NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 19, 2024) — Country Music Hall of Famer and beloved Grand Ole Opry star Barbara Mandrell released today the first digital single, “Where Could I Go (But to the Lord),” from her timeless album Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics (Gaither Music Group), a recording that showcases Mandrell's profound and heartfelt renditions of gospel classics. Thirty-five years ago, the album was first released as a two-record collection. In celebration of that anniversary, Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics is scheduled for digital release for the first time on March 15, 2024.

Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics, produced by country music hitmaker Tom Collins, returns Mandrell to her roots, highlighting her deep connection with gospel music and her exceptional artistry. The digital release of this collection includes the standards “The Old Rugged Cross,” “In the Garden,” and the lead single “Where Could I Go (But to the Lord)” among others. The album's fusion of traditional hymns with Mandrell's distinctive style promises to captivate both long-time fans and new listeners.

“When I recorded this album in 1989, I chose a group of songs that I grew up listening to and singing,” said Mandrell. “They are songs that I still cherish to this day. It’s an honor and thrill to think that 35 years later, this music will have the opportunity to touch a new generation of fans. I’m so thankful the folks at Gaither believe in this record as much today as I did back then.”

The first single is available on digital streaming platforms and will be featured on Gaither Radio on Pandora, Gaither Radio on Amazon and Apple Music’s Front Porch Country Gospel collections in addition to a number of label playlists on multiple online platforms. It will be featured on the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel (over 3 million subscribers) and highlighted on the Gaither Facebook page (over 2 million followers). Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics is distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music.

With a career spanning over three decades, Mandrell is revered for her versatility and trailblazing role in the country music industry. She began her journey as a prodigy on the steel guitar, leading to performances with icons like Johnny Cash and high-profile shows, including her own hit NBC variety show. The two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year has earned a string of No.1 hits, such as “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed” and “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.” Her influence extends beyond music into television with appearances ranging from The Tonight Show to Larry King Live; and her autobiography, Get to the Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story, was a New York Times Best Seller.

Since her retirement in 1997, Mandrell has stayed focused on her faith, family and country. This new album is not only a testament to her enduring talent but also to her lifelong commitment to gospel music. Mandrell's impact on the music industry continues to resonate, and this latest work is a beautiful addition to her legendary career.

Track List for Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics: 

1. I Love To Tell The Story
2. Old Rugged Cross
3. Farther Along
4. Power In The Blood
5. Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior
6. Just A Little Talk With Jesus
7. I Need Thee Every Hour
8. Peace In The Valley
9. Just A Closer Walk With Thee
10. He Keeps Me Singing
11. Have Thine Own Way Lord
12. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)
13. Softly And Tenderly
14. When We All Get To Heaven
15. Sweet Hour Of Prayer
16. In The Garden
17. Where Could I Go (But To The Lord)
18. Let Me Live
19. Blessed Assurance
20. Precious Memories

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.