Wynonna Ellen Judd, known simply as Wynonna (/waɪˈnoʊnə/wy-NOH-nə; born Christina Claire Ciminella; May 30, 1964), is an American country music singer.[1] She is one of the most widely recognized and awarded female country musicians in history.[2] In all, she has had 19 No. 1 singles, including those with The Judds.[3] She first rose to fame in the 1980s alongside her mother, Naomi, in their mother-daughter country music duo, The Judds. They released seven albums on Curb Records, in addition to 26 singles, of which 14 were No. 1 hits.[4]
The Judds disbanded in 1991, and Wynonna began a solo career (also on Curb).[5] During her solo career, Wynonna has released eight studio albums, as well as a live album, a holiday album, and two compilation albums, with the releasing of more than 20 singles. Her first three singles, "She Is His Only Need", "I Saw the Light", and "No One Else on Earth" all reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.[6] In 1996, "To Be Loved by You" also hit number one, becoming her fourth number one and top-ten hit.[7] Three of her albums are certified multiple-times platinum by the RIAA.[8] Her most recent recording is Wynonna & the Big Noise, which was released on February 12, 2016, followed by the release of the single "Cool Ya'" that same month.[9] "Recollections" was released in 2020. Wynonna is most recognized for her musical work, although she has also pursued other interests starting in the 2000s, including writing, acting, and philanthropy.[10][11]