by Best Classic Bands Staff
Naomi Judd and Wynonna Judd
Naomi Judd, the country music star who died Saturday (April 30, 2022), on the eve of her induction, along with her daughter Wynonna, for their achievements as the popular duo, The Judds, into the Country Music Hall of Fame, is in mourning by his fellow musicians. Wynonna and her sister, actress Ashley Judd, announced her death at 76.
“Today we sisters experienced a tragedy,” they wrote. “We lost our mother-in-law to mental illness. We are broken. We navigate deep mourning and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her audience. We are in uncharted territory. Judd is also survived by her husband, Larry Strickland, former backup singer for Elvis Presley.
The Judds had just announced a celebratory concert tour slated to begin in the fall. Ten dates at arenas across the Midwest were scheduled for September 30 through October 28. The duo have won five Grammy Awards.
When they were selected for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Judd told The [Nashville] tennessian“A lot of my life, I felt anonymous. I felt neglected… Then all of a sudden someone said, ‘Hey, wait a minute. You did something right. Actually , you passed and someone else validates you. This means it must be real.
Naomi Judd was born Diana Ellen Judd in Ashland, Kentucky on January 11, 1946. Her daughter, Wynonna, was born Christina Ciminella in Ashland on May 30, 1964. They moved to Los Angeles where Diana’s second daughter, Ashley Ciminella, was born April 19, 1968. Diana renamed herself Naomi and Christina became Wynonna before moving to Nashville in 1979.
In 1980, Naomi worked at Williamson County Medical Center as a nurse and she began to pursue a musical career for herself and Wynonna, making guest appearances on Ralph Emery’s local morning television show. In 1982, their breakup came during a chance meeting with Nashville producer Brent Maher, whose teenage daughter – a classmate of Wynonna’s – was injured in a car accident. Maher recognized Naomi from her television appearances and when Maher’s daughter was released, Naomi gave Maher a tape she and Wynonna had made. Maher started working with them and after a live audition they got a record deal with RCA/Curb Records.
The Judds’ 1984 debut album, Why Not Me
The Judds’ first single, “Had a Dream (For the Heart)”, was released in November 1983 and charted at #17 on the Billboard country table. Their next single, “Mama He’s Crazy”, was their first No. 1 song on country radio and won them their first Grammy Award in 1984. All but two of their next 16 singles went to No. 1, including ” Why Not Me”, “Have Mercy”, “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days)”, and “Rockin’ With the Rhythm of the Rain”.
The duo have released six studio albums and sold over 20 million records, winning five Grammy Awards, nine CMA Awards and eight ACM Awards. In 1986, the Judds received their first of three nominations for CMA Entertainer of the Year, making 22-year-old Wynonna the youngest person to be nominated for the honor, a distinction she held for more than 20 years. 20 years old.
In 1990, Naomi announced her retirement from performing due to chronic hepatitis. In 1991, The Judds embarked on a 124-date Love Can Build a Bridge farewell tour and ended it with a pay-per-view special. “Love Can Build a Bridge” was their final single, released in December 1990, and was their final top five.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and fellow Kentucky, Naomi Judd. Naomi has always been so special to her. She has accomplished so much and we will miss her and love her forever. My prayers go out to Naomi and her family.❤️🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/Us57t9bfsj
— Crystal Gayle (@TheCrystalGayle) April 30, 2022
Johnny Lee said: “”Such a sad day in country music with the loss of Naomi Judd. His family is in my prayers.
Travis Tritt wrote: “This is heartbreaking news! Naomi Judd was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. I had the honor of working with her in films and many musical events. My most sincere condolences go to his family. »
Oh Sweet Jesus… Naomi Judd went home… the day before the Judds @countrymusichof induction… This is slipping news… We are saddened beyond words…
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) April 30, 2022
We paused in tonight’s Opry performance for a moment of silence in honor of Naomi Judd, recognizing that her impact as an artist and a human being will last forever.
Our prayers for peace are with his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/2NjNLIB98v
– Grand Ole Opry (@opry) May 1, 2022
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Naomi Judd. My thoughts are with his family during this extremely difficult time. Country music will never be the same again. Love each other. ❤️
— Trisha Yearwood (@trishayearwood) April 30, 2022
The Academy is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news this afternoon of the passing of Naomi Judd. Along with daughter Wynonna, the Judds have won the ACM Award for Best Vocal Duo 7 years in a row, as well as the ACM Pioneer Award most recently at the Academy of Country Music Honors. pic.twitter.com/w4J0XYoteC
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) April 30, 2022
There is style and there is class. Very few people have both. Naomi Judd was one of those rare people. I loved her and I miss her. My condolences to Wynnona, Ashley, Larry and his family.
—Larry Gatlin (@LarryGatlin) May 1, 2022
The one who started it all.
Related: Musicians and other celebrities we lost in 2022
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