27 December 1933 – Sunday 18 November 2007) (steel guitar)
Mike Leech (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021), Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992), Roger Clark and Clyde Brooks (drums)
David Brigg and Robert Ogdin (piano, keyboards)
Shane Keister and Lee Hargrove (synthesizer)
Tom Collins (celesta)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica, vibes)
Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings (strings)
Donna Sheridon, Duane West, Janie Fricke, Karen Taylor, Lea Jane Berinati, Lisa Silver, Randy Wright and Tom Brannon (vocals)
Mile Leech (arrangements)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Just For The Record’ (MCA Records, 1979) reached No.9 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1979, and No.166 on the Billboard Top 200 pop music albums chart in 1979.
In September 1980, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Love Is Fair’ (MCA Records, 1980), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Crackers’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.3, 1980)
‘The Best of Strangers’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.6, 1980) / this track was a duet with Randy Wright
‘Love Is Fair (It Breaks Everybody’s Heart)’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.13, 1981)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Love Is Fair’ (MCA Records, 1980), which was produced by Tom Collins, and also included the following tracks:
‘He’s Out of My Life’ (written by Tom Bahler) / this track was a duet with Randy Wright
‘Not Tonight, I’ve Got A Heartache’ (written by Dave Powelson)
‘Long Time, No Love’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘Sometime, Somewhere, Somehow’ (written by Jack Turner and Brant Beene)
‘My Bonnie Lies Over & Over’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024) and Royal C. Bannon
‘I’m Afraid He’ll Find You (Somewhere In My Heart)’, which was written by Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022) and Michael Johnson (Tuesday 8 August 1944 – Tuesday 25 July 2017)
‘Coming On Strong’ (written by David Wilkins)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Love is Fair’ (MCA Records, 1980) included the following:
Fred Newell, Pete Bondonali, Bruce Dees and Robert Wray (guitar)
John Hughey (Wednesday 27 December 1933 – Sunday 18 November 2007) (steel guitar)
Mike Leech (bass)
Charles Phillips, Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) and Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992) (drums)
David Briggs (piano)
Bobby Emmons and Robert Ogdin (keyboards)
Tony Migliori (synthesizer)
Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings (strings)
Dennis Morgan, Larry Keith, Lea Jane Berinati, Randy Wright and Steve Brantley (vocals)
Mike Leech (arrangements)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Love Is Fair’ (MCA Records, 1980) reached No.6 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1980, and No.175 on the Billboard Top 200 pop music albums chart in 1980.
In 1980, the Country Music Association (CMA) named Barbara Mandrell ‘Entertainer of The Year’. At the time, Barbara Mandrell was only the third woman to have ever won the title.
Barbara Mandrell earned that accolade again in 1981, an unprecedented honour, which was only replicated by Taylor Swift. An array of accolades from the Country Music Association (CMA), Academy of Country Music (ACM), Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and People’s Choice Awards followed, making Barbara Mandrell one of the most awarded country artists in history.
Barbara Mandrell, along with her sisters, Louise and Irlene, enjoyed a lauded television career which began in the 1980s with her NBC variety show, ‘Barbara Mandrell & The Mandrell Sisters’. The variety show drew nearly 40 million viewers weekly and introduced the world to country music.
Barbara Mandrell also starred in specials for HBO, CBS and TNN, and also hosted popular shows, including ‘The Tonight Show’ and ‘People’s Choice Awards’, and made guest appearances on a countless string of shows, from ‘Barbara Walters’ Specials and ‘Larry King Live’ to ‘Hee Haw’.
