Barbara Mandrell

Depends on your point of reference.

Compared to Patsy, Loretta, Dolly, Tammy and Emmylou?

Meh.

Compared to the losers you hear on today's so-called "country" radio?

Genius.

She had a lovely, warm voice that only occasionally had any edge to it. It was perfect for something sentimental like "Years."

FAB!

Yes.

I remember reading this allegedly true story years ago, back when the Mandrell Sisters had their TV show:

A young couple was watching the show with their toddler, who was mesmerized when the sisters began performing together. She slipped from the couch and walked slowly to the TV staring intently until her nose was against the screen. Then she turned and said,

"Are those puppets?"

I agree with r1, but I would add Dottie West and Tanya to his accurate list of superior singers. Still, Mandrell is heads and shoulders above the singers that you hear on today's country radio stations. "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed", "Fooled By a Feeling", along with "Years" are country gems.

This is the first I saw of her the other day and thought it was pretty good. I looked up her age and was surprised she was in her early 20s here. Supposedly she's Oprah's best, non submissive friend. In other words I guess Oprah idolizes her. She just sound really original here. Not so cookie cutter. Weirdest wig I've ever seen though.

If Barbara Mandrell had married Howie Mandel, divorced him and married Lana Cantrell...

R7 Maybe it's not a wig R8 That would be a funny thread if it hasn't already been done..I almost hear a hint of Karen Carpenter..

My fave:

My aunt's friend was Barbara's long time maid.

She had nothing nice to say about her.

She was overly demanding, bitchy beyond belief and above all else cheap.

On the other hand, Mandrell's husband was easy going and always apologizing for Barbara's bad behavior.

Country music purists hate her but she was big in her day.

Irlene and her daughters

[quote]Country music purists hate her but she was big in her day.

But she was country when country wasn't cool!

R10, I love Barbara's version so much more than the original.

Where is the Crystal Gayle appreciation thread?

Her voice is molten gold.

I love a very young Crystal. Before they classed her up with the gowns and elocution lessons. A teenage Crystal was a marvel to look at.

A 17 year old Crystal. I love the fearlessness of young singers before handlers get a hold of them.

the last two clips are Classic Crystal.

Didn't Barbara play the accordian?

She played just about every instrument under the Sun. Including Reba's vag.

Lol r21

IDK, OP. Maybe post an example of a song you liked by her?

Medium sized talent, was I believe a lot of consensus when she was popular and her tv series. But I don't think Beyonce is any better frankly, just more PR.

Has Crystal Gayle ever cut her hair? It mustn't be very sanitary to have one's hair be a self-attached broom.

Sorry, never heard of these people.