While she was still in her 20s, Wynonna Judd emerged as the Aretha Franklin of Nashville -- sassy and spiritual, voluptuous and bold, with a voice formidable as freight train.
Although Wynonna's last original CD was released five years ago, the Grammy-winning artist's diva status was cemented long ago, with 20 No. 1 hits as a solo artist ("No One Else on Earth," "What the World Needs Now is Love") and with her mother as The Judds ("Why Not Me" and "Young Love.")
As a lifelong go-to performer for guys and gals in uniform, it's no surprise Wynonna was chosen to headline a free concert tonight at Elmendorf Air Force Base. The show both pays tribute to the military and is part of "We're In" weekend, a city-wide celebration of Alaska's 50th anniversary of statehood. The concert is a global event: It will be broadcast live on the Internet and feature a satellite feed to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"This is serious battlefield promotion; I feel like I'm being called to duty," Wynonna said via phone earlier this month. "I'm intensely aware of what an honor this is."
Wynonna said she'll be bringing the whole family to Anchorage but was coy when asked if her mother, Naomi Judd, might perform. "Sarah! It's kind of a surprise! Hel-lo! Wink, wink."
In that interview, she also talked about a new album of cover songs she'll be releasing in the fall, recovering from some very public hardships and how she's "trying to give the devil a nervous breakdown."
Q. How did your working relationship with the military develop?
A. My relationship with the military began with the USO back in 1985 with my mom. ... It's about the people, for me. ... Being an independent allows me in many different types of circles. That's what music does; it's able to break down barriers. This isn't about being a Democrat or a Republican, this about being a child of God and singing songs to encourage people in a really bitter time. ...
I understand we're all conflicted about the war. That's not what this is about. It's about supporting our family. ... In our family, we don't always agree about everything we do, but we support who we are.
Q. You're releasing a new album this fall, yes?
A. We just finished my vocals for it yesterday. ... Unless we stop and pay homage to and respect to those who came before us, the blessings stop. ... I'm paying tribute to those chicks who rocked before me and paved the way.
There's a song on there that Bonnie Raitt did. I remember being 10 in my room grounded -- thanks, mom -- and just singing at the top of my lungs, so that song's on the record.
Q. Which Bonnie Raitt track is it?
A. Ack! Security breach! (laughter) I'm not telling people, because there may be one or two songs that might not make it to the record. But I think people will recognize some of the songs. ... They're about going through the battle, learning the difference between being selfish and selfless, balancing work and children, love and pain, the martyrdom of being a woman in this world and the stuff we put ourselves through to find out who we are.
Q. Do your children have musical aptitude?
A. Yes, to the point where I sometimes think: 'Is it possible for the world to accept a fourth Judd?' and 'Do I really want to go through this again?' It's kind of trippy, actually, it's like watching yourself move outside your body.
Q. If they wanted to be musicians, would you encourage them to?
A. I would encourage them, and get them a lawyer right away. (laughter)
Q. The most recent challenge for you that was in the tabloids was D.R.'s arrest last year. (Wynonna's ex-husband, D.R. Roach, was arrested for aggravated sexual battery against a minor.) Has your family been able to put that behind you?
A. There is no such thing as a family without dysfunction. The difference between you and me today is my mug shot's on smokinggun.com. You can buy mine or you can buy Saddam Hussein's. I'll never forget when I got my DUI, I was crying for days. It was a really, really humiliating experience. ... But I realize that people love to peer into other people's troubles. It keeps them from looking at their own. ...
I don't know if you put anything behind you. But I'm on the program 'Everything's not OK, but I'm OK with everything.'
My life is an example of manure occureth. But God is not through with us yet.
Find Play reporter Sarah Henning at adn.com/contact/shenning or call 257-4323.
Wynonna
With openers U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific and U.S. Air Force Band of the Reserve
When: 7 p.m. today
Where: Elmendorf Air Force Base
How much: Free; no tickets required
Web: www.anchorage.net/50, www.wynonna.com
The concert will be streamed live worldwide at AT&T's Blue Room (www.attblueroom.com)
Logistics: Starting at 4:30 p.m., concertgoers can enter at Boniface, Government Hill and Fort Richardson gates to be directed to parking or to take a free shuttle to the showgrounds. Post Road gate will not be open for concert-goers. At the showgrounds, there will be an area designated for people who bring blankets and chairs.
Don't bring: Coolers, large bags, pets, weapons, ammunition, cooking equipment, roller blades, skateboards or scooters.
After hours: Bonfire from 10 to 11 p.m.
By Sarah Henning
shenning@adn.com