In July 1981, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Looking Back’ (Columbia Records, 1981), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included the following tracks:
‘Show Me’, which was written by Joe Tex (Thursday 8 August 1935 – Friday 13 August 1982) (No.11, 1972)
‘Ain’t It Good’ (written by Freddy Weller) / this track was an album track from 1973
‘A Very Special Love Song’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) / this track was an album track from 1974
‘Tonight My Baby’s Coming Home’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007) (No.10, 1971)
‘Satisfied’, which was written by Irene Ethel ‘Martha Carson’ Amburgey Cosse (Thursday 19 May 1921 – Thursday 16 December 2004) / this track was an album track from 1973
‘Treat Him Right’ (written by Roy Head and Gene Kurtz) (No.12, 1971)
‘Baby, Come Home’ (written by Forest Borders) / this track was an album track from 1971
‘Games People Play’, which was written by Joe South (Wednesday 28 February 1940 – Wednesday 5 September 2012) / this track was an album track from 1971
‘Words’, which was written by Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb CBE (Thursday 22 December 1949 – Sunday 12 January 2003) and Robin Gibb CBE (Thursday 22 December 1949 – Sunday 20 May 2012) / this track was an album track from 1974
‘You’re All I Need To Get By’, which was written by Nickolas Ashford (Sunday 4 May 1941 – Monday 22 August 2011) and Valerie Simpson / this track was an album track from 1974
On Friday 7 August 1981, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Barbara Mandrell Live’ (MCA Records, 1981), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.1 for one week in July 1981) / this track, which featured a guest appearance from George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013), who was not credited on the record charts, was nominated for 1981 ‘Single of The Year’ by both the Country Music association (CMA) and Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards organisations
‘Wish You Were Here’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.2, 1981)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Barbara Mandrell Live’ (MCA Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:
‘Sleeping Single In A Double Bed’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘Unsung Heroes’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘She’s Out There Dancin’ Alone’ (written by Geoff Morgan)
‘Doin’ It Right’ (written by Charles Bundy and Mike Jones)
‘Years’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘Love Is Fair (It Breaks Everybody’s Heart)’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘Hey, Good Lookin’, which was written by Hank Williams (Monday 17 September 1923 – Thursday 1 January 1953)
‘Mountain Dew’ (written by Scott Wiseman and Bascomb Lunsford)
Medley: ‘Fireball Mail’, ‘Old Joe Clark’, ‘Night Train’ and ‘Uncle Joe’s Boogie’
‘In My Heart’ (written by Fred Carlton)
‘Battle Hymn of The Republic’ (written by Julia Howe and John Steffe)
‘Country Girl’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Barbara Mandrell Live’ (MCA Records, 1981) included the following:
Barbara Mandrell (vocals, guitar, steel guitar, Dobro, mandolin, banjo, saxophone)
Gene Miller (guitar)
Mike Jones (steel guitar, mandolin)
Charlie Bundy (bass)
Randy Wright (drums)
Gary Smith (piano, keyboards)
Lonnie Webb (synthesizer)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Barbara Mandrell Live’ (MCA Records, 1981) reached No.4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1981, and No.86 on the Billboard Top 100 pop music albums chart in 1981.
On Friday 30 April 1982, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘In Black & White’ (MCA Records, 1982), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Til You’re Gone’ (written by Walt Aldridge and Tom Brasfield) (No.1 for one week in July 1982) / this track also reached No.25 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1982
‘Operator, Long Distance, Please’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.9, 1982)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘In Black & White’ (MCA Records, 1982) also included the following tracks:
‘You’re Not Supposed To Be Here’, which was written by Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 – Saturday 27 December 1997)
‘Rolling Stone’, which was written by Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015) and Gary Harrison
‘Some Things Never Change’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘Black & White’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘Getting Over A Man’ (written by Morgan Ames and Clydene Jackson)
‘Dreams Don’t Lie’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘Why Am I Still Loving You’, which was written by Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 – Saturday 27 December 1997) and Gary Harrison
‘Thrill Is Gone’ (written by Buddy DeSylva, Lew Brown and Ray Henderson)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘In Black & White’ (MCA Records, 1982) included the following:
Fred Newell, Pete Bordanali, Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020), Bruce Dees, Marty Walsh and Fred Tackett (guitar)
Bob Wray, Joe Osborn, Mike Leech and Neil Stubenhaus (bass)
Buster Phillips and Mike Baird (drums)
Bobby Ogdin and David Briggs (piano, keyboards)
Shane Keister (synthesizer)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica, vibes)
Ronald Eades (saxophone)
Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings (strings)
Barbara Wyrick, Bruce Dees, Gene Miller, Marcia Routh, Marie Tomlinson, Steve Brantley and Susan Storm (vocals)
Bergen White (arrangements)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘In Black & White’ (MCA Records, 1982) reached No.7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982, and No.153 on the Billboard Top 200 pop music albums chart in 1982.
