Barbara Mandrell’s Career, Nominations, and Awards
Mandrell’s professional career began in the 1960s when she joined her family’s band as a steel guitar player, which was unusual for a female artist then. In 1969 she signed with Columbia Records and released her debut single I’ve Been Loving You Too Long. Mandrell’s breakthrough came in the 1970s when she signed with ABC-Dot Records. Her 1978 album Moody Woman, and its single, Sleeping Single in a Double Bed became major hits and established her as a leading figure in country music.
This success was followed by a string of hits, including If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don’t Want to Be Right, Years and I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool. These songs showcased her ability to blend traditional country with contemporary pop and R&B influences. In 1980, she launched Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters, a variety show that featured her sisters, Louise and Irlene. The show was a massive success and ran for two years, further cementing her status as a household name.
She won the Country Music Association’s CMA Entertainer of the Year award twice, in 1980 and 1981, becoming the first artist to win the award consecutively. She also earned multiple Grammy, American Music, and Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. In 2009, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of her contributions to the genre. In 1997, Mandrell announced her retirement from touring and recording, due to her desire to spend more time with her family. Her final concert Barbara Mandrell: The Last Dance, was held in 1997 and marked the end of an era.
Her net worth of $50 million has been accumulated through her successful music career, television appearances, acting roles, and business ventures. Mandrell was one of the highest-paid country artists then, and her albums and singles consistently topped the charts. Additionally, her television show, Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters, contributed significantly to her earnings. Even after retiring from active performing, Mandrell still earns royalties from her music and maintains a comfortable lifestyle.
About Barbara Mandrell’s Family Background
Barbara Mandrell was born Barbara Ann Mandrell on December 25, 1948, in Houston Texas, and grew up in a musical family. Her father, Irby Mandrell, was a musician and encouraged her to pursue music from a young age. By age 11, Barbara was already a skilled musician, playing the accordion, steel guitar, and saxophone. Mandrell married Ken Dudney, a former Navy pilot and drummer, in 1967. The couple has two children, Matthew and Jaime. Despite the demands of her career, Mandrell has always prioritized her family, often crediting her husband and children for their unwavering support.
