On November 18, 1980, the NBC network premiere of “Barbara Mandrell & The Mandrell Sisters” brought its leading lady into a new career phase. Already one of country music’s best-known performers, it pushed her in front of millions of viewers – some of whom hadn’t known her work before.
Produced by Sid and Marty Krofft, the variety series emphasized music and choreography, but it also provided plenty of comedy between Barbara, Louise and Irlene. Barbara came off as “bossy,” an exaggeration of their real-life relationship.
