Wynonna & Naomi

Wynonna & Naomi is an extended play by American country duo The Judds. It was released in January 1984 by RCA Records and was produced by Brent Maher. It was the duo's first album release in their career and would be followed later in the year by their first full-length album, Why Not Me. The album was part of a "mini-album" marketing strategy designed by RCA to promote up-and-coming acts on their roster.

Wynonna & Naomi
EP by
The Judds
ReleasedJanuary 1984 (1984-01)
RecordedMarch 1983
StudioCreative Workshop
GenreCountry[1]
Length26:34
LabelRCA Records
ProducerBrent Maher
The Judds chronology
Wynonna & Naomi
(1984)		 Why Not Me
(1984)
Singles from Wynonna & Naomi
  1. "Had a Dream (For the Heart)"
    Released: December 1983
  2. "Mama He's Crazy"
    Released: April 1984

Wynonna & Naomi was named for the members of the duo, Naomi Judd and Wynonna Judd, who had just recently signed with RCA Records after several years attempting to gain a recording contract. The original version included six tracks, including one song composed by Naomi Judd. The album included the duo's first two hits: "Had a Dream (For the Heart)" and "Mama He's Crazy." The EP itself would also reach positions on the Billboard charts in 1984.

Background

In 1983, The Judds signed their first recording contract with RCA Nashville. Consisting of mother, Naomi Judd, and daughter, Wynonna Judd, the duo auditioned on spot at the label's headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. The pair would remain at RCA through the 1980s and have a series of major hits.[2] Following their signing, the duo began making decisions on putting together their first album. RCA decided on first recording an extended play (mini-album of six songs), a marketing strategy that been successful for several other label performers. If successful, the intent was for the duo to release a full-length album at a later date.[3]

Content and recording

A total of six songs were chosen for the mini-album.[1] In 1983, The Judds signed with Broadcast Music, Inc. so that Naomi could gain publishing royalties from songs she composed. Following this decision, Naomi's composition, "Change of Heart," was chosen for the record. In addition, "John Deere Tractor" was also chosen. According to Naomi Judd, the song's original composer could not be originally determined. Instead, a bank account was opened for his royalties from the track. The duo's producer, Brent Maher, played them "Had a Dream (For the Heart)," which was originally recorded by Elvis Presley. Despite original hesitations about recording an Elvis track, the duo eventually agreed cut it with a new arrangement.[4]

Maher arranged for songwriters to meet The Judds in person to play songs they could possibly record. Nashville songwriter, Harlan Howard, was invited to dinner at The Judds' house where he played them his composition, "The Blue Nun Cafe."[5] The duo agreed to recording it for the project. In addition, mother Naomi Judd went to several publishing companies to hear songs the duo could possibly record. At one of these companies, she met songwriter Kenny O'Dell, who played her his song "Mama He's Crazy." Naomi connected with its lyrics and decided to choose the song for the upcoming album.[6]

Wynonna & Naomi was recorded in March 1983 at the Creative Workshop, also located in Nashville.[7] Naomi wanted her and her daughter to stay focused on the recording process. To stay on task, the duo agreed on a dress codes and made a sign outside the studio door, according to her autobiography, Love Can Build a Bridge.[6] The songs were cut in a total of three days. According to Naomi, the duo decided to lay down the vocals with only producer Brent Maher and musician, Don Potter present. "Our singing came from instinct, deep and spontaneous," she recalled in her 1993 book. The album was completed at a budget of $36,000.[8]

Release and reception
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic
Christgau's Consumer Guide ReviewsA-

Before the album's release, "Had a Dream (For the Heart)" was issued as the lead single. It was first released in December 1983 on RCA Records.[9] The song spent a total of 18 weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. In March 1984, the single reached number 17 on the chart, becoming the duo's first major hit and top 20 single.[10] On the Canadian RPM Country Singles chart, it reached a similar top 20 position.[11] In January 1984, Wynonna & Naomi was officially released on RCA.[7] The record was originally offered in 12 inch vinyl[12] and as an audio cassette.[13]

Wynonna & Naomi became the duo's first charting album released on the Billboard Top Country Albums survey, where it peaked at number eight.[14] It also reached number 153 on the Billboard 200.[15] In April 1984, "Mama He's Crazy" was spawned as the second single from the extended play. It became The Judds' first of several number one hits during the 1980s.[9] In total, "Mama He's Crazy" spent 23 weeks on the Billboard country songs chart before topping the list in August 1984.[16] It was also their first number one Canadian country single.[11]

Following its release, Wynonna & Naomi received positive reviews from writers and critics. Music journalist Robert Christgau gave the album an "A-" rating in his review: "They've got a gimmick--not only are they a mother-and-daughter act, you can't tell who's who. But the music's simply solid--three fine ones plus three pretty good ones equals the most actively pleasurable Nashville of the year."[17] Thom Owens of Allmusic rated the album 4.5 out of 5 possible stars in his review. Owens praised the mother-daughter harmonies the quality of material found on the album. He concluded by comparing the album to future releases: "The best moments on The Judds have been compiled on their numerous hit compliation, yet it remains a pleasant listen for most dedicated fans."[1]

