Barbara Mandrell's 'Holdin' On' Turns 54: A Look at Its Impact and Origins

Mandrell recorded her version of "Holdin' On (To the Love I Got)" on Aug. 31, 1972, with Sherrill producing. It was released as a single on Sept. 25, backed by "Smile, Somebody Loves You," and spent ...
American Songwriter

3 Barbara Mandrell Singles From the 1970s That Sound Like Hits Today

Barbara Mandrell is undoubtedly one of the most influential country music artists from the 1970s and 80s. Mandrell’s debut album, Treat Him Right, came out in 1971. The record kicked off a successful ...
American Songwriter

Barbara Mandrell Turned Childhood Teasing Into a Country Anthem—and a Career-Defining Hit

Before cowboy hats were trendy and country was pop, Barbara Mandrell was getting teased at school for loving “hillbilly music.” So when she heard “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” she didn’t ...
Yahoo

1981’s Country Cool Classic Sent Barbara Mandrell Straight to No. 1

In 1981, Barbara Mandrell reigned as country music's queen and further solidified her stardom with a song inspired by the sounds that shaped her as a young girl. According to American Songwriter, ...