Judd, Naomi (1946–)

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Judd, Naomi (1946–)

American country-and-western singer. Name variations: Diana Judd. Born Diana Ellen Judd, Jan 11, 1946, in Ashland, KY; completed nursing degree; married Michael Ciminella, 1963 (div. 1972); m. Larry Strickland, 1989; children: Christina Ciminella, later known as Wynonna Judd (b. 1964, singer) and Ashley Judd (actress).

Matriarch of famed mother-daughter singing duo, moved to California (1970s); signed with Wynonna to RCA Records (1979); released series of successful albums, including The Judds: Wynonna & Naomi (1984), Heart Land (1987), River of Time (1989), Love Can Build a Bridge (1990); topped country charts with singles "Mama He's Crazy" (1984), "Girls Night Out" (1985), "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days)" (1986), "Turn It Loose" (1988) and "Change of Heart" (1988); performed with daughter in well-publicized farewell tour (1991), then was forced to retire due to chronic hepatitis C; began hosting syndicated radio show "Heart to Heart With Naomi Judd" (1999); reunited with Wynonna for album The Judds Reunion (2000).

See also autobiography Love Can Build a Bridge (1993).