Track listing

Vinyl version
Side one[12]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Had a Dream (For the Heart)"Dennis Linde3:10
2."John Deere Tractor"L. John Hammond3:28
3."Isn't He a Strange One"Kent Robbins3:25
Side two[12]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Blue Nun Cafe"
2:27
2."Change of Heart"Naomi Judd3:28
3."Mama He's Crazy"Kenny O'Dell3:11

Cassette version
Side one[13]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Had a Dream (For the Heart)"Linde3:10
2."John Deere Tractor"Hammond3:28
3."Isn't He a Strange One"Robbins3:25
4."Change of Heart"Judd3:28
5."Mama He's Crazy"O'Dell3:11
Side two[13]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Blue Nun Cafe"
  • Howard
  • Maher
2:27
2."Change of Heart"Judd3:28
3."Mama He's Crazy"O'Dell3:11
4."John Deere Tractor"Hammond3:28
5."Isn't He a Strange One"Robbins3:25

Compact disc version
Wynonna & Naomi (2003)[18][1]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Had a Dream (For the Heart)"Linde3:12
2."John Deere Tractor"Hammond3:30
3."Isn't He a Strange One"Robbins3:26
4."Mama He's Crazy"O'Dell3:17
5."Change of Heart"Judd3:33
6."Blue Nun Cafe"
  • Howard
  • Maher
2:30
7."Cry Myself to Sleep"Paul Kennerley3:44
8."Dreamchaser"
  • Jeffrey Bullock
  • Maher
3:44
Total length:26:34

Personnel

All credits are adapted from the liner notes of Wynonna & Naomi.[7]

The Judds

  • Naomi Judd – harmony vocals
  • Wynonna Judd – lead vocals

Musical personnel

Technical personnel

  • Brent Maher – producer

Chart performance
Chart (1983–85) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[19] 153
US Top Country Albums (Billboard)[20] 8

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[21] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history
Region Date Format Label Ref.
United States January 1984 Vinyl
[12]
Cassette [13]
Canada Vinyl [22]
Cassette [23]
Australia and New Zealand Vinyl [24]
United States 1988 Vinyl [25]
Cassette [26]
2003 Compact Disc [18]

References
  1. Judds, The. "Wynonna & Naomi: The Judds: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  2. Huey, Steve. "The Judds: Biography & History". Allmusic. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  3. Judd, Naomi & Schaetzle, Bud 1993, p. 260-61.
  4. Judd, Naomi & Schaetzle, Bud 1993, p. 261.
  5. Judd, Naomi & Schaetzle, Bud 1993, p. 261-62.
  6. Judd, Naomi & Schaetzle, Bud 1993, p. 262.
  7. Judds, The (January 1984). "Wynonna & Naomi (EP Liner Notes and Album Information)". RCA Records.
  8. Judd, Naomi & Schaetzle, Bud 1993, p. 266-67.
  9. Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. ISBN 978-0-89820-177-2.
  10. ""Had a Dream (For the Heart)" chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  11. "Results - RPM - Library and Archives Canada (Country Singles)". RPM. Retrieved November 27, 2010.
  12. "The Judds -- Wynonna & Naomi (1984, EP)". Discogs. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  13. "The Judds -- Wynonna & Naomi (1984, EP Cassette)". Discogs. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  14. Whitburn, Joel (1997). Joel Whitburn's Top Country Albums: 1967-1997. Record Research Inc. ISBN 0898201241.
  15. "Wynonna & Naomi chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  16. ""Mama He's Crazy" chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  17. Christgau, Robert. "Robert Christgau: The Judds [from Consumer Guide]". Robert Christgau. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  18. "The Judds -- Wynonna & Naomi (2003, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  19. "The Judds Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  20. "The Judds Chart History (Top Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  21. "American album certifications – The Judds – Wynonna & Naomi". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 10, 2020. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Album, then click SEARCH. 
  22. "The Judds -- Wynonna & Naomi (1984, Vinyl EP -- Canada)". Discogs. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  23. "The Judds -- Wynonna & Naomi (1984, Cassette EP -- Canada)". Discogs. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  24. "The Judds -- Wynonna & Naomi (1984, Vinyl EP -- Australia and New Zealand)". Discogs. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  25. "The Judds -- Wynonna & Naomi (1988, Vinyl EP)". Discogs. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  26. "The Judds -- Wynonna & Naomi (1988, Cassette)". Discogs. Retrieved 10 November 2020.

Books
  • Judd, Naomi; Schaetzle, Bud (1993). Love Can Build a Bridge. New York: Villard Books. ISBN 0-679-41247-6.
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