By the time Barbara Mandrell was 14, the family started a traveling band of their own. [45] In the early 1990s, she portrayed a character on the television show Empty Nest. [92], In 2020, American disc jockey and producer Dave Aud partnered with Mandrell to remix her 1978 song "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed". [16][21] It was included on her nineteenth studio disc I'll Be Your Jukebox Tonight (1988). [64] In addition, the Mandrell sisters performed a series of comedy sketches. The controller was in the process of entering that information into the computer when communication with the aircraft was lost.. Brown Field is a general aviation airport that has long been considered a possible replacement for Lindbergh Field in downtown San Diego. Lying near one piece of wreckage was a broken compact disc titled Family Style by the Vaughan Brothers. She did not want money from them but had to go through the motions of litigation in order to collect her insurance. However, she found herself in the middle of a tragedy in . 526 (unknown) 5.xx [---] Mickey Gilley / Jerry Lee Lewis Synopsis: It doesn't look like we'll see much more from Mandrell in the future. [15][3] The single became her second solo top ten hit, reaching number seven on the Billboard country chart and number five on the RPM country chart. One of the hottest artists in country music during the 1970s and 1980s, Barbara Mandrell is best remembered for such hits as "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed," "I Don't Want to Be Right," and "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool." A multi-talented instrumentalist, Mandrell played accordion, bass guitar, banjo, guitar, mandolin, pedal steel . [100][101] Mandrell sold the home in 2002 in order to downsize. In the 1970s and 1980s, she charted a series of top-10 hits. However, she returned to recording in 1985 and had several more top ten country singles including "Fast Lanes and Country Roads" (1985), "No One Mends a Broken Heart Like You" (1986), and "I Wish I Could Fall in Love Today" (1988). On that day, a small plane went down in bad weather, taking with it three absolute trailblazers of rock 'n roll: J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, one of the first rockabilly stars; Ritchie Valens, the first Latino rock star; and Buddy Holly, whose mighty influence on the budding . "[81], Mandrell has been widely considered among country music's most successful artists and allaround entertainers. In 1965, she was voted "Miss Oceanside California". NASHVILLE . Fred Guida gave the program a negative review in his book A Christmas Carol and Its Adaptations: "Unfortunately, Skinflint fails to live up to its interesting premise, and the result is one of the lamest Carol variations to date. no. [13] She participated in the marching band, chorus and student council. [37] "I would refer to myself in the third person: 'That was her' or 'She did that' or 'You should have asked her. [6] While in Corpus Christi, Mandrell got acquainted with music. Also included were the top ten recordings "Operator, Long Distance Please" and "In Times Like These". [17] It also topped the North American country charts[15] and crossed over into the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and Canadian pop songs chart. [70] Following her 1984 car crash, a television special of Mandrell's was aired on CBS titled Barbara MandrellSomething Special. Even selling her instruments, she's seldom made any appearances since instead spending time at home with her family. She spent a year and a half recovering before Mandrell was able to return to music, and since the crash has become a committed advocate for the use of seatbelts while her children were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, the family didn't use them regularly (via theChicago Tribune). [3][14] Her first Columbia single made America's Billboard country songs chart in 1969 called "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)". "She has been such an inspiration to me and so many others that stand on the shoulders of great female artists like her," Underwood enthused. [10], Mandrell has been only one of a few women to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year award, and one of only two women (alongside Taylor Swift) to win the award twice. Wolff further commented, "What's ironic about her subject matter is that Mandrell herselfa devout Christian, mother and wife always maintained an impeccably clean, familyoriented profile. She calls the spectacular Nashville event Barbara Mandrell & The Do-Rites: The Last Dance. INTERVIEW Barbara Mandrell: Sweetness Through Suffering By Cheryl Wilcox and Scott Ross The 700 Club. A Musician at an Early Age. [69] Joe Brown of The Washington Post called the film, "an overheated title for what amounts to a lukewarm drama