Looking back on memorable moments in her career.
Wynonna Judd is one of the original badasses in country music. The famed redhead has been one of the most well-known powerhouse vocalists since her and her mother’s debut, The Judds record, Wynonna & Naomi in 1984
While Wynonna has made country music “her” story, as she likes to say, over her 40-year-long career, she’s not naive to the fact that she’s blessed to have a career this long. And with having a career this long, you have to keep finding ways to keep yourself relevant. Wynonna said it best when reflecting on her career when she accepted her Country Champion award during the People’s Choice Country Music Awards last year:
“For half of y’all in this place tonight, I know y’all don’t know who I am, or you were not born when I had my years of being fabulous…and I’ll let that go.
But back in the year of 1990…blah blah blah, Tim McGraw opened for me. Four weeks ago…I opened for Tim. The highs are highs, and the lows are lows, baby. But don’t let them tell you who you are.”
While some of country music’s newer listeners might not have yet tapped into the magic of Wynonna Judd’s and The Judds’ catalog, the folks out at the National Finals Rodeo, both old and young, grew up listening to her booming voice.
Before last night’s NFR round, Wynnona appeared on the Teton Ridge pre-show. She performed a few of her hits like “Love Is Alive” and chatted with the network about some of her career highlights.
“I’m still here after 40 years of playing Vegas. I’m still here by the grace of God.”
Wynonna has always had a great sense of humor, and she highlighted that charismatic side of herself when chatting about one of her greatest career moments- being able to perform for six of our nation’s presidents. Wynonna looks back on the accomplishment as one of her most proud moments in her career.
“The fact I’ve gotten to sing for six presidents. And go to the White House. We went from the outhouse to the White House, literally and figuratively. We are the American dream.”
Wynonna came in with perfectly placed zingers. After that little joke, she continued saying she loves performing in Las Vegas during the NFR because the people it attracts highlight the true meaning of living the American dream.
“That’s why I love coming here (to the NFR). These are some of the most humble people I’ve ever met besides the military. We live in the greatest country in the world, and you are an example of that. And that’s why I’m in awe.”
She loves Las Vegas during the NFR, and attendees of the NFR love Wynonna’s music.
