# Barbara Fairchild's 76th Birthday

> Grammy-nominated country and gospel star Barbara Fairchild, born in Arkansas 76 years ago, reached No. 1 with 'Teddy Bear Song' and now tours with husband in Branson.
- Title: Barbara Fairchild's 76th Birthday · American Songwriter
- Summary: Grammy-nominated country and gospel star Barbara Fairchild, born in Arkansas 76 years ago, reached No.
- Keywords: barbara fairchild, country music, gospel music, teddy bear song, branson missouri, grammy nominated, music, American Songwriter
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/born-76-years-ago-today-in-arkansas-the-grammy-nominated-country-and-gospel-star-who-sang-her-way-to-no-1-wishing-she-were-a-teddy-bear
- Author: Erinn Callahan
- Published: 2026-11-12T21:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: barbara fairchild, country music, gospel music, teddy bear song, branson missouri, grammy nominated, music, culture
## Barbara Fairchild's Birth
Barbara Fairchild was born on November 12, 1950, in Knobel, Arkansas.
## Early Musical Career
Fairchild made her debut at age 5 in a school talent show and moved to St. Louis at age 13.
## First Chart Success
Her 1972 single 'Teddy Bear Song' reached No. 1 on the U.S. country singles chart.

> I wish I had a wooden heart and a sawdust smile / Then your memory wouldn't come around hurting all the time / I'd have a sewed on smile and a pretty twinkle in my eye / And I never would have ever had to learn how to cry
## Gospel Career Shift
Fairchild joined the gospel group Heirloom in 1989 and released her first solo gospel album in 1991.
## Current Life
Fairchild now lives in Branson, Missouri, with husband Roy Morris, performing together regularly.
## Key takeaway

Barbara Fairchild, born November 12, 1950, in Arkansas, became a country chart-topper with 'Teddy Bear Song' and later a gospel artist, now touring with husband in Branson.