about a natural phenomenon and its effect on a small town." 12) Barbara Mandrell has three children. Mandrell briefly made a cameo appearance at the beginning and end of the film. You're the one that I'll always love. [113][107] Her legal team contacted the White family in an effort to inform them that Mandrell did not want money from them but instead needed to do it for legal purposes. [16][21] Its corresponding studio album of the same name reached the number eight position on the Billboard country LP's chart. [10] Mandrell credited wearing a seat belt to saving her and her children's lives. She was heard by country performer Joe Maphis who would help launch Mandrell's early career as a musician. The ill-fated plane was chartered from Prestige Touring in Dallas. Barbara Mandrell, 35, Singer, Injured in Fatal 2-Car Crash, https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/12/us/barbara-mandrell-35-singer-injured-in-fatal-2-car-crash.html. by Jason Ankeny. We were playing outsideand Im talking this is when Im a little girland we were singing, of all things, 'Ive Been Working on the Railroad.' [16] Mandrell remained with Capitol until 1991. [3] Released as a single, it was her fourth number one song on the Billboard country chart. Held at the famed Grand Ole Opry House -- most appropriate since she's been an Opry member for more than . [7], Shortly after high school graduation, Mandrell married Ken Dudney and chose to retire from performing to become a full-time housewife. In 1975, she moved to ABCDot records and reached her commercial breakthrough with countrypop singles like "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed" (1978), "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right" (1979), "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool" (1981) and "One of a Kind Pair of Fools" (1983). [12] While watching the show that evening, Mandrell realized that she still wanted to perform. When the pilot became airborne, he did call on the radio to the FAA air traffic controller in San Diego, to file his flight plan, Brekke said. Vaughan and the members of McEntires band are the latest in a long line of pop musicians to have died in aviation disasters. Mandrell herself suffered a leg fracture, a concussion, and other injuries, while two of her children were also in the car with her and were injured(via The New York Times). Though Mandrell and her kids survived, all three faced a long period of recovery. "[3] Mary A. Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann highlighted Mandrell's countrysoul mix in their 2003 book: "[Mandrell's delivery] gives her vocals a hoarse, urgent quality that she put to good use on 'blue-eyed soul' versions of R&B songs," they noted. A study released in February of last year warned that mountains to the east and northeast of the airport would pose problems for normal takeoffs and landings. All posts are from Morris Higham Management. [16][21] Mandrell's future singles and albums reached progressivelylower chart positions as a new group of traditionallyoriented country artists began having more commercial success. Carrie Underwood, who performed on the night as part of the all-female lineup, told the gathered crowd that she wouldn't be where she is today without Mandrell. Seven members of the country-western singer Reba McEntire's band, along with her road manager and two pilots, were killed early today when their private plane crashed in a mountain area near the . Mandrell also played a variety of musical instruments during her career that helped earn her a series of majorindustry awards. [14][20], In 1971, Mandrell's single "Tonight My Baby's Coming Home" was her first to peak in the top ten of the Billboard country songs chart. It featured of remakes of her songs performed by contemporary country performers such was Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans and LeAnn Rimes. Michael Farley, assistant airport operator at Brown Field, said no navigation aids are available on nearby mountains to guide planes taking off or landing at the airport. Among the artists who performed that night were Suzy Bogguss, Jeannie Seely and Carrie Underwood. All of a sudden I started to hear harmony. Investigators said the crash site was near a large telecommunications complex, which feeds radio transmissions to law-enforcement agencies. This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. Nearby was a book titled The Book of Balance and Harmony, by Thomas Cleary, and several cans of shaving cream and hair spray. [94], Mandrell has been married to former musician and Navy pilot Ken Dudney since 1967. May 28, 2020, 10:00 ET. Brekke said the controller then attempted several times to call the pilot on the radio, but to no avail. At about 2 a.m., McEntire was jolted awake by the telephone - it was their private pilot, Roger