Hailed as one of Nashville’s best speakers and workshop leaders, Judy Rodman is an Academy of Country Music Award winner (“Best New Female Vocalist”), in 1985. She has penned hit songs for numerous artists. Now, she established herself as possibly Music City’s top vocal coach. Berklee Alumni Jam, Indie Connect, Nashville Musicians Union, and the University of North Alabama are just some of the many music-related organizations that have profited from Judy’s speeches and workshops.
Who Is Judy Rodman?
Judy Rodman, singer and songwriter, was born in Riverside, California. She is a daughter of an air-traffic controller and part-time bluegrass musician. When she was four years old, she started singing, and by the age of eight, she was a competent guitar player. Due to their family’s frequent move from state to state, Rodman learned different forms of music, from classical to Cajun to calypso. She was seventeen years old when her voice was heard nationally, singing a jingle for Jeno’s Pizza. In college, she studied music, where she and her roommate became jingle singers at the Tanner Agency in Memphis. Moreover, she sang with a local nightclub band, Phase II.
Career and Marriage
In the mid-‘70s, Rodman worked as a backup singer for country and soul musicians. In 1980, she married a professional fisherman and drummer, John Rodman. When the couple moved to Nashville, she began singing jingles for national companies. With much luck, she also sang as the backup to some of Nashville’s biggest stars, including