Atlantic City Weekly

Country music Top 40 radio has swung so far to the pop side, obsessed with the latest hot artist, there is no room for the brilliant blend of traditionalism, roots-rock, blues, swing and yes, pop, that defines one of country music’s greatest singers and interpretive artists ever, Wynonna Judd.

If you think I’ve gone overboard with my praise, download Sing: Chapter 1, Wynonna’s latest album, released last year. After listening to her stunning skill in interpreting songs that have influenced her over the decades, a diverse collection that includes Bill Wither’s “Ain’t No Sunshine,” Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” Merle Haggard’s “Are the Good Times Really Over for Good,” Sippie Wallace’s “Women Be Wise” and the elegant pop of the 1952 standard “When I Fall In Love” and Bacharach/David’s “Anyone Who Has A Heart,” you’ll probably agree that Wynonna belongs in the same category as Patsy Cline and Bonnie Raitt. Not only are the pipes magnificent, but the emotional power of her ballads, the perfect phrasing, and the stomp-your-feel fun of the uptempo numbers make this album an instant classic ala Willie Nelson’s Stardust.

Wynonna headlines at Harrah’s this Saturday, May 15, and this fall teams up with her mother Naomi for the Judds farewell tour. While on break from performing, Wynonna chatted with Atlantic City Weekly about her current tour, the Judds reunion and the state of country music.

Sing: Chapter 1 is an amazing album, featuring songs that have inspired you. What do you love about these songs?

We can start with Bonnie [Raitt, who recorded “Women Be Wise”]. Bonnie used to dedicate that song to me and this album is about my she-roes and my heroes and paying homage to them. It was literally picking out points in my life when I had experiences with these people. Merle Haggard with George Jones was my very first concert as a child. These are personal stories, snapshots from my life. Bill Withers’ [“Ain’t No Sunshine”], I remember when that song came out. I relate to it on a personal level. This is who I am musically. I’m a lot of different things and I’ve made peace with that.

What’s your take on the music industry these days and country radio?

Don’t get me started. I don’t want to seem bitter. I got in trouble for speaking about Taylor [Swift] winning too early you know, because she’s 12. I was being funny. It got slammed back in my face. All I was saying was where do you go from here, and you’re not even 25 yet? There is a lot of distraction out there. It’s like there’s a party going on and people are talking and connecting and all of a sudden somebody comes running through the party and he’s naked. That’s kind of how I see the radio. It’s like the Lady Gaga thing. What is that? First of all, can someone tell me — is that a man or a woman? I don’t know if I like it or not because it is so different, so out there, so I can appreciate it [as her expressing her individuality], but I may not agree with it. Radio is like a foreign country. You go visit it and then you come home. My home is with the fans, and the music and being who I am. If I want to be on country radio, I have to fall into a certain formula. If I do, I do, and if I don’t, that’s OK. It used to be that if you’re not on the radio, you suck! I’m not going to go there anymore.

What are you planning for your performance in Atlantic City?

I don’t know. It depends on what state I’m in and what state I’m in. If people have requests, I’ll listen. I read my audience; sometimes I tailor it [to what’s getting the most response].

Are casino audiences different?

These are people that don’t normally come to shows. They are in the building to gamble and drink and play and forget their miserable lives. I see these characters and think, “When was the last time you bought a Wynonna record?” I know going in that these are not people in the fan club for the most part. So, don’t tell jokes about my mom. Don’t make them laugh, but they need to laugh, they just lost their mortgage. I definitely go in with a different attitude.

You are celebrating your 25th anniversary as a recording artist. Can you believe it?

I can and I can’t. I think because of the integrity with which I’ve tried to maneuver [my career], I’m really grateful — freaking A, I’m awesome. I made it through. As a champion, heck yeah, I’m thrilled. As an artist, I’m like, “How the heck did I get away with as much as I’ve gotten away with?” I’m up singing in Connecticut with Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Dolly. I’m thinking, “How did I get here?” Or I go and do something with Sting then something with Patti LaBelle. This is crazy but it works, because of my gift. I’ve been really lucky to sing for the military families. I’ve sung for four presidents. It’s like the American dream, Miss America thing. It’s wacky, but I love it. I love that I’m still here. The older I get the sassier I am. I worry less what people think and enjoy myself more. That comes from age and experience.

 Watch Wynonna sing "Burning Love":

You’re doing a Judds farewell tour. You did your first in 1991, so is this the “final” farewell tour?

We’re gonna keep doing them until people don’t show up. I’m kidding. When we did the CMA Music Festival last year and 50,000 people were singing “Love Can Build a Bridge,” I looked at my mother, she looked at me and I knew she was thinking, “This is pretty cool.” It was born then. I think it’s time. We’re talking and I’m saying, “OK, you’re going to get your own bus and you’re going to mind me, right?” The older I get, the smarter my mother gets, and the dumber I feel around my teenagers.

Wynonna

Where: Harrah’s Resort

When: Saturday, May 15, 9pm

How Much: $40-$65