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In 2022, the country music industry was rocked by the unexpected death of Naomi Judd. One-half of the mother/daughter duo, The Judds, Naomi tragically took her life just one day before she was to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
A little over a year after her death, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani pay special tribute to The Judds. Keep reading for all the details.
New Album Honors The Judds’ Vast Discography
The Judds made their debut in 1983 with an extended play recording of six songs, including a cover of Elvis Presley’s “Had a Dream (For the Heart)” and “Mama, He’s Crazy.” A year later, they released their first full album Why Not Me to critical acclaim.
Throughout their long career, The Judds won multiple Grammy awards and had many chart-topping hit songs, including “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Ol’ Days” and “Love Can Build a Bridge.”
However, in 1991, Naomi Judd decided to take a step back from The Judds due to health issues related to her Hepatitis C diagnosis. Wynonna Judd then embarked on a successful solo career. The duo reunited occasionally for special events or tours as The Judds.
In fact, Wynonna and Naomi were to begin a tour together in late 2022 until Naomi’s tragic death earlier that year. With The Judds’ 40th anniversary approaching, a slew of country artists join together on one album to pay tribute to the groundbreaking country music act.
A Tribute to the Judds has a release date of October 27, 2023, and enlists many familiar names to cover The Judds’ vast song catalog.
Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Jelly Roll, and Ashley McBryde are among the “Who’s Who” of country music appearing on the album. The icon herself, Dolly Parton, will also lend her voice to the tribute album.
Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani’s ‘perfect’ Judds cover
In addition to all the country stars, former ska queen Gwen Stefani will honor The Judds’ legacy. With Blake Shelton singing harmony with her, Stefani will take on “Love is Alive,” a track from The Judds’ first album.
According to Rolling Stone, the original producer on the 1984 recording, Brent Maher, returned for Gwen Stefani’s cover. He has high praise for the No Doubt alum’s version. “All I can say about Gwen’s vocal is, it’s perfect, and Blake’s harmony parts are wonderful,” he told the outlet.
You can watch the lyric video for Gwen and Blake’s version of “Love is Alive” below.
Wynonna Judd Today
After her mother’s suicide, Wynonna Judd found refuge in music. She continued what was supposed to be a joint tour with her mother on her own.
The Judds: The Final Tour ended in February of 2023. Multiple country music stars, including Martina McBride and Faith Hill, appeared during the tour as special guests.
Wynonna is currently on a six-city tour that goes into 2024. Click here for tour dates.
What do you think of Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton’s cover of The Judds’ “Love is Alive”? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Fans can see Gwen Stefani on Season 24 of The Voice, airing this fall on NBC. However, despite appearing as a judge in previous seasons, Blake Shelton won’t be on the upcoming season, choosing to step away from the TV show after 12 years.
I love their version of Love is Alive. They make a wonderful couple, and hope the divorce rumors are just rumors. I would love to hear that their marriage is strong and committed to each other.