13 things you didn't know about Naomi Judd
Naomi Judd is an American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the early 1980s with her country-pop duo, The Judds, alongside her daughter Wynonna. She is a Grammy Award-winning artist with a long and successful career, but there is much more to Naomi than her music. Here are 15 things you didn't know about this iconic star.
1) She was born in 1946
Naomi Judd, real name Diana Ellen Judd, was born in 1946 in Ashland, Kentucky. She is an American singer and songwriter who has found success as a solo artist, with her daughter Wynonna, and in collaborations with other musical acts. Her musical career began in 1979 with the release of her debut single “Had a Dream (For the Heart)”, which rose to No.7 on the Billboard Country Chart and earned her a Grammy nomination.
Over the course of her long career, Naomi has become a household name in the country music industry, winning numerous awards and accolades along the way. In addition to her music career, she is also an actress, author, spokesperson for various causes and charities, and an entrepreneur. She is an advocate for mental health awareness, a breast cancer survivor and an active participant in the American Heart Association's “Go Red For Women” campaign. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2014, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2) Her real name is Diana Ellen Judd
Naomi Judd, the famous American singer, is actually born with the name of Diana Ellen Judd. She was born on January 11, 1946 in Ashland, Kentucky. Her parents were Charles Glen Judd and Pauline Judd. She changed her name to Naomi as part of her stage name, as she wanted to have a more exotic sounding name. It is quite unusual that she would choose a name from the bible instead of one from her own family’s history. Her stage name, Naomi, comes from the biblical book of Ruth and means pleasant or agreeable.
3) She has two daughters
Wynonna Judd and Ashley Judd. Wynonna is an American country music singer-songwriter who is best known for her hits “No One Else on Earth”, “She Is His Only Need”, and “I Saw the Light”. Ashley is an American actress and activist who has starred in films such as Double Jeopardy, Kiss the Girls, and Divergent. Both daughters have worked alongside Naomi at times, collaborating on multiple albums and tours. They are both active philanthropists, involved with many charities such as the Judd Foundation and Mercy Corps.
4) She was once married to Wynonna's father
Naomi Judd was married to Wynonna's father, Michael Ciminella, from 1964 to 1972. While together, they welcomed daughter Ashley and Wynonna into the world. After divorcing, she went on to marry Larry Strickland in 1989, but divorced him six years later in 1995. She has been a strong advocate for both of her daughters and their respective careers throughout the years. She currently resides with her partner, Larry, in Tennessee.
5) She battled with depression
Naomi Judd is no stranger to personal struggles. She had suffered from depression for many years, which was compounded by the death of her mother in 1975. Her struggle with depression led her to seek help from a psychiatrist, and eventually she was able to get her life back on track. She has since been an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about her own experiences with depression. In an effort to help others who may be struggling with depression, Naomi set up her own foundation in 2007 called The Naomi Judd Education and Research Fund. The mission of this organization is to “empower individuals and families affected by mental health issues through education, research, and advocacy”.
6) She is a breast cancer survivor
Naomi Judd is a breast cancer survivor and an advocate for women's health and wellness. She was diagnosed with the disease in 1991 and underwent a double mastectomy as well as several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. She has since become an outspoken advocate for cancer awareness, and has made it her mission to spread the message that early detection saves lives. She has also established the Naomi Judd Education and Research Fund to raise money for breast cancer research. Today, she continues to use her voice to spread awareness about the importance of early detection and to encourage all women to take care of their health.
7) She is an advocate for mental health
Naomi Judd has been a long-time advocate for mental health issues. She has spoken openly about her own battle with depression and how it has affected her life. She is a passionate advocate for awareness and destigmatization of mental illness, and for providing proper treatment to those in need. She has worked with organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America, and has written books such as “Love Can Build a Bridge”, which chronicles her struggles with depression and her journey towards healing. Naomi Judd’s advocacy is helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, making it easier for people to access the help they need without fear of judgement or shame.
8) She is a New York Times bestselling author
Naomi Judd has authored several books, all of which have been bestsellers. Her books include her autobiography, River of Time: My Descent into Depression and How I Emerged with Hope; her collaboration with her daughters Wynonna and Ashley, Love Can Build a Bridge; and her most recent book, The Mother-Daughter Wisdom: Understanding the Crucial Link Between Mothers, Daughters and Health. Through her books, Naomi has gained notoriety for her candid discussion of depression and mental health. In her autobiography, she shares how she overcame depression to become a mental health advocate and an inspiration to countless others.
9) She has her own clothing line
Naomi Judd has her own line of fashion and jewelry called “Naomi’s Place.” The line is a mix of styles, from casual to dressy, and made in sizes ranging from petite to plus. Her items are designed to flatter the female form and can be found online or at retailers around the world. Naomi’s clothing has been featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, InStyle, and Redbook. She has also had several collections with QVC, including her signature “Love It Or Leave It” jewelry collection. Her fashion philosophy is simple: “Choose pieces that flatter your body type and make you feel beautiful inside and out.”
10) She is a spokesperson for the American Heart Association
Naomi Judd is a strong advocate for heart health and has been involved with the American Heart Association since 1998. As a spokesperson, she has raised awareness about heart health and has inspired others to get involved in cardiovascular research and treatment. She believes that education is key to preventing heart disease and has used her platform to help others understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. She has appeared in numerous public service announcements and has traveled extensively to promote the mission of the American Heart Association. She is also dedicated to raising funds for research and creating greater access to treatments for those with cardiovascular diseases.
11) She has her own foundation
Naomi Judd is a philanthropist who cares deeply about giving back to her community. In 1992, she founded The Naomi Judd Education and Research Fund at Vanderbilt University, which provides scholarships and grants to those in need. She also established the Naomi Judd Foundation to support mental health research, education and advocacy programs. The foundation partners with organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which works to reduce stigma and promote understanding of mental health conditions. It also provides direct assistance to individuals and families facing mental health challenges. The Naomi Judd Foundation has also funded projects related to breast cancer awareness, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, lung cancer, and other illnesses. Through her foundation, Naomi Judd has made a positive impact on many lives and continues to fight for better mental health care.
12) She has been nominated for Grammy Awards
Naomi Judd has been nominated for a total of three Grammy Awards throughout her career, all for Best Country Vocal Performance - Female. In 1984, she was nominated for the single “Love Can Build A Bridge”, which she recorded with her daughter Wynonna and mother-in-law Loretta Lynn. In 1995, she was nominated for the single “Rockin' With The Rhythm Of The Rain”. Her third nomination came in 1996 for the song “Change Of Heart”. Although she has yet to win a Grammy Award, Judd remains an icon of country music.
13) She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Naomi Judd has achieved numerous accolades throughout her illustrious career, but one of her most impressive is having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Located at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard, her star was dedicated in 1995, with her daughter Wynonna, sister Ashley and mother Pauline in attendance. It was placed next to those of other legendary country artists like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams.
Naomi Judd is the first female duo to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and it serves as a reminder of her influence in country music and beyond. Her star also pays tribute to her philanthropic efforts, having received numerous awards for her work in mental health advocacy. In addition, she was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017.
Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is just one way to recognize Naomi Judd's incredible contributions to the world. She has inspired generations of music fans with her moving lyrics and powerful performances, and her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a fitting tribute to her remarkable accomplishments.
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