NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 27, 2024) — In a remarkable testament to timeless music and enduring legacy, Barbara Mandrell's album Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics has soared to the Number One spot on the Luminate Top Christian Albums chart following its digital release. This milestone coincides with Women’s History Month, celebrating Mandrell's significant contributions as a pioneering female artist in the music industry.

Originally released 35 years ago, the album has been digitally remastered and made available for the first time on streaming platforms, thanks to a collaboration with Gaither Music Group. The digital release brings Mandrell's heartfelt renditions of gospel classics to a new generation of listeners, while also serving as a nostalgic treasure for long-time fans and gospel music enthusiasts.

The album, produced by country music legend Tom Collins, features a collection of 20 hymns and gospel classics that have deeply resonated with fans over the years. From "The Old Rugged Cross" to "In the Garden," Mandrell's powerful voice full of emotional depth breathes new life into these timeless songs.

“After being retired for almost three decades, my fans have given me another No. 1 album,” shared Mandrell. “My Heavenly Father gave me the greatest gift in music and also blessed me with the best fans! These are some of my favorite classic gospel songs and I’m grateful you and Gaither Music Group loves them just as much as I do.”

The success of Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics on the Christian albums chart is a testament to Barbara Mandrell's lasting influence in the music world. Her career has been marked by numerous chart-topping singles such as “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” and “Years,” and her achievements as a two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and a seven-time American Music Award winner in addition to her 30 Top 10 hits have cemented her status as a music icon. Mandrell laid out her musical journey in her autobiography, Get to the Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story — a book that achieved New York Times bestseller status. This digital release not only honors her legacy but also highlights her role as a trailblazer for women in the music industry.

Fans can stream and purchase Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics on all major digital platforms. The album is now available via retail stores including Cracker Barrel Old Country Store™. 

About Gaither Music Group:

One of the largest independent Christian music companies in the world and a household name for millions of fans, Gaither Music Group (Gaither Music, Sun Records, Green Hill, emeraldwave), in partnership with Primary Wave Music Publishing, is known worldwide for its award-winning and top-selling recordings including the Gaither Gospel Series, of which 133 products have been certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum.

These recordings, which encompass more than 200 video copyrights, showcase gospel music pioneers; many of the finest performers in the gospel and country genres; up-and-coming acts; and country artists including The Oak Ridge Boys, Jimmy Fortune, Joey+Rory, Alabama, Alan Jackson, The Statler Brothers, George Jones, Vince Gill, Josh Turner, Tennessee Ernie Ford, The Isaacs and others.

The Gaither Music Group brand has partnered with established artists including Whitney Houston, Sandi Patty, Gloria Gaynor, Steven Curtis Chapman and a host of acclaimed talent from various fields of music. Gaither Music Group has garnered sales of more than 40 million DVDs and CDs, including such PBS stalwarts as Billy Graham: God’s Ambassador, the only authorized video autobiography of Reverend Billy Graham; The Gospel Music of Johnny Cash; and three Elvis Presley projects, including He Touched Me and The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley, in conjunction with the Elvis Presley Estate.

Gaither Music Group developed a strategic partnership with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® in 2008; and its alliances with Capitol Christian Music Group, Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, Universal Music Group and Time Life Music remain bedrocks for the company. Most recently, the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel crossed the 3 Billion life-to-date streaming benchmark and hosts more than 3 Million subscribers.