Naomi Judd

Country superstar, author and wellness advocate.

Travels From:  Tennessee

SPEECH TOPICS

Love Will Build a Bridge

How to Have a Breakthrough, Not a Breakdown

ABOUT Naomi Judd

Naomi Judd first expressed her passion for communication as half of country music's most famous mother/daughter team, The Judds. There, she also first captured national attention during the duo's meteoric rise. Their popularity earned them 20 top 10 hits (including 15 #1's) and kept them undefeated for eight consecutive years at all three major country music awards shows. In addition, the duo won five Grammys and a vast array of other awards and honors. As a songwriter, Judd also won a Grammy for Country Song of the Year with the Judds' smash hit "Love Can Build A Bridge."

In 1991, at the pinnacle of their phenomenal career, The Judds' reign came to an abrupt end. Naomi Judd was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, a potentially fatal chronic liver disease that forced her retirement. Their duet ended on a high note: their "Farewell" tour was the top grossing act, and their farewell concert was the most successful musical event in cable pay-per view history.

With unwavering optimism and characteristic inner strength, Judd stepped out of the spotlight to explore paths that have led to new successful endeavors. Today, she is completely cured of the Hepatitis C virus and uses the strength of her own experiences as spokesperson for the America Liver Foundation. In 1991, Judd created the Naomi Judd Education and Research Fund, using her household name and personal time to raise invaluable awareness of the deadly Hepatitis C virus as well as research funds for the American Liver Foundation.

Though her creativity continues to flow through music and writing, today Judd also expresses her energy on humanitarian activities, social issues and personal growth education. Her background and knowledge on various health and family related issues has led to invitations to speak at countless conventions, seminars and high profile summits as well as numerous media awareness campaigns and Capitol Hill hearings. As a former registered nurse, Judd has addressed the heads of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the 2001 Bio-Technology Convention. She is also on Dr. Andrew Weil's board of directors as an advocate for integrative approaches to medicine incorporated alongside more modern technology. Judd is also a former uninsured single mom on welfare. An advocate for health care reform on behalf of the 44 million Americans who have no medical coverage, Judd has spoken candidly during public appearances and press interviews about her personal experience of raising two small children as a single mother on welfare with no medical insurance. And as a former domestic violence victim, her personal story makes her a powerful motivational speaker against such injustices.

Judd is also active in humanitarian and social issues, participating in anti-violence programs like the Safe School Summit, and the Women's World Peace Initiative. She's on the board of M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), a board member of USA Weekend's Make A Difference Day (promotiong volunteer work), a member of the Parents Television Council, and has donated her time and money to Kids on Stage (local school program promoting the arts). In addition to helping start a hospice in her hometown, every Fourth of July the small-town Ashland, Kentucky, girl returns home for the Judd's Annual Food Drive to stock the Appalachia pantry.

It is this down to earth attitude, along with her amazing life story, that makes Naomi Judd one of the most admired and inspiring women in the world.