On Friday 27 August 1982, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘He Set My Life To Music’ (MCA Records, 1982), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included the following tracks:
‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus’ (written by Joseph Scrivens and Charles Converse) / this track featured guest vocals from BJ Thomas (Friday 7 August 1942 – Saturday 29 May 2021)
‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ (written by Wallace Willis) (traditional)
‘I Turn To Him’ (written by William Davidson) / this track featured guest vocals from The Blackwood Brothers
‘I Will Glory In The Cross’, which was written by Dottie Rambo (Friday 2 March 1934 – Sunday 11 May 2008) / this track featured guest vocals from Dottie Rambo
‘Through It All’ (written by Tom Collins and Barbara Mandrell)
‘He Set My Life To Music’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘He Grew The Tree’ (written by Chuck Lawrence)
‘Out of The Mouths of Babes’ (written by Tom Collins and Barbara Mandrell)
‘I’m Yours, Lord’ (written by Gary Chapman)
‘Then, Now & Forever’ (written by Tom Collins and Barbara Mandrell)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘He Set My Life To Music’ (MCA Records, 1982) reached No.59 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982.
On Friday 29 July 1983, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Spun Gold’ (MCA Records, 1983), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘In Times Like These’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.4, 1983)
‘One of A Kind Pair of Fools’ (written by R.C. Bannon and John Bettis) (No.1 for one week in November 1983)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Spun Gold’ (MCA Records, 1983) also included the following tracks:
‘As Well As Can Be Expected’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘Only Now & Then’, which was written by Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015) and Mike Reid
‘You Are Not An Angel’ (written by Marcus Weiser)
‘Man’s Not A Man’ (written by Steve Dean and Frank Myers)
‘Overnight Sensation’, which was written by Eric Carmen (Thursday 11 August 1949 – March 2024)
‘Loveless’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
‘Bad Boys’ (written by Diane Warren)
‘Cryin’ All The Way To The Bank’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Spun Gold’ (MCA Records, 1983) reached No.5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1983, and No.140 on the Billboard Top pop music albums chart in 1983.
On Tuesday 27 March 1984, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Clean Cut’ (MCA Records, 1984), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Happy Birthday Dear Heartache’, which was written by Archie Jordan and Mack David (Friday 5 July 1912 – Thursday 30 December 1993) (No.3, 1984)
‘Only A Lonely Heart Knows’, which was written by Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022) and Dennis Morgan (No.2, 1984)
‘Crossword Puzzle’ (No.11, 1984)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Clean Cut’ (MCA Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
‘If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Another’ (written by Frank Myers)
‘I Can Depend On You’
‘I Wonder What The Rich Folk Are Doin’ Tonight’ (written by Frank Myers)
‘Just Like Old Times’
‘Look What Love Has Done’
‘Take Care of You’
‘Sincerely, I’m Yours’
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Clean Cut’ (MCA Records, 1984) reached No.8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984, and peaked outside the Billboard Top 200 pop music Albums Chart, reaching No.204.