Woolsey, who begged Blackstock to come to his . Rolling Stone explained that the song was remixed as "the first step in a new effort to bring Barbara Mandrells music into the digital age. Barbara Mandrell. [32][68] In 1982, Mandrell announced the program would end after a two-year run on NBC. "Angels Love Bad Men . Her first recollection of performing in front people was at her family's church singing a rendition of the "Gospel Boogie". The country star later thanked everyone on Instagram, posting photos from the night and gushing, "Whether you were there in person or watching from home, I felt so much love from each of you and I wish you could know how you made me feel,"adding, "Thank you to the @opry for celebrating me and welcoming me home. [45] Mandrell also continued recording and releasing new material. Her injuries required a lengthy rehabilitation and recovery period, during which she suffered confusion, memory loss and speech problems. [7] They also hired two outside musicians including drummer Ken Dudney, whom Mandrell would later marry in 1967. Barbara Mandrell, a country music star, suffered multiple injuries tonight in a two-car headon collision that killed the driver of the other car, the authorities said. Her father was the guitarist and lead singer while her mother played the bass. Why would such a successful star suddenly retire and step away from fame? He was like all kids, listening to the radio and watching the rock groups.. [6] Irby Mandrell opened his own music store. Throughout the rest of the decade, she rose to the upper echelons of the U.S. country music chart. [39], For the British journalist and newsreader, see, 19601968: Late childhood and teenage years as a steel guitarist, 19691974: Singing transition and early success at Columbia Records, 19751986: Countrypop crossover and career peak, 19871997: Later recordings, career slowdown and retirement, 19781983: Early roles and television variety series, (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right, I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now), Best Actress in a Television Musical or Comedy Series, Get to the Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, List of awards and nominations received by Barbara Mandrell, Golden Globe Award for Best Actress Television Series Musical or Comedy, "Barbara Mandrell chart history (Country Songs)", "Barbara Mandrell Age, songs, & husband Biography", "Barbara Mandrell Barbara Mandrell's Corpus Christi harmonies", "Barbara Mandrell Remembers Having Slumber Parties With Patsy Cline", "2018 Miss Oceanside Scholarship Pageant-April 14", "Academy of Country Music (Barbara Mandrell)", "Search results for "Barbara Mandrell" under Country Songs", "Barbara Mandrell chart history (Country Albums)", "Barbara Mandrell chart history (Hot 100)", "Search results for "Barbara Mandrell" under Top Singles", "Barbara Mandrell chart history (Adult Contemporary songs)", "CMA Awards Past Winners & Nominees (Barbara Mandrell)", Recording Industry Association of America, "Encore Presentation: Country Music Superstars", "The Secret History of Why Barbara Mandrell Seemingly Vanished", "Barbara Mandrell, her sisters to reunite for fur babies", "BARBARA MANDRELL NEEDS TO SHED FLASH AND FOCUS ON POWERFUL VOICE CONCERT REVIEW", "How Barbara Mandrell's 1978 Hit 'Sleeping Single in a Double Bed' Got a Dance Remix", "Terri Clark Gets an Old-School Thank You Note from Barbara Mandrell", "Reba McEntire Reflects on the Inspiration of Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Others", "Carly Pearce Shares Songs That Inspired 'Next Girl' In Exclusive Playlist Takeover", "Barbara Mandrell, Roy Clark, Charlie McCoy Join Country Music Hall of Fame", "Every CMA Awards Entertainer of the Year Winner Ever", "Luke Bryan, Maren Morris to Perform at 2016 ACM Honors", "Barbara Mandrell Praises Contemporary Country Music", "BARBARA MANDRELL'S LIFE: TRANSFORMED BY NEAR-DEATH", "Barbara Mandrell bets her career on television", "Barbara Mandrell Releases New Remix, Vinyl Album Collection", "Carrie Underwood Helps Barbara Mandrell Celebrate Her 50th Grand Ole Opry Anniversary", "Barbara Mandrell just wasn't cut out to be in the audience", "Barbara Mandrell met her husband when she was just 14: Now shares the secret to their happy and lasting relationship", "Barbara Mandrell's former log mansion is now one of the area's biggest tourist draws", "Travel: A visit to the largest log cabin in the world", "Behind the scenes at Fontanel: Barbara Mandrell's former home finds new groove as entertainment mecca", "Fontanel Mansion: Exploring the Fontanel Mansion & Farm", "Barbara Mandrell, 35, Singer, Injured in Fatal 2-Car Crash", "Lawsuit puts Mandrell in hot water with fans", "MANDRELL'S HEALING FINE, BUT THANKS TO DAD, SHE'S STILL HIGH PROFILE", "Barbara Mandrell: Sweetness Through Suffering", "MANDRELL