Remembering Barbara Mandrell’s Song “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool”
Barbara Mandrell is a country music icon who has made an indelible mark on the genre with her unique voice, showmanship, and songwriting skills. One of her most famous songs is “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” which was released in 1981. The song’s lyrics tell the story of someone who loved country music long before it became mainstream and fashionable, and how that person continued to stay true to their roots even as the genre gained widespread popularity.
The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics struck a chord with audiences, and it quickly became a hit. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and won the Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year in 1982. The success of the song helped to solidify Barbara Mandrell’s place as one of country music’s biggest stars.
“I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” has since become a classic country music anthem. It celebrates the authenticity and sincerity of country music while also acknowledging its rise in popularity. The song is a testament to the enduring power of the genre and the people who love it.
Barbara Mandrell’s legacy extends far beyond just this one song, however. She has had numerous hits throughout her career, including “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed,” “Years,” and “Crackers.” She was also the first artist ever to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award twice in a row, in 1980 and 1981. Her impact on country music cannot be overstated, and she will always be remembered as one of the genre’s greatest icons.
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