Mandrell released her first single in 1978, called "Put It On Me", which entered the top 100 country music singles in the USA. In 1979 she released her next single, a cover version of "Everlasting Love", which also entered top 100. She started singing duets with her husband R.C. Bannon, such as "I Thought You'd Never Ask," which entered the top 50, and a cover of the number 1 song by Peaches & Herb, "Reunited", which went to number 13, her first significant hit. In 1980, following two more solo efforts that did not see the same success, she joined sisters Barbara and Irlene on the TV variety show "Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters". This show showcased not only her singing, but her multi-instrumental and comedy talents as well. In 1981, she signed with RCA Records. In 1982, Mandrell had two top 40 hits, as well as the top 20 hit "Some of My Best Friends Are Old Songs".