On Monday 6 August 1984, Barbara Mandrell & Lee Greenwood saw the release of ‘Meant For Each Other’ (MCA Records, 1984), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘To Me’, which was written by Mack David (Friday 5 July 1912 – Thursday 30 December 1993) and Mike Reid (No.3, 1984) / this track also reached No.24 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks Chart in 1984
‘It Should Have Been Love By Now’, which was written by Jan Crutchfield (Saturday 26 February 1938 – Thursday 1 November 2012) and Paul Harrison (No.19, 1985) / this track also reached No.35 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks Chart in 1985
Barbara Mandrell & Lee Greenwood’s ‘Meant For Each Other’ (MCA Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
‘Can’t Get Too Much of A Good Thing’ (written by J.D. Martin and Dennis Morgan)
‘I’ll Never Stop Loving You’ (written by Michael David and Steve Dean)
‘We’re A Perfect Match’ (written by Cal Freeman and Stan Munsey)
‘We Were Meant For Each Other’ (written by Lee Greenwood)
‘Soft Shoulder’, which was written by Dennis Morgan and Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015)
‘Now You See Us, Now You Don’t’, which was written by Jan Crutchfield (Saturday 26 February 1938 – Thursday 1 November 2012) and Paul Harrison
‘One On One, Eye To Eye, Heart To Heart’, which was written by Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022) and Dennis Morgan
‘Held Over’ (written by Jerry Fuller)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell & Lee Greenwood’s ‘Meant For Each Other’ (MCA Records, 1984) included the following:
Barbara Mandrell and Lee Greenwood (lead vocals)
Cindy Richardson and Lisa Silver (backing vocals)
Diane Tidwell (synthesizers, backing vocals)
David Briggs and Bobby Ogdin (piano, synthesizers)
Alan Steinberger (synthesizers)
Peter Bordonali, Steve Gibson and Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (guitar)
David Hungate and Jack Williams (bass)
Eddie Bayers (drums)
Terry McMillan (Monday 12 October 1953 – Friday 2 February 2007) (percussion, harmonica)
Quitman Dennis and Donald Sanders (saxophone)
Wayne Jackson (trombone, trumpet)
Barbara Mandrell & Lee Greenwood’s ‘Meant For Each Other’ (MCA Records, 1984) reached No.5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984, and No.89 on the Billboard Top 200 pop music albums chart in 1984.
In October 1984, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Christmas At Our House’ (MCA Records, 1984), her first album of Christmas material, which was produced by Tom Collins, and included the following tracks:
‘Christmas At Our House’, which was written by Archie Jordan and Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015)
‘Winter Wonderland’ (written by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith)
‘This Time of The Year’ (written by Jessie Hollis and Cliff Owens)
‘Santa, Bring My Baby Home’ (written by W.T. Davidson and R. Hatch)
‘One Night A Year’ (written by R.C. Bannon and John Bettis)
‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’, which was written by Buck Ram (Thursday 21 November 1907 – Tuesday 1 January 1991), Kim Gannon and Walter Kent
‘It Must Have Been The Mistletoe (Our First Christmas)’ (written by Doug Konecky and Justin Wilde)
‘From Our House To Yours’, which was written by Lisa Angelle and John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024)
‘Born To Die’ (written by Shireen Salyer)
‘The Christmas Story’
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s first album of Christmas material, ‘Christmas At Our House’ (MCA Records, 1984), included the following:
Eddie Bayers (drums)
Pete Bordonali (acoustic guitar, guitar, electric guitar)
Thomas Brannon, Lori Brooks, Phillip Forest, Sherilyn Huffman, Louis Dean Nunley (The Jordanaires) (Thursday 15 October 1931 – Friday 26 October 2012), Lisa Silver and Diane Tidwell (backing vocals)
David Briggs and Shane Keister (piano, synthesizer)
Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020) (acoustic guitar, guitar, piano, synthesizer)
David Hungate (bass guitar)
John Jarvis (synthesizer)
Barbara Mandrell (lead vocals)
Farrell Morris (percussion)
The Nashville Horn Works (horn)
Nashville String Machine (strings)
Brent Rowan (electric guitar)
Bergen White (arrangements, string arrangements)
Barbara Mandrell’s first album of Christmas material, ‘Christmas At Our House’ (MCA Records, 1984), reached No.31 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984.
