An all-star cast honoring a legendary country music duo.
In honor of the The Judds’ 40th anniversary, a star-studded list of country artists teamed up to release their versions of 14 of Naomi and Wynonna’s biggest hits in the form of a tribute album called A Tribute To The Judds.
Naomi tragically passed away last August, but her daughter Wynonna is featured on the tracklist, along with Dolly Parton, Ashley McBryde, Barnett, Lynne, and West, Blake Shelton, Carl Perkins, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Gabby Barrett, Gwen Stefani, Jamey Johnson, Jelly Roll, Jennifer Nettles, K. Michelle, Lainey Wilson, Leanne Rimes, Megan Moroney, Molly Tuttle, O.N.E. The Duo, Raul Malo, Reba McEntire, Rob Ickes, Shelly Fairchild, Sonya Isaacs, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Trey Hensley, Trisha Yearwood, and Wendy Moten.
Like I said, star-studded…
All of the songs were developed by The Judds’ original producer and six-time Grammy award winner Brent Maher, outside of “Cry Myself to Sleep,” which was produced by Cactus Moser.
The 40-year mark celebrates four decades since The Judd’s were signed to RCA records by Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Joe Galante, who also served as the project’s executive producer.
Wynonna says it’s been a privilege to have her friends join her in reimagining these songs:
“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.”
Joe Galante echoed her sentiment, saying:
“Renee Bell and I were thrilled to be part of A Tribute to the Judds as Executive Producers.
After my signing of The Judds in 1983, and Wynonna going to MCA when Renee was director of A&R, it was special reunion for all of us.
With Brent Maher at the helm of producing all of the timeless Judds’ music we are honoring, it was the perfect combination. We couldn’t be more excited about the incredible artists that have brought their own styles to these great songs.”
And honestly, it’s one of the absolute coolest projects released this year, and I always love when some of my favorite artists get together to sing the heck outta some good old fashioned country.
There are some incredible pairings on this tracklist, which is such a beautiful and perfect way to honor the inimitable legacy of The Judds and their important influence on country music.
Of course, one of my initial favorites is the duet Lainey Wilson and Dolly Parton did of The Judds’ 1984 hit “Mama He’s Crazy”:
Reba, Carly Pearce, Jennifer Nettles and Gabby Barrett did a really fun rendition of “Girls Night Out”:
Ella Langley and Jamey Johnson offer one of the slower, more stripped-down moments on a beautiful duet of “Young Love”:
Cody Johnson nailed his cover of “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days)” with Sonya Isaacs:
Megan Moroney was the perfect choice for a solo rendition of The Judd’s 1984 classic “Why Not Me,” which is one of my personal favorites in their iconic catalog:
And Wynonna’s tour mate and friend Ashley McBryde teamed up with Shelly Fairchild for a rousing rendition of “Rockin’ With the Rhythm of the Rain”:
There are so many other incredible covers on this tracklist, so I highly suggest giving the whole 14-song album a download and reminiscing on the classic country music the Judds gave us for four amazing decades.
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
