Gene Watson Peer's Quote from Mandy Barnett: January 2010
Gene Watson's peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as 'the singer's singer' - and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson's Peers who were contacted during 2010 were most gracious with their time and words. It is here, within this special part of the Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Mandy Barnett, which she submitted to this site on Sunday 17 January 2010.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to Mandy Barnett who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.
Mandy Barnett
This quote was submitted on Sunday 17 January 2010.
'Gene's interpretive skills are genius...he pours his heart into everything he sings and boy does it show!'
Thank you, Mandy Barnett, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Mandy Barnett...
Mandy Barnett, who was born Amanda Carol 'Mandy' Barnett on Sunday 28 September 1975 in Crossville, Tennessee started singing at five years-old; she has been singing ever since.
In 1994, Mandy Barnett starred as country music legend Patsy Cline (Thursday 8 September 1932 - Tuesday 5 March 1963) in the stage show 'Always...Patsy Cline' at the celebrated Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The performances were sold out nightly and received rave reviews across the United States. Mandy, in role as Patsy, appears on the Decca Records cast recording.
In 1996, Mandy Barnett signed with Asylum Records and saw the release of 'Mandy Barnett' (Asylum Records, 1996), her self-titled debut album, which was produced by legendary producer Kyle Lehning.
'Mandy Barnett' (Asylum Records, 1996) received glowing reviews in major trade publications and magazines, including 'Time' magazine, as well as praise from veteran country music artists and fans.
When Seymour Stein launched Sire Records within the Warner Music Group, Mandy Barnett was the first artist he signed to the label. Mandy Barnett's Sire Records project paired her with the undisputed pioneer of the Nashville Sound, producer Owen Bradley (Thursday 21 October 1915 - Wednesday 7 January 1998).
The album that they made together, 'I've Got A Right To Cry' (Sire Records, 1999), would be his final contribution to the country music community who knew him through his work with country music legends Ernest Tubb (Monday 9 February 1914 - Thursday 6 September 1984), Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline (Thursday 8 September 1932 - Tuesday 5 March 1963) and Kitty Wells (Saturday 30 August 1919 - Monday 16 July 2012).
Owen Bradley passed away four songs into the project, on Wednesday 7 January 1998, but not before leaving his unmistakable mark on the album. Owen Bradley's brother and long-time production partner, Harold Bradley, inherited the delicate task of completing the album with Mandy.
A legal pad filled with Owen's handwritten notes for each song guided the two through the rest of the sessions and what was to be Owen's farewell to the world was poised to propel Mandy Barnett and her remarkable vocal talent once again into the national limelight.
'I've Got A Right To Cry' (Sire Records, 1999) was a huge critical success. 'Rolling Stone' magazine named the album 'Top Country Album' of 1999. Other stellar reviews appeared in 'People', 'Newsweek', 'Interview' and multiple national newspapers. Mandy appeared on 'The Late Show with David Letterman' and 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' as a result of her acclaim.
'I've Got A Right to Cry' (Sire Records, 1999) included a fine reading of Porter Wagoner's 'Trademark' (co-written with Gary Walker).
In addition to recording her own album projects, Mandy Barnett has been featured on a variety of movie soundtracks including the following:
Mandy Barnett performed Bobby Darin's 'Dream Lover', along with 'Searching (For Someone Like You)' and 'Dark Moon' for the (various artists) soundtrack of 'Traveller' (Elektra/WEA International Records, 1997).
Mandy Barnett performs Gene Pitney's 'A Town Without Pity' for the (various artists) soundtrack of 'A Walk on the Moon' (WEA International Records, 1999).
Mandy Barnett performs 'If You'll Be The Teacher' for the (various artists) soundtrack of 'Election' (Sire/London/Rhino Records, 1999).
Mandy Barnett performs 'Beautiful Dreamer' for the (various artists) soundtrack of 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' (Sire/London/Rhino Records, 1999).
Mandy Barnett and The Jordanaires perform Hank Williams' 'You Win Again', which was included on the (various artists) project 'Good Rockin' Tonight - The Legacy of Sun Records' (Imports Records, 1999).
Mandy Barnett performs 'I Only Have Eyes For You' for the (various artists) soundtrack of 'Space Cowboys' (Warner Bros. Records, 2000); the movie was produced and directed by Clint Eastwood.
Mandy Barnett performs 'Slowly' on the (various artists) project 'Caught in the Webb' (Audium/Koch Records, 2001), which was a tribute album dedicated to Webb Pierce (Monday 8 August 1921 - Sunday 24 February 1991) and which was produced by Gail Davies; 'Slowly' was originally included on Webb Pierce's 'The Wondering Boy' (Decca Records, 1956).
Mandy Barnet also sang on the SpongeBob Squarepants album, 'The Best Day Ever' (Nick Records, 2006), sharing the spotlight with the likes of Brian Wilson, Tommy Ramone, Flaco Jimenez and NRBQ.
Mandy Barnett continues to play shows, both nationally and internationally and is a frequent guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Mandy reprised her role as Patsy Cline (Thursday 8 September 1932 - Tuesday 5 March 1963) in the acclaimed production 'Always...Patsy Cline' at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville during April and May 2009, in honour of the fifteenth anniversary of the celebrated venue's extensive renovations and re-opening.
Gene Watson with Mandy Barnett at the Opry Country Classics Show in Nashville on Thursday 8 April 2010
Visit Mandy Barnett's Official Site