TO SING OUT SUPPORT FOR BELT LAW", "TURNING POINT BARBARA MANDRELL HAS SURVIVED TRAGEDY TO COME BACK A STRONGER PERSON, SHE SAYS", "Putting the final touches on this 'Angel'-ic CBS series", "WHAT'S UP WITH BARBARA AND ALL OF THOSE LITTLE MANDRELLS? The 19-year-old driver of the other car was killed when his car crossed the center line and hit the car driven by Mandrell. Twice crowned Entertainer of the Year at the Country Music Awards (via Taste of Country) and winner of two Grammys, Mandrell was one of the most successful country artists out there in the '70s and '80s. ", On July 30, 2022, almost three decades after retiring, living legend Barbara Mandrell made her triumphant return to the Grand Ole Opry stage, in Nashville, to celebrate her 50th anniversary with the country music Mecca. She continue acting until 2000. [63] In 1980, she was signed by NBC to host a national television variety series. [37], On September 11, 1984, Mandrell and her two oldest children were in Tennessee heading home from shopping when another driver crossed the center line and hit them head on. "You can't say she's in terrible pain all the time if the pain she's in is the kind where she`s trying to exceed what that knee will do, trying to make it do its full thing again. Kenneth Mathew Dudney is her eldest son born in 1970. [31] In 1982, MCA issued her first live album,[35] which charted the Billboard country albums top five[24] and certified gold in sales from the United States. Now in her seventies, she's rarely been active since the turn of the century and appears content with a life away from the limelight. However, that same year, Mandrell retired after a performance at the Grand Ole Opry (via K-Law). [38] The project brought Mandrell her first Grammy awards. After a near-fatal car accident in 1984, Mandrell seriously considered retirement. [37] She was also made the honorary chairman of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 1985. She appeared as a recurring character in the soap opera Sunset Beach. [12] The Mandrell Family Band mostly played military bases around the United States and performed a variety of music including songs by The Beatles. [3] In reviewing her 1983 album, critic Greg Adams commented, "Spun Gold contains some bizarre collisions of country music's traditional working-class perspective with disco-era glitz. [14], Critics and writers took notice of Mandrell's fusion of country music with R&B and soul. In 1984, Mandrell debuted in her first television film titled Burning Rage. [68] She was urged to quit the show by physicians who warned that she would ultimately suffer from permanent vocal damage. Forbidden Love. The fatal crash took a toll on Barbara Mandrell physically, mentally, and emotionally over the years. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Country Music Hall of Famer and Grammy winner Barbara Mandrell retired from music more than two decades ago, but the Grand Ole Opry still feels like home to her. McEntires publicist, Jenny Bohler, said that band member Anthony Saputo, who died in the crash, had been reading Clearys book during a recent concert stop in Alaska. First off, let's shatter the myth that as Mandrell's career hit its stride, she became nothing more than the pop-leaning singer of "Crackers" and "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed.". Mandrell, 73, made a rare public appearance on Saturday night at the Opry to celebrate her 50th anniversary of being an . "[22] Some critics found that Mandrell's Columbia material lacked individuality and at times seemed closer resemble that of other Columbia artists. Mandrell's children survived with minor injuries. The aircraft was being flown visually, without clearance or guidance from an air traffic control tower, said Elly Brekke, a spokeswoman for the FAA. A-you're the one that I'm thinking of. Mandrell further explained her reasoning behind incorporating R&B: "To me, country music and R&B music have a lot of similarities, but the one thing that I think is the most important is both genres, just straight ahead, theyre telling you. Tulare sheriff said a drug cartel, then backtracks. Don Holms and first officer Chris Hollinger, were experienced pilots. She then began a new career with a company that works to place people with addiction issues into appropriate rehabilitation facilities. "[97] The pair officially wed in 1967. The couple has three adult children, Matthew, Jamie, and Nathan, who were born in 1970, 1976, and 1985, respectively. Mandrell appeared in several television films and shows during the late 1980s and 1990s like Burning Rage and Empty Nest. In the years since, she's rarely made the news, or any public appearances in relation to her music career, instead gardening, painting, and spending time with her family and pets (via