The Judds are being recognized with a star-studded tribute album, with many of country music’s biggest artists honoring the duo, made up of Naomi Judd and Wynonna Judd. A Tribute To The Judds, featuring some of their biggest hits including “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me,” “Love Can Build A Bridge” and more, will be released on October 27, on BMG.
Wynonna sings on the project, along with a lengthy list of performers, including Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Jelly Roll, Dolly Parton, Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Ashley McBryde, Gabby Barrett, Jamey Johnson, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson and more.
“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,” Wynonna says.
Wynonna’s husband, Cactus Moser, produced one of the songs, “Cry Myself to Sleep,” which Wynonna sings with Yearwood. The Judds’ longtime producer, Brent Maher, produced the other 13 tracks.
“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 says. “There was a joy and passion along with some poignant moments in re-recording these Judd songs that are impossible to describe. I hope you enjoy this record as much as we enjoyed making it.”
Naomi passed away on April 30, due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, one day before The Judds were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Both Wynonna and her sister, actress Ashley Judd, along with Naomi’s husband, Larry Strickland, have spoken out about Naomi’s silent struggle, which went on for years, although she kept it hidden from the public eye.
“For the past 13 years or more, I was with her 24/7,” Strickland told People. “I never left the house without Naomi knowing where I was going and when I would be back. As far as taking care of myself, I’m not sure that fits my situation. When you have a mate that has a mental illness, you walk that path with them.”
The Judds had planned on embarking on their farewell The Final Tour last year, which Wynonna continued in Naomi’s absence.
“I’ve made a decision, and I thought I’d share it on national television that, after a lot of thought, I’m gonna have to honor her and do this tour,” Wynonna said at the public Naomi Judd: A River of Time Celebration, “I’m just gonna have to, ’cause that’s what you would want. Bono once told me, give them what they want, not what you want … The show must go on, as hard as it may be. We will show up together, and you will carry me as you’ve carried me for 38 years once again, because I honestly didn’t think I could do it.”
Other artists appearing on A Tribute To The Judds include Carl Perkins, Jennifer Nettles, Leann Rimes, Megan Moroney, Molly Tuttle, Raul Malo, Shelly Fairchild, Sonya Isaacs, The Fisk Jubilee Singers and Wendy Moten, among others.
See a track list for A Tribute To The Judds below. Pre-order is available here.
A Tribute To The Judds Track List:
1. Girls Night Out – Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce, Jennifer Nettles, Gabby Barrett
2. Mama He’s Crazy – Lainey Wilson and Dolly Parton
3. Why Not Me – Megan Moroney
4. Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days) [feat. Sonya Isaacs] – Cody Johnson
5. Rockin’ With The Rhythm Of The Rain – Ashley McBryde and Shelly Fairchild
6. Young Love (Strong Love) – Ella Langley and Jamey Johnson
7. Have Mercy – LeAnn Rimes
8. Love Is Alive – Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton
9. Had A Dream (For The Heart) – Wendy Moten and O.N.E The Duo
10. I Know Where I’m Going – Barnett, Lynne & West
11. Let Me Tell You About Love – Carl Perkins and Raul Malo
12. John Deere Tractor – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley and Molly Tuttle
13. Cry Myself To Sleep – Wynonna Judd and Trisha Yearwood
14. Love Can Build A Bridge – Jelly Roll, K. Michelle, and The Fisk Jubilee Singers
