Barbara Mandrell Honored By Country Radio Hall Of Fame

Barbara Mandrell was recently honored by the Country Radio Hall of Fame for her contribution to the development and promotion of country radio and country music.

During a ceremony at the Virgin Hotel in Nashville, six radio broadcasters were honored with induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame on June 10th, 2023. The broadcasters receiving the honors were Trish Biondo, Pam Green, Wade Jessen, Charlie Morgan, John Willyard, and Dollar Bill Lawson. However, there was another special award given to a precious lady named Barbara Mandrell at the event—the 2023 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award.

MusicRow states, “The CRB (Country Radio Broadcasters) Artist Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act who has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country radio and country music through their leadership, engagement, and creativity. Past recipients include Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, George Strait and The Judds, among others.”

Not only did the country music legend win an amazing award that night, but the event also included a surprise performance by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks.

The CEO of the Country Music Association, Sarah Trahern, introduced Mandrell saying she was “truly a groundbreaker for our format .. She taught generations of women, including myself, the sky is the limit when it comes to balancing a family and a career.”

Before Trisha Yearwood sang some of Mandrell’s greatest hits like “(If Loving You Is Wrong)I Don’t Wanna Be Right,” and “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” she told Mandrell “You are a rock star, and you are a pioneer and you are a bad*ss.” Trisha’s husband, Garth, joined her during the second song surprising the crowd and later stating, ”Your contribution to Country music — enormous. Your contribution to entertaining — immeasurable.”

Trisha later posted a picture on instagram from the event saying, “It was my honor to sing for one of the greats! @barbaramandrellmusic, you mean so much to music, and to me! xo”

 

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A post shared by Trisha Yearwood (@trishayearwood)

CRB/CRS Board President, Kurt Johnson, said:

“We are honored to present the Artist Career Achievement Award to Barbara Mandrell, a true icon in the music industry. Her incredible talent, dedication and passion have inspired generations of artists and fans alike. It is a privilege to recognize her outstanding contributions and celebrate her remarkable career.”

Barbara’s sister, Louise, also wrote a sweet post on social media congratulating her big sister.

Congratulations to my sister, Barbara, on her well deserved artist career achievement award at last night’s Country Radio Hall of Fame awards.

Barbara invited me to attend with her. I spent the night and we had a great time getting ready for the event together.

Trisha Yearwood performed a tribute to Barbara singing “If loving you is wrong, I don’t wanna be right” and “I was country when country wasn’t cool”. The audience was extremely surprised when Garth Brooks joined Trisha on the ending of the song.

Barbara gave a heartfelt speech to a standing ovation. I could not be more proud of my big sister.

See a video of Trisha and Garth singing “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” at the ceremony in the video below.