The Judds were one of the most popular country music acts of all time. The mother-daughter duo of Naomi and Wynonna Judd had more than 20 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including 14 number one singles, and won five Grammy Awards.
Country music fans everywhere were devastated last year when Naomi, who had struggled with mental health issues throughout her life, committed suicide at the age of 76.
In the months since that tragedy, many country artists have paid tribute to the iconic performer — and now, some of country’s biggest names are joining together to release a tribute album.
A Tribute to The Judds, set to be released on October 27, features an all-star lineup of two dozen country superstars of yesterday and today, including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Trisha Yearwood, LeAnn Rimes and Jelly Roll.
Wynonna Judd herself will also appear on the album: according to the track listing, she’ll perform “Cry Myself To Sleep” with Trisha Yearwood.
“To have all of these artists, most of which are my friends, come together and lend their voices and artistry to reimagine these songs, is so special,” Wynonna said in a statement, according to Billboard. “These songs are so timeless and I am so excited for them to live on for generations to come.”
The tribute album coincides with the 40th anniversary of The Judds signing with RCA Records in 1983, which launched one of the most successful country music acts in history. The album is primarily produced by original producer Brent Maher.
“To all of you who listen to this music, I wish you could have been with us in the studio when we recorded these songs,” Maher said in a statement. “There was a joy and passion along with some poignant moments in re-recording these Judds songs that are impossible to describe.”
The Judds enjoyed great success throughout the 1980s, with hit country singles including “Why Not Me,” “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Cry Myself to Sleep” and “Girl’s Night Out.” Despite their huge success, they lasted only a few years as a duo: Naomi was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 1991, and the Judds disbanded.
Wynonna Judd continued as a solo artists, and she reunited with her mother on several occasions, including the Super Bowl XXVIII halftime show and a 1999 New Years Eve reunion special.
Sadly, Naomi Judd long struggled with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, and died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound on April 30, 2022 at the age of 76.
Wynonna Judd and her sister, the actress Ashley Judd, said in a statement that they “lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness.” A day after their mother’s death, they attended the Country Music Hall of Fame ceremony, where The Judds were inducted.
“I didn’t prepare anything tonight because I knew mom would probably talk the most,” Wynonna Judd said at the ceremony. “I’m gonna make this fast, because my heart’s broken, and I feel so blessed. It’s a very strange dynamic, to be this broken and this blessed.”
After Naomi’s death, Wynonna continued with a tour she had planned with her mother, accompanied by other female country artists.
The Judds were one of the best country duos of all time, and while Naomi may have tragically left us it’s inspiring to see all these country greats coming together to pay tribute to The Judds.
Please share this story if you’re excited about this upcoming album!
READ MORE:
- Wynonna Judd says she ‘became an orphan’ following mom Naomi Judd’s death
- Ashley and Wynonna Judd break down on stage following mom Naomi’s death
- Naomi Judd died by suicide after battle with mental health – rest in peace
- Naomi Judd planned the details of her own funeral in advance so Ashley & Wynonna could fulfill her final wishes
- Wynonna Judd honors late mom Naomi at 2023 CMT Awards one year after icon’s final appearance
