MUSIC IS ALIVE IN VAN WERT! WYNONNA THE OVERCOMER
Wynonna The Overcomer
Wynonna Judd kicks off the 19-20 Niswonger season with powerful country on Sunday, September 15. Why Wynonna? A look into her life demonstrates the overcoming grit that is a hallmark of our own agri-society. No matter the weather, we focus, adapt, and rise together.
Wynonna Judd started and boomed in the country music scene in the 1980's as a part of the famous duo, The Judds. Wynonna, and her mother, Naomi, cemented their spot in the industry as the most successful duo in country music history in terms of commercial status. They produced 15 no. 1 singles from their five studio albums - in addition, every album was certified Gold. Their hit, "Why Not Me" went double-Platinum and The Judds went on to sell over 20 million albums and amassed five Grammys. Due to an illness that struck Naomi, the duo split in 1991 but there was no stopping Wynonna's rise. Wynonna adapted to the unexpected illness and carved out her own career as a solo artist. She has proven her success as an entertainer by owning the Country charts in the 90's and became dubbed the "Country Music Queen". A talented singer with a strong personality, Wynonna has lived a life full of challenges yet she has risen to overcome them again and again.
Wynonna had an impoverished childhood. She was drawn towards the art of music after listening to the icons of Country music with her mother. As a Christmas gift, Wynonna received a guitar and quickly learned to play it. She was very close to her mother and in 1979; she took up her mother’s maiden surname Judd. In the same year, the two moved to Nashville, Tennessee in search of opportunities for building their musical career.
Great success and personal trials have marked Wynonna's journey. Cactus Moser, Wynonna's current husband lost his leg in a motorcycle accident while they were newlyweds. While riding his motorcycle, Cactus Moser was hit by an oncoming car, severing his leg. Wynonna was also riding her motorcycle from behind when the incident happened. In an interview Wynonna revealed that the experience made their relationship even stronger and her statement following the 2012 incident reflects her stoic nature. "The outpouring of prayer and support from friends, family and fans have been a blessing to both Cactus and I. Cactus is a champion. I love him deeply and I will not leave his side." We will literally see Wynonna by his side on September 15 on the Niswonger stage as Cactus is both producer and drummer of Wynonna's band The Big Noise.
Wynonna has a long history of being involved with a wide array of charities. In 2005, Wynonna received the USO's Merit Award for service to all divisions of the United States Armed Forces and teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to record "Heart of America", with Michael McDonald and Eric Benet which in turn helped raise over $90 million for victims of natural disasters to the Gulf Coast. She brought attention to the global emergency of AIDS as United States Ambassador for YouthAIDS for four years. In 2006, she was nominated for "Tennessean of the Year" for her continuous humanitarian efforts. She has made innumerable appearances and performed at many events benefiting such causes as the American Red Cross, YouthAIDS, MusicCares, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Nashville's drug and alcohol program The Oasis Center, St. Jude and various war veterans' groups.
Response dictates outcome and Wynonna has chosen time and again to "play on." We anticipate a musical celebration of soul filled music with Wynonna in September. The more we understand of the artist, the greater we value the message of their music - possibly learning from them along the way.