Barbara Mandrell
Born in Houston, December 25 1948, Barbara Mandrell she probably didn’t realize that less than a decade later, some of the artists she influenced would come together for a tribute in her honor. But that’s exactly what is happening, and the result is a collection of songs from one of the most significant performers of the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s.
In 1990 autobiography Get To The Heart: My Story appeared on the New York Times Best Seller List after only four days, and then remained there for six months. In 1997, CBS aired a two-hour made-for-television movie based on Mandrell’s life story, “Get To the Heart, My Story: The Barbara Mandrell Story.” In 1998, A&E followed the overwhelming response to the movie by featuring Mandrell’s exceptional story in “Biography.”
Mandrell is both country woman and glamorous star. A working wife and mother that just happens to be a stellar entertainer, and someone you could feel comfortable with around your own kitchen table.
Mandrell enjoys an extraordinary and varied television career. She has starred in her own NBC series and in specials for HBO, CBS and TNN; hosted programs from The Tonight Show to the People’s Choice Awards, and made guest appearances on a countless string of shows — from the Barbara Walters Special and Larry King Live to HEE HAW. Barbara is certainly universal and enduring; hers is one of the most recognizable faces of today and has been for most of her public life.
A career this far reaching could prove to be heady stuff for some, but through faith and grounded good sense, Mandrell has managed to embrace all that is good about her public life without letting go of the good in her family life; a true star, yes, and an evolving woman, too. She gives the gift of her talent to her fans unselfishly.
