Barbara Mandrell

If there was ever a word that described Barbara Mandrell perfectly, it would be this: "underrated". Despite her success, she is never mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Willie Nelson or Dolly Parton, and that's a shame. It could be argued that she possesses one of the finest voices of any lady in any era of country music. But more than a great singer (and a very beautiful woman, as well), it was her concerts and variety show (really the variety show) that shot her into "country icon" status, showing her dancing around and playing every instrument in sight. Sure, she didn't sell as much records during her peak as, say, Kenny Rogers, and her career only lasted 38 years (rather short compared to other country legends - think of those three others mentioned here), but in those 38 years, Barbara blazed a trail for future generations of country superstars - and made some great music in the process.