Naomi Judd Takes A ‘Final Bow’ – Today In Country Music History [VIDEO]
October 17, 1990
Naomi Judd tells reporters she has hepatitis and will have to give up performing. She and Wynonna hold the press conference in the same room in which they auditioned for RCA in 1983. The pair were in the middle of their successful Love Can Build a Bridge Tour when the then-44-year-old was given the devastating news.
It was also announced that Wynonna would continue making music as a solo artist, while Naomi was expected to step out of the limelight and focus solely on her health. But to everyone’s surprise, including maybe Naomi’s most of all, her retirement became more of a resurgence.
After the Judds wrapped their farewell tour in 1991, Naomi became an active spokesperson for the American Liver Foundation, and also created the Naomi Judd Education and Research Fund. A former nurse, she devoted much of her time and resources to education and support for those dealing with the deadly disorder.
In 1999, Judd starred in a TV movie, ‘A Holiday Romance,’ and returned to the stage with Wynonna, performing together for a New Year’s Eve concert in Phoenix, Ariz. She followed that performance by a marked return to the spotlight, joining her daughter on their Power to Change Tour in 2000 and appearing on several TV shows, including Hallmark’s ‘Naomi’s New Morning’ in 2005 and as a judge on CMT’s ‘Can You Duet’ in 2008. Judd also authored several books, including ‘Naomi’s Guide to Aging Gracefully.’
While it is uncommon for people with Hepatitis C to lead such a productive life, the Kentucky native says a combination of conventional and alternative medicine, including taking plenty of vitamins each day and eating a healthy diet, helped cure her of the illness.
Since improving her condition, the Judds reunited on stage in 2010 for their final tour, The Last Encore, and appeared together on a reality show in 2011 on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. Judd also acted in a Hallmark movie, ‘Nearlyweds,’ in 2013, and continues to make appearances speaking about her battle with and recovery from Hepatitis C.
2010
Brad Paisley and Little Big Town play a free concert in Gulf Shores, Alabama, to promote tourism after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The opening number in Brad’s set is, rather appropriately, “Water.”
2002
Lee Ann Womack’s song “I Hope You Dance” was certified platinum. The song reached #1 on the country charts and was named CMA & ACM Song of the Year in 2001.
1989
As Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers prepare to sing the national anthem before the third game of the World Series in San Francisco, a major earthquake rocks the city, postponing their performance, and the game.
1974
Austin City Limits taped its pilot episode, which aired in early 1975 and showcased Willie Nelson.
1968
Glen Campbell’s albums By The Time I Get To Phoenix and Gentle On My Mind were certified gold.
Phoenix featured the singles "Homeward Bound" (#5), "Hey Little One" (#13) and the title track (#2). Gentle featured the title track, "Catch The Wind", "You're My World" and "Mary In The Morning"
#1 On This Date
SINGLE
2009 – Toby Keith – “American Ride”
1998 – Deana Carter – “How Do I Get There”
1992 – Randy Travis – “If I Didn’t Have To”
1987 – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – "Fishin' In The Dark"
1981 – Eddie Rabbitt – “Step By Step”
1970 – Johnny Cash – “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”
1960 – Cowboy Copas – “Alabam”
ALBUMS
2009 – Miranda Lambert – Revolution
1998 – Shania Twain – Come On Over
1992 – Garth Brooks – The Chase
1987 – Randy Travis – Always & Forever
1981 – Ronnie Milsap – There’s No Getting Over Me
1970 – Merle Haggard – The Fightin’ Side Of Me
1964 – Jim Reeves – The Best of Jim Reeves
Birthdays
Earl Thomas Conley is 73
Alan Jackson is 56.