On Thursday 28 February 1985, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Barbara Mandrell’s Greatest Hits’ (MCA Records, 1985), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included the following tracks:
‘I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.1 for one week in July 1981) / this track featured guest vocals from George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013)
‘Years’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.1 for one week in February / March 1980)
‘Wish You Were Here’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.2, 1981)
‘The Best of Strangers’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.6, 1980) / this track was a duet with Randy Wright
‘Happy Birthday Dear Heartache’, which was written by Archie Jordan and Mack David (Friday 5 July 1912 – Thursday 30 December 1993) (No.3, 1984)
‘(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right’ (written by Homer Banks, Raymond Jackson and Carl Hampton) (No.1 for one week in April 1979) / this track also reached No.31 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1979
‘Crackers’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.3, 1980)
‘One of A Kind Pair of Fools’ (written by R.C. Bannon and John Bettis) (No.1 for one week in November 1983)
‘In Times Like These’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) (No.4, 1983)
‘There’s No Love In Tennessee’, which was written by Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022) and Dennis Morgan (No.7, 1985) / this track was a new track, which was released as the album’s lead single
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Barbara Mandrell’s Greatest Hits’ (MCA Records, 1985) reached No.27 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.
On Monday 19 August 1985, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Get To The Heart’ (MCA Records, 1985), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Angel In Your Arms’ (written by Clayton Ivey, Terry Woodford and Tom Brasfield) (No.8, 1985)
‘Fast Lanes & Country Roads’ (written by Roger Murrah and Steve Dean) (No.4, 1985)
‘When You Get To The Heart’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017), Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Tuesday 7 May 2024) and Tony Brown (No.20, 1986) / this track was a duet with The Oak Ridge Boys
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Get To The Heart’ (MCA Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:
‘I’m A Believer’ (written by Neil Diamond)
‘I’d Fall In Love Tonight’ (written by Mike Reid and Naomi Martin)
‘Don’t Look In My Eyes’ (written by Roger Murrah, Frank Myers and Bobbi Duffy)
‘For Your Love’, which was written by Dennis Morgan and Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022)
‘If They Grow Tired of My Music’ (written by R.C. Bannon)
‘You, Only You’, which was written by Mack David (Friday 5 July 1912 – Thursday 30 December 1993) and Charles William Quillen (Monday 21 March 1938 – Friday 19 August 2022)
‘Survivors’ (written by Naomi Martin)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Get To The Heart’ (MCA Records, 1985) reached No.25 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.
On Monday 25 August 1986, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Moments’ (MCA Records, 1986), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘No One Mends A Broken Heart Like You’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024) (No.6, 1986)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Moments’ (MCA Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:
‘Love’s Gonna Get You’
‘Love Is Adventure In The Great Unknown’
‘I’d Put Angels Around You’
‘Freedom Feels Like Loneliness Today’
‘Come As You Were’, which was written by Paul Craft (Friday 12 August 1938 – Saturday 18 October 2014)
‘Grand Tour of My Heart’
‘You Know What I’m Not Talking About’
‘(You’re Still My) Hand Holder’
‘Moments’
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Moments’ (MCA Records, 1986) reached No.53 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1986.
Shortly after the release of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Moments’ (MCA Records, 1986), Barbara Mandrell left MCA Records and switched to EMI America Records in 1987.
