Wynonna Judd Talks Holidays, Her Love for Cooking, and Life on the Farm

The country musician joins us on Biscuits & Jam.

By

Updated on October 29, 2022

Wynonna Judd joins host Sid Evans on Biscuits & Jam to talk about life on her farm, her deep connection to her fans, and her mother Naomi's list of rules around the holidays. Plus, how her latest EP Recollections showcases a connection to her past.

Get to Know Wynonna Judd

With her mother Naomi Judd, Wynonna has earned five Grammys and 14 number-one singles, like "Why Not Me" and "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Ol' Days)," making the duo one of the most successful acts in country music history. But her solo career has blazed many trails as well. After almost four decades in entertainment, Wynonna released an EP called Recollections, featuring her covers of songs by Nina Simone, Fats Domino, The Grateful Dead, and more.

What Wynonna Judd Talks About in This Episode

Life on the farm
Her family Christmas traditions
Her new album, Recollections
Cooking over the fire
Her relationship with fans

Quotes From Wynonna Judd

"All the kids are here and everybody's talking about their lives and that's what I'm going to remember the most about this time are the stories that everybody's told me. And I'm writing some really good songs. And so the food is to get everybody around the table, no cell phones. You will put it in the basket or over on the other counter and you will not touch it until we're done—or you have to do the dishes."

Wynonna judd

"I remember it was a big deal because we always chopped down our own tree…We would literally march out and pick one and cut it down. We had time and that was such a gift. I didn't know it at the time. We had no TV, no telephone. And we made things. It was a way of life for us. We sang, and of course, we prayed."

— Wynonna judd

"Every day I talk to the fans. I hate almost calling them that because they're family. I call them fan-ly. These people are my family of choice. They'll say, 'How did you get through it?' They think I have a magical formula or because of my success that I've got it made-in-the shade lemonade. I cry a lot... I'm always struggling between light and dark. … Whatever's happening to me, whatever it is, business or personal, I do the next right thing. And if I don't do it wholeheartedly, then I've missed an opportunity."

"I was born across the street from my mama's mama. And the thing I really loved is I would pull ... into the town and I literally look up and it says, "welcome," you know, "Wynonna and Naomi." And I just start to cry because that's the same bank that we went by to go to Bellefonte Country Club to swim. It's just incredibly sweet and people there, they don't ask me, "Hey, do you know Dolly Parton?" They always say something like, "Your grandmother, she sure is proud of you."

About Biscuits & Jam

In the South, talking about food is personal. It's a way of sharing your history, your family, your culture, and yourself. Each week Sid Evans, editor-in-chief of Southern Living, will sit down with celebrity musicians to hear stories of how they grew up, what inspired them, and how they've been shaped by Southern culture. Sid will take us back to some of their most cherished memories and traditions, the family meals they still think about, and their favorite places to eat on the road.

Download the episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere podcasts are available.

Visit our Podcast Primer for information on how to download and listen to a podcast.

Get a transcript of the full interview with Wynonna Judd.

Was this page helpful?