Barbara Mandrell returns to the Grand Ole Opry for its 50th anniversary

Country Music Hall of Fame and Grammy winner Barbara Mandrell retired from music more than two decades ago, but the Grand Ole Opry still feels like home.

Mandrell, 73, made a rare public appearance Saturday night on the Opry to celebrate 50 years as a member of the Opry.

“Look, we’re back home,” Mandel told The Associated Press in a backstage interview at the Opry House ahead of a long-running radio and television show. “50 years. Not everyone gets that blessing.”

Born in Texas and raised in California, Mandrell was just 23 when he joined in July 1972. But by the time he arrived in Nashville he was already a seasoned artist, having spent his teenage years playing the electric guitar and performing regularly. California television show “Town Hall Party”.

During her decade-long career, the actress, multi-instrumentalist and singer brought millions of fans to country music in the ’70s and ’80s, not only through her popular television show Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters, but also through of your successes. Like “Sleep alone in a double bed”, “If your love is wrong (I don’t wanna be right)” and “I was country when country wasn’t cool”.

He became the first country artist to win the Country Music Association Musician of the Year award. His performances were a showcase of his musicianship, whether he was singing to the rafters, playing pedalboard, banjo or saxophone.

“This is called a show. You have to show them something,” Mandel said. “Otherwise they could stay home and listen to your records or listen to you on the radio.” You have to give them something to take them away.”

Along with her sisters Louise and Irlene, Mandrell used the power of television to bring new ears to country and gospel music. Her musical guests were a mix of R&B, pop and country artists.

“A lot of people will say things like, ‘I’ve never listened to country music, but now, man, I watch it every Saturday night and I love it,'” Mandel said.

This Saturday night, Mandrell was once again the country music champion. Before the show began, Mandrell watched Carrie Underwood from the side of the stage as Underwood did her soundcheck for “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool”, stopping to hug and greet the members of Underwood’s band.

Growing up, Underwood said, Mandrell’s voice was always there.

“She was a huge inspiration to me and many others who stand on the shoulders of great female artists like her,” Underwood told the Opry audience.

During Opry shows, Mandrell enthusiastically applauded female artists, including CeCe Winans, Linda Davis and Suzy Bogguss, as they performed their hits.

“I already feel on top of the world. I am deeply grateful and touched because I am such a big fan of these ladies,” Mandel said.

From his seat in the crowd, Mandrell flew up and blew kisses to his fans, who snapped pictures of the country star.

Mandrell has not played or sang, except in church, since retiring in 1997. Her last show was at the Opry House and was made into a television special called “Barbara Mandrell and the Do-Rites: The Last Dance”. “

Dressed elegantly in pink pants and surrounded onstage by 50 dozen lavender roses bought by her fans, Mandrell said goodbye to the Opry stage itself after 25 years.

“I chose my house to do the last job and that’s it,” Mandel said. “God bless you!” he told fans before walking off stage into the shadows.