On Saturday 1 August 1987, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Sure Feels Good’ (EMI America Records, 1987), which was produced by Tom Collins, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Sure Feels Good’ (No.48, 1987)
‘Child Support’ (written by Thom Schuyler) (No.13, 1987)
‘Angels Love Bad Men’, which was written by Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) and Roger Murrah (No.49, 1988) / this track featured guest vocals from Waylon Jennings
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Sure Feels Good’ (EMI America Records, 1987) also included the following tracks:
‘Just To Satisfy You’, which was Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) and Don Bowman (Thursday 26 August 1937 – Wednesday 5 June 2013)
‘You Can’t Get There From Here’ (written by Roger Murrah and Keith Stegall)
‘It All Came True’
‘Hangin’ On’
‘One of Us Is Always Leaving’
‘Sunshine Street’ (written by Roger Murrah, Rich Alves and Steve Dean)
‘I’m Glad I Married You’
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Sure Feels Good’ (EMI America Records, 1987) reached No.24 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
On Wednesday 14 September 1988, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘I’ll Be Your Jukebox Tonight’ (Capitol Records, 1988), an album with a more traditional country music approach than previous Barbara Mandrell albums; the album was produced by Tom Collins, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Wish That I Could Fall In Love Today’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.5, 1988) / this track featured additional production from Fred Foster
‘My Train of Thought’, which was written by Bruce Burch (Friday 30 January 1953 – Saturday 12 March 2022) and Michael Woody (No.19, 1989)
‘Mirror, Mirror’, which was written by Bobby Barker and Phil Thomas (1944 – Saturday 5 January 2019) (No.49, 1989) / this track became Barbara Mandrell’s final charting single on the Billboard country music singles chart
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘I’ll Be Your Jukebox Tonight’ (Capitol Records, 1988) also included the following tracks:
‘I’ll Be Your Jukebox Tonight’ (written by James Dean Hicks and Roger Murrah)
‘Big, Big Love, which was written by Ray Carroll and Wynn Stewart (Thursday 7 June 1934 – Wednesday 17 July 1985)
‘Blanket of Love’ (written by Steve Dean and Keith Stegall)
‘My Heart Is In The Right Place This Time’, which was written by Charlie Craig (Friday 30 September 1938 – Friday 1 July 2011), Roger Murrah and Keith Stegall
‘I Dropped Your Name’ (written by Terry Skinner and Ken Bell)
‘If We Fall, We Will Fly’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘Til It’s Love Again’ (written by Richard Leigh and Pat McManus)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘I’ll Be Your Jukebox Tonight’ (Capitol Records, 1988) reached No.35 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1988.
Barbara Mandrell’s influence on popular media also included a 1990 autobiography, ‘Get To The Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story’ (Bantam Publishing, 1990), which was written with George Vecsey, and appeared on The New York Times ‘Best Seller List’ after only four days and remained there for six months; the autobiography was so popular that it was later turned into a made-for-television movie for CBS.
On Monday 9 April 1990, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Morning Sun’ (Capitol Records, 1990), which included three tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘You Wouldn’t Know Love (If It Looked You In The Eye)’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) / this track failed to chart on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart, but it did peak at No.81 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in early March 1990
‘You’ve Become The Dream’ (written by James Dean Hicks and Roger Murrah) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it failed to chart on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart; it also failed to chart on the Canadian RPM Country Singles Chart in 1990
‘The Nearness of You’, which was written by Hoagland Howard ‘Hoagy’ Carmichael (22 November 1899 – Sunday 27 December 1981) and Ned Washington (15 August 1901 – Monday 20 December 1976) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it failed to chart on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart, and the Canadian RPM Country Singles Chart
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Morning Sun’ (Capitol Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
‘Do You Know Where Your Man Is’, which was written by Carol Chase, Dave Gibson and Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 – Friday 12 July 2019)
‘I’m Not Your Super Woman’ (written by L.A. Reid, Babyface and Daryl Simmons)
‘Trying Times’, which was written by Keith Palmer (Sunday 23 June 1957 – Thursday 13 June 1996) and Sharon Palmer
‘Crazy Arms’, which was written by Ralph E. Mooney (Sunday 16 September 1928 – Sunday 20 March 2011) and Chuck Seals / this track was a duet with Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) / the original version of this track was a Billboard country music hit single for Ray Price in 1956, when it reached No.1, remaining at the top of the chart for twenty weeks
‘Baby I Hate’, which was written by Keith Stegall and Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022)
‘It’s Over For The Last Time Again’
‘Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People’ (written by Keith Stegall and Roger Murrah)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Morning Sun’ (Capitol Records, 1990) did not chart on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1990.
