Barbara Mandrell

Barbara Mandrell has everything. She really does. In this chaotic world where we strive to juggle career, family and spirituality, this superstar is managing to do just that. She has worked hard through life's trials to create a loving and supportive atmosphere in which to raise her children, to be a good wife, and of course to be a high-quality performer and nurture her ever-evolving entertainment career.

Few performers of any genre ever attain the across-the-board celebrity that Mandrell has. In her 30+ years as a performer, she has been the recipient of over 75 major awards, released over 30 albums and sent scores of songs for a ride up both the Country and Pop charts.

Mandrell's appeal is so far reaching that her 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 late 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. A&E followed the overwhelming response to the movie by featuring Mandrell's exceptional story in Biography in April 1998. 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.

When Barbara Mandrell took the stage for her final musical performance on October 23, 1997, 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 will be a collection of songs from one of the most significant performers of the 1970s, 80s and 90s. She Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool: A Tribute to Barbara Mandrell will be released October 17 on BNA Records. Other artists on the album include Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Gretchen Wilson, Blaine Larsen, CeCe Winans, Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Dierks Bentley, Randy Owen, Lorrie Morgan, Willie Nelson and Shelby Lynne.

Barbara Mandrell is a true star in the very best sense of the word. 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 may have everything, but she gives the gift of her talent to her fans unselfishly.