CBN). When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. She is only one of several people to have since won the award. Reba is totally devastated by this. Though Barbara Mandrell may have retired from actively performing and making music, her musical legacy lives on. Country music singer Barbara Mandrell suffered serious injuries in a head-on collision on Sept. 11, 1984, including a broken leg and a concussion. Dudney was engaged to another woman at the time. George D. Dickason, an investigator with the San Diego County Medical Examiner, said the extensive trauma to the victims was so severe that none of the 10 bodies could be immediately identified. The project was titled She Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool: A Tribute to Barbara Mandrell. [95] At the time of their marriage, Dudney gave up his career as a Navy pilot to help further his wife's career. Their first single "After Closing Time" reached number six on the Billboard country survey and number four on Canada's RPM Country songs list. [15], In reviewing a Columbia compilation, AllMusic's Greg Adams stated that her early work was "some of the best recordings [Barbara Mandrell] ever made. The plane was en route to Amarillo, Tex., for refueling and then to Fort Wayne, Ind., where McEntire had a concert scheduled Saturday night. A Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann found the songs to showcase "strong female lyrics",[37] while Bill Carpenter said her 1991 album exemplified "Heartful soul and contemporary country. [25][30], Now at her career peak, Mandrell became a headlining concert act. Barbara Mandrell - "Sleeping Single In A Double Bed." The Statler Brothers - "The Official Historian On Shirley Jean Berrell." Barbara Mandrell - "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right." Barbara Mandrell and The Statler Brothers - "Some I Wrote." 5.26 [130] Prod. In 1969, she signed her first recording contract with Columbia Records. [11] She also performed steel guitar for Red Foley, Little Jimmy Dickens and Tex Ritter. Miss Mandrell's 14-year-old son, Matthew Dudney, was admitted to Hendersonville Hospital with cuts, and a daughter, Jaime Dudney, 8, was treated and released. [15], Mandrell's singing voice has also been the subject of discussion amongst writers and critics. He keeps her away from anything that could be construed as a good fit for Tammy Wynette, and when the country does turn toward the straight-ahead, it's still soft; Merle Haggard's 'Today I Started Loving You Again' doesn't carry resignation in Barbara's hands, only reassurance," Stephen Thomas Erlewine commented on one of her early LP's. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. As for country music's sometimes dodgy reputation, Mandrell refuses to be shamed by it, reaffirming her lifelong love of the genre once again. They have three children. That said, she still appeared in "Sunset Beach" in her regular role as Alex Mitchum through to 1998, even after Mandrell's final concert performance (via IMDb). Her inability to work resulted in her suing the family of the driver who caused the accident. August 16, 2002The country music legend talks about her days in show business, the serious car accident she survived, the family she loves, and the faith that has sustained her. By JIM LEWIS. Please contact Rick Watts with questions at rwatts@kboeradio.com, Sports Specs with Sam and Spence (Spotify), Sports Specs with Sam and Spence (Apple Podcasts), Dierks Bentley & Darius Rucker To Headline Hurricane Dorian Benefit. Her family formed a band in her late teens which traveled overseas and entertained military bases. [102][104], On September 11, 1984, Mandrell and her two children were involved in a head-on car collision near their Nashville home. She also performed as a musician when she toured in shows featuring Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline. Irby died just two months before the ceremony at the age of 84 (via Los Angeles Times). Country singer, instrumentalist. The siblings often engaged in sketches involving their family relationship. [16][21] It was followed in 1979 by a cover of Luther Ingram's R&B hit "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right". Born the oldest daughter into a musical family in Houston, Texas, on Christmas Day, 1948, Mandrell was already reading music and playing . CBN.com - SCOTT ROSS (reporting): There are few performers in the entertainment industry who have attained the across-the-board celebrity as Barbara Mandrell. