Naomi Judd: Exclusive Interview – On Forgiveness
Naomi Judd: Exclusive Interview
Interview by Shawne Duperon
Naomi Judd was first known to the world as half of country music’s mother/daughter duo, The Judds. Reaching unprecedented success throughout the 80’s and 90’s, The Judds sold 20 million records, scored fifteen #1 hits and received over sixty
industry awards, including six Grammy’s and seven consecutive CMA Vocal Group of the Year awards and the ACM’s Top Vocal Duet award. In 1991, at the pinnacle of their career, after selling more than 20 million albums and videos in seven years.
The Judds’ reign came to an abrupt end because Naomi was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, a potentially fatal chronic liver disease that forced her retirement to battle the disease. Their duet ended on a high note when their “Farewell” tour was the top grossing act and their farewell concert was the most successful musical event in cable pay-per-view history. In 1991, Naomi created the Naomi Judd Education and Research Fund to raise awareness of the deadly Hepatitis C virus, and uses the strength of her own experiences as spokesperson for the American Liver Foundation. In 1999 Naomi starred as Lily Waite alongside Andy Griffith and Gerald McRaney in the film A Holiday Romance.
Naomi and Wynonna came together for a special New Year’s Eve concert in Phoenix in December 1999 at the America West Arena, with Ashley as the emcee. In 2000, The Judds embarked on their “Power to Change Tour” and performed to over 300,000 people in some thirty dates. The duo was nominated for the prestigious Academy of Country Music’s Top Vocal Duo of the Year in 2001. In November 2005, Naomi began hosting Naomi’s New Morning, a talk show that aired on Sunday mornings on the Hallmark Channel.
