Christina Claire Ciminella (born May 30, 1964; Age: 59 years) is a renowned American country music singer and songwriter professionally known as Wynonna Judd. Her fame skyrocketed as part of the award-winning musical duo with her mother, Naomi Judd, operating under the name The Judds. The duo achieved widespread acclaim in the 1980s, significantly boosting Wynonna’s solo career.
Early Life
Wynonna Judd was born and raised in Ashland, Kentucky, and had a challenging early life marked by financial struggles and personal hardships. Her mother, Naomi Judd, and her sister, Ashley Judd, faced similar difficulties. Wynonna’s parents divorced when she was just a small child, and her mother struggled as a single parent. Her mother remarried Michael Ciminella after her father biological father, Charles Jordan, abandoned them.
Growing up, Wynonna faced adversity, and the family moved frequently, facing financial instability. Despite these challenges, she developed a deep love for music. Her mother, Naomi Judd, recognized her daughters’ musical talents, and together, they formed The Judds. The duo began performing locally and, in 1983, signed with RCA Records.
The Judds quickly rose to fame in the country music scene, releasing their debut album “Why Not Me” in 1984, which included the hit title track and other successful singles. Their harmonies and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences, earning them numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards.
Career
Wynonna Judd started her musical journey in the early 1980s, teaming up with her mom, Naomi Judd, to create the sensational country music duo The Judds. Their debut album, “Why Not Me,” hit the scene in 1984, unleashing chart-toppers like “Mama He’s Crazy” and the title track. The album skyrocketed, firmly establishing The Judds as a force to be reckoned with in country music.
In the following years, The Judds kept the hits coming with albums like “Rockin’ with the Rhythm” (1985) and “Heartland” (1987), bagging numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards for their outstanding country performances. Their success wasn’t just about musical prowess; it was also rooted in the relatable themes of their songs, often drawn from their own life experiences.
However, success didn’t shield them from challenges. In 1991, Naomi Judd’s battle with hepatitis led to the duo’s decision to embark on a farewell tour. This marked the end of The Judds as a duo, but both Wynonna and Naomi forged ahead with individual careers.
Wynonna’s solo journey took flight with her eponymous debut album in 1992. The record churned out chart-topping singles like “She Is His Only Need” and “I Saw the Light,” showcasing Wynonna’s knack for delivering emotionally charged performances. Her solo style wove together various genres, from country and rock to blues and gospel.
The momentum continued with the 1993 release of “Tell Me Why,” featuring hits like “Only Love” and the title track. This album solidified her solo success, earning critical acclaim and commercial triumph. Wynonna continued to experiment with her sound, exploring different musical avenues with albums like “Revelations” (1996) and “The Other Side” (1997).
Collaborations with artists from diverse genres, including rock icon Sting and country star Clint Black, became a trademark of Wynonna’s career, showcasing her versatility and contributing to her enduring appeal.
As the late 1990s rolled into the 2000s, Wynonna kept the music flowing with albums like “New Day Dawning” (2000) and “What the World Needs Now Is Love” (2003). Beyond these, she ventured into the holiday spirit with “A Classic Christmas” (2006) and continued to showcase her musical prowess with “Sing: Chapter 1” (2009) and “Love Heals” (2010).
Collaborating with her mother, Wynonna joined forces with Naomi for occasional performances and the reality television series “The Judds,” airing on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) in 2011. The show provided a behind-the-scenes look at their lives and the unique journey of a mother-daughter duo.
Wynonna’s entertainment portfolio expanded beyond music as she took on roles in television and film, appearing in TV shows like “Touched by an Angel” and “Hope & Faith.”
Beyond the spotlight, Wynonna’s openness about her struggles and triumphs has added to her authenticity as an artist. Her resilience and ability to connect with audiences personally have continued to endear her to fans, cementing her status as a beloved and enduring figure in the entertainment world.
Discography
- Mama He’s Crazy
- Why Not Me
- Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain
- Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)
- Turn It Loose
- Girls with Guitars
- I Saw the Light
- She Is His Only Need
- No One Else on Earth
- Tell Me Why
- Only Love
- Is It Over Yet
- Rock Bottom
- My Strongest Weakness
- To Be Loved by You
- When Love Starts Talkin’
- Can’t Nobody Love You (Like I Do)
- Going Nowhere
- Stuck in Love
- New Day Dawning
- What the World Needs Now Is Love
- Attitude
- Flies on the Butter (You Can’t Go Home Again)
- Heaven Help My Heart
- Love Like That
- Can’t Nobody Love You (Like I Do)
- Testify to Love
- I Will Be
- Sing
- Love Heals
- Santa Claus Is Back in Town [with Elvis Presley]
Awards & Nominations
Awards:
- Grammy Awards
- Multiple wins for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with The Judds.
- Academy of Country Music Awards
- Top Vocal Duo (with The Judds).
- Country Music Association Awards
- Vocal Group of the Year (with The Judds).
- American Music Awards
- Favorite Country Band/Duo/Group (with The Judds).
Nominations:
- Grammy Awards
- Numerous nominations, both as part of The Judds and as a solo artist.
- Academy of Country Music Awards
- Nominations for various categories.
- Country Music Association Awards
- Additional nominations for different categories.
Personal Life
Wynonna Judd’s personal life has been marked by a series of marriages, divorces, and significant challenges. She first married Arch Kelley III, a notable businessman, in 1995. Prior to tying the knot, they had a son together, and their family grew with the birth of a second child. However, the union eventually ended in divorce in 1998.
Following this, Wynonna entered into a marriage with D. R. Roach on November 22, 2003. Unfortunately, this marriage faced a serious setback when, on March 22, 2007, Roach was arrested for the sexual assault of a child under the age of 13. In response to this distressing situation, Wynonna filed for divorce just five days after Roach’s arrest.
Wynonna’s romantic life took another turn when she became engaged to Scott “Cactus” Moser on December 24, 2011. Moser, known as the drummer for Highway 101, became Wynonna’s husband on June 10, 2012, in a ceremony held at her home in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.
However, tragedy struck the couple on August 18, 2012, when Moser was involved in a severe motorcycle crash in South Dakota. The accident, which occurred on U.S. Route 16 in the Black Hills, resulted in Moser crossing the center line and colliding with a car. As a consequence of the injuries sustained in the crash, Moser’s left leg had to be amputated above the knee.
In addition to personal struggles, Wynonna faced challenges on the family front. In June 2018, her daughter Grace was sentenced to 8 years in prison for violating her probation period. Grace had pleaded guilty to charges related to the possession, manufacturing, and distribution of methamphetamines.
Currently, she measures around 5 feet 5 inches (166 cm) in height and weighs approximately 161 pounds (73 kg).
Social Media
- Instagram: @wynonnajudd
- X: @Wynonna
Net Worth
Wynonna Judd is reported to have a net worth of $12 million. She falls on the lower end of the financial spectrum compared to other well-known family members. Her sister, Ashley Judd, is estimated to have a net worth of $14 million, and their late mother was reported to have had a net worth of $25 million. The financial standings of the Judd family members showcase their successes and contributions to the entertainment industry.