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, she was considered among country's most successful music artists. [23] Mandrell later reflected to Biography about the lack of confidence she felt showcased her Columbia material: "There have been many times when I thought other people might be better singers or better musicians or prettier than me, but then I would hear Daddy's voice telling me to never say never, and I would find a way to squeeze an extra inch or two out of what God had given me. She is also credited as an actress and author. Charles Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 - February 3, 1959), known professionally as Buddy Holly, was an American musician and singer-songwriter who was a central and pioneering figure of mid-1950s rock and roll. Luckily, Barbara and her son lived . You may have heard of the "Day the Music Died," February 3, 1959. She got married to Ken Dudney. So tonight I thank you with my entire being for putting the Mandrell name into the Hall of Fame. Titled The Wrong Girl, the television filmed aired on NBC that year. Some of them had been with her for years. Starting with her 1971 debut album (as seen above), Barbara Mandrell soared across both the pop and country charts with a seemingly endless number of hit songs and back-to-back albums. Here's the real reason you don't hear from Barbara Mandrell anymore. "[87] In 2006, several artists re-recorded several of Mandrell's most popular singles in tribute to her career. She is the eldest child of country guitarist Irby Mandrell and his wife, Mary, who taught Barbara to play accordion and read music by the time she entered first grade. Barbara Mandrell: August 17, 1979: Poacher: Don't Hand Me No Hand Me Down Love: Barbara Mandrell: December 1977: Beverly Heckel: Don't Touch Me: Barbara Mandrell and Friends: July 25, 2000: Jeannie Seely: Do Right Woman Do Right Man: Barbara Mandrell: September 1971: Aretha Franklin: Early Fall: Barbara Mandrell: September 20, 1978: John . A business jet carrying a two-person crew and eight members of country singer Reba McEntire's band crashed into a mountain near the U.S.-Mexico . [16] Her final album for MCA appeared in 1986 titled Moments. Family Style was released after Vaughans death. Part of the fuselage from one of two Rolls-Royce engines was left virtually intact. Buddy Holly. Its like losing part of your family. Mandrell was born in Texas and raised mostly in California. When you think of the most iconic female country stars ever, who immediately springs to mind? [4][76] In her teenage years, she was nicknamed "The Princess of Steel" for become a skillful steel guitar player. Like most illnesses, this one came at an . [37] Much of the physical pain she suffered came from knee injuries. She also had to take Cortisone shots before show tapings so that her vocal chords had less strain. [37][107] Both of Mandrell's children only suffered minor injuries and were released from the hospital shortly following their arrival. The Baltimore Sun described her as playing "a less sympathetic role than usual" in their description of the episode. McClanahan said the doomed jet was the first of two planes carrying McEntires entourage to take off from Brown Field. [96] In 2003, Mandrell commented: "I'd dated him since I was 14 and I just couldn't wait to graduate high school so I could be Mrs. Ken Dudney. In addition to the steel guitar, Mandrell also sang on several selections in the show. Soon the Mandrells moved to southern California, and by age ten, Barbara . [1] News & Record found that Mandrell's musicianship can also be found in her live shows: "Those hours are packed with aerobics, as Mandrell dances and prances across the stage, playing several musical instruments and clowning with her Do-Rites band. It appeared on Mandrell's Greatest Hits compilation, which was also issued in 1985. Dubbed "the Queen of Country", she has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.Since the 1970s, McEntire has placed over 100 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, 25 of which reached the number one spot. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The public's negative reaction to country singer Barbara Mandrell's $10.3 million damage suit against the family of a teenage traffic victim has 'saddened' the . Classic rocker Peter Frampton and country star Barbara Mandrell were among 12 new members inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame on Tuesday afternoon, in the Nashville-based organization's first . Barbara Mandrell was in a car crash in 1984. [16] Her next singles were covers of Aretha Franklin's "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" and Roy Head's "Treat Him Right". John Anderson's "Swingin'" is an oft-covered '80s country hit that tells the story of a man and little Charlotte Johnson. She has been married to Ken Dudney since May 28, 1967. She also said that she can play the guitar and mandolin "if necessary". [33] In an interview with CMT, she explained that her head injury took about three years to fully recover. It consisted of Barbara, Louise, Irlene, Irby, and mother Mary Ellen, as well as a drummer by the name of Ken Dudney. Sept. 1, 1991 12 AM PT.