On Tuesday 21 August 1990, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘No Nonsense’ (Capitol Records, 1990), which was produced by Jimmy Bowen, and included three tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Men & Trains’ (written by R.C. Bannon) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
‘I’ll Leave Something Good Behind’ (written by Hilary Kanter) / this track was released as a single in 1991, but it did not chart
‘Feed The Fire’ (written by Ava Aldridge and Jan Buckingham) / this track was released as a single in 1991, but it did not chart
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘No Nonsense’ (Capitol Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
‘Where Are The Pieces of My Heart’, which was written by Hugh Prestwood (Thursday 2 April 1942 – Sunday 22 September 2024)
‘Too Soon To Tell’ (written by Mike Reid)
‘Straight & Narrow’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘I’d Rather Be Used (Than Not Needed At All)’ (written by R.C. Bannon) / this track was a duet with Louise Mandrell
‘More Fun Than The Law Allows’, which was written by Hugh Prestwood (Thursday 2 April 1942 – Sunday 22 September 2024)
‘You Gave It To Me’
‘We Can’t Go Back’
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘No Nonsense’ (Capitol Records, 1990) included the following:
Eddie Bayers (drums)
Larry Byrom and Dan Huff (guitar)
Steve Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022), Lisa Silver, Curtis Young and Leana Young (background vocals)
Paul Franklin, Randy McCormick and Chris Waters (synthesizer)
John Jarvis (piano)
Barbara Mandrell (lead vocals)
Michael Rhodes (Wednesday 16 September 1953 – Saturday 4 March 2023) (bass)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (guitar)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘No Nonsense’ (Capitol Records, 1990) peaked, for one week, at No.72 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1990.
Around the time of the release of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘No Nonsense’ (Capitol Records, 1990), Barbara Mandrell was featured in a series of television commercials and print advertisements for ‘No Nonsense’ pantyhose, some of which were used to cross-promote the album.
On Tuesday 24 September 1991, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Key’s In The Mailbox’ (Capitol Records, 1991), which was produced by Jerry Crutchfield (Friday 10 August 1934 – Tuesday 11 January 2022), and included four tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘The Key’s In The Mailbox’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) / this track was released as a single in 1991, but it did not chart
‘When A Man Loves A Woman’ (written by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright) / this track was released as a single in 1991, but it did not chart
‘I Love You Because’, which was written by Leon Payne (Friday 15 June 1917 – Thursday 11 September 1969) / this track was released as a single in 1992, but it did not chart
‘Try Gettin’ Over You’ (written by Michael Bolton and Doug James) / this track was released as a single in 1992, but it did not chart
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Key’s In The Mailbox’ (Capitol Records, 1991) also included the following tracks:
‘Tall Drink of Water’ (written by Susan Longacre and Zack Turner)
‘You’re All I’ve Got To Lose’ (written by Byron Hill and Cyril Pearson)
‘Before I’m Ever Over You’ (written by Sandy Ramos and Jerry Vandiver)
‘This Rock’ (written by Naomi Martin and Rhonda Gunn)
‘The Way I Feel Right Now’ (written by Bill Kenner and Thom McHugh)
‘Road To Your Heart’ (written by Wendy Waldman, Josh Leo and Jim Photoglo)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Key’s in The Mailbox’ (Capitol Records, 1991) included the following:
Eddie Bayers and Paul Leim (drums)
Paul Franklin (steel guitar)
Steve Gibson (guitar)
Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Vicki Hampton, Chris Rodriguez and Curtis Young (background vocals)
David Innis and Mike Lawler (synthesizer)
Barbara Mandrell (lead vocals)
Michael Rhodes (Wednesday 16 September 1953 – Saturday 4 March 2023) and Bob Wray (bass)
Matt Rollings (piano, synthesizer)
Gary Smith (piano)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘Key’s In The Mailbox’ (Capitol Records, 1991), which reached No.62 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1991, was Barbara Mandrell’s final release to chart on any Billboard album list.
