History, News

How Naomi Judd connected us all through music

Naomi and Wynonna Judd, c.1984. Credit: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Naomi and Wynonna Judd, c.1984. Credit: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Growing up in Kentucky, many memories evolved around the musical talents of The Judds.  Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd were a force to be reckoned with.  The Ashland natives broke down doors to let their voices be heard down on Music Row and throughout their lives.  They had their trials and tribulations, but they never whined about it.

So many of us can related to songs by The Judds.  “Grandpa” – we remember the good old days when times were so much simpler.  Then we found love through song to let our parents know that “Mama He’s Crazy.”  We reflected on the love story in “Young Love” and we celebrated one another with “Love Can Build a Bridge.”  There were plenty of long songs, but also the songs of heartache and chasing after their dreams, such as “Dream Chaser.”

The night before they were set to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, we all heard the news of the passing of the Judd matriarch, Naomi Judd.  She was always one to never give up despite what life handed her.  We may not have the answers to the questions, but we know that we feel a loss to that connection of simpler times in life as sung in their songs.

There is no doubt that Naomi Judd had a life that tabloids loved to exploit.  However, she stood her ground.  Naomi was poised and confident on stage and in front of the camera, making sure that everything was just right.  Then off the stage, she suffered depression and wrote her latest book, offering a glimpse into her life as she battled depression.

When The Judds did the farewell tour before, it was evident that Naomi Judd knew it was Wynonna’s time to shine.  Naomi would drift back away from the red carpets, flashing camera bulbs, and microphones pressed up near their lips.  Drifting away from the limelight to live on the farm just outside of Nashville.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we witnessed perhaps the last performance of Naomi Judd as she and Wynonna sang “Love Can Build a Bridge” on the CMT Awards.  Love, family, and music have built bridges between one another to come together in unity.  If we learn something in the passing of Naomi Judd, it is to love one another and to unite for a better world.