Wynonna Judd Honors Late Mother Naomi, The Judds With Powerful Tribute
By Kelly Fisher
October 27, 2023
Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, Dolly Parton, Cody Johnson, LeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll and many other powerhouse vocalists joined forces to reimagine new versions of classic hits by The Judds. The star-studded compilation album, A Tribute To The Judds, makes its debut on Friday (October 27), marking the legendary mother-daughter duo’s 40th anniversary.
“Girls Night Out,” “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Love Is Alive,” “Love Can Build A Bridge” — which Jelly Roll is set to perform live with K. Michelle at the 57th annual CMA Awards on November 8 — and other unforgettable songs made famous by Wynonna Judd and late mother Naomi Judd appear throughout the track list. Judd previously said, “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. These songs are so timeless and I am so excited for them to live on for generations to come.”
Artists from a broad range of genres and backgrounds — with a common, heartfelt appreciation for The Judds’ timeless music — band together to bring their own signature sound to beloved ballads. Brent Maher reproduced the project, and Cactus Moser, musician and Judd’s husband of more than a decade, reproduced “Cry Myself To Sleep.” A Tribute To The Judds aims to bridge artists of multiple genres and backgrounds and create an album that resonates with the newest listeners and longtime fans.
Before the album’s release, husband-and-wife duo Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani debuted their stunning rendition of “Love Is Alive,” which appeared on The Judds’ 1984 album, Why Not Me.
“The Judds are one of the greatest country acts of our lifetime. 80’s country music is my favorite decade, and I’ve been singing Judd songs for as long as I can remember,” Shelton said in a statement. “‘Love Is Alive’ was on their first album, and we wanted to stick pretty close to the original version, and Gwen just nails the vocal. We’re thrilled to be part of this tribute album.”
Judd also released her new version of “Cry Myself To Sleep” with fellow country music icon Trisha Yearwood. Judd said she “was absolutely delighted when Trisha showed up at the studio on the farm to record 'Cry Myself To Sleep' with me. We have known each other for years, but have never worked together. In today’s world of technology, artists often don’t get to be in the same room as the other person to record a song. It was so refreshing! I am thrilled with the song, and I cannot wait to sing it live with her.”
Yearwood said it was “such an honor” to be part of A Tribute To The Judds, and of “honoring the music that Naomi and Wynonna created.”
A Tribute To The Judds partners with the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) in Naomi’s honor, per a previously-issued press release. Judd and her sister, actress Ashley Judd, announced when Naomi died in April 2022 that they’d “lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness.” She was 76.
Judd is set to take the stage next month at the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. The Grammy Award-winning powerhouse will film an Opry Live special, “A Tribute Yo The Judds,” which will also feature performances captured on the iconic stage throughout the fall. Judd’s show is set for November 14.
- Girls Night Out – Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce, Jennifer Nettles, Gabby Barrett
- Mama He’s Crazy – Lainey Wilson and Dolly Parton
- Why Not Me – Megan Moroney
- Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days) [feat. Sonya Isaacs] – Cody Johnson
- Rockin’ With The Rhythm Of The Rain – Ashley McBryde and Shelly Fairchild
- Young Love (Strong Love) – Ella Langley and Jamey Johnson
- Have Mercy – LeAnn Rimes
- Love Is Alive – Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton
- Had A Dream (For The Heart) – Wendy Moten and O.N.E The Duo
- I Know Where I’m Going – Barnett, Lynne & West
- Let Me Tell You About Love – Carl Perkins and Raul Malo
- John Deere Tractor – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley and Molly Tuttle
- Cry Myself To Sleep – Wynonna Judd and Trisha Yearwood
- Love Can Build A Bridge – Jelly Roll, K. Michelle, and The Fisk Jubilee Singers