In 1994, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘Acoustic Attitude’ (Direct Records, 1994), which included acoustic versions of Barbara’s greatest hit singles, complete with fresh arrangements:
‘Sleeping Single In A Double Bed’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for three weeks in November 1978)
‘Fast Lanes & Country Roads’ (written by Roger Murrah and Steve Dean) / the original version of this track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985
‘The Best of Strangers’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) / the original version of this track reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980
‘Wish You Were Here’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) / the original version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981
‘To Me’, which was written by Mack David (Friday 5 July 1912 – Thursday 30 December 1993) and Mike Reid / the original version of this track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1984, and also reached No.24 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks Chart in 1984
‘When You Get To The Heart’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017), Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Tuesday 7 May 2024) and Tony Brown / the original version of this track reached No.20 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1986), and was a duet with The Oak Ridge Boys
‘Tonight My Baby’s Coming Home’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007) / the original version of this track reached No.10 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1971
‘(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right’ (written by Homer Banks, Raymond Jackson and Carl Hampton) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles char for one week in April 1979, and also reached No.31 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1978
‘I Wish That I Could Fall In Love Today’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) / the original version of this track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1988
‘I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in July 1981, and featured guest vocals from George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013)
‘Years’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in February / March 1980
‘In Times Like These’ (written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan) / the original version of this track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1983
On Tuesday 22 April 1997, Barbara Mandrell saw the release of ‘It Works For Me’ (DRD Records, 1997), which was produced by Barbara Mandrell and Brent Rowan, and included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Ten Pound Hammer’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) / this track was released as a single in 1997, but it did not chart
‘Get Here’ (written by Brenda Russell) / this track was released as a single in 1997, but it did not chart
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘It Works For Me’ (DRD Records, 1997) also included the following tracks:
‘To My Heart’ (written by Steve Bogard and Tony Haselden)
‘Heart From A Stone’ (written by Beth Nielsen Chapman and Mark Germino)
‘I Won’t Be Home Tonight’ (written by Bob Gaudio and Roger Murrah)
‘Your One & Only’ (written by Hilary Kanter and Even Stevens)
‘Temptation’ (written by George Lloyd and S. Stewart)
‘Love By Any Name’, which was written by Jim Daddario and Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015)
‘A Little Time For Us’, which was written by Sam Powell, M. Powell and Kim Williams (Saturday 28 June 1947 – Thursday 11 February 2016)
‘Just Like Me’ (written by Debbie Hupp and Bob Morrison)
‘Weight of The World’ (written by Mac McAnally)
‘Have I Told You Lately’ (written by Van Morrison)
Personnel involved in the recording of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘It Works For Me’ (DRD Records, 1997) included the following:
Michael Black, Gary Burr, Bruce Dees, John Wesley Ryles and Dennis Wilson (background vocals)
Eric Darken (percussion)
Owen Hale (drums)
Jim Horn (saxophone)
Barbara Mandrell (lead vocals)
Steve Nathan (keyboards)
Michael Rhodes (Wednesday 16 September 1953 – Saturday 4 March 2023) (bass)
Brent Rowan (guitar)
Chris Walter (keyboards)
Barbara Mandrell’s ‘It Works For Me’ (DRD Records, 1997) did not to chart the Billboard Top Country Albums chart in 1997, but was later re-issued, on CD, by Razor & Tie Records.
Following the release of Barbara Mandrell’s ‘It Works For Me’ (DRD Records, 1997), Barbara Mandrell entered retirement and left the country music business – ‘It Works For Me’ (DRD Records, 1997) was Barbara Mandrell’s final studio album of original material to date.
In 1997, Barbara Mandrell officially retired with a final concert, ‘Barbara Mandrell & The Do-Rites: The Last Dance’, which was filmed at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville for a highly-rated TNN (The Nashville Network) concert special.
In 1999, Barbara Mandrell was inducted into The Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
In 2000, The Academy of Country Music (ACM) honoured Barbara Mandrell with ‘The Pioneer Award’, its most prestigious award.
In 2009, Barbara Mandrell received two accolades which would be among the proudest of her career, she became the only woman ever to be inducted into The Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.
It was also in 2009 when The Country Music Hall of Fame inducted Barbara Mandrell, along with Roy Linwood Clark (Saturday 15 April 1933 – Thursday 15 November 2018) and Charlie McCoy; the ceremony paid tribute to their incredible, inimitable careers.
In 2014, Barbara Mandrell was inducted into The Musicians Hall of Fame, and was recognised for her prowess in playing multiple instruments, particularly the steel guitar.
• Visit Barbara Mandrell’s official site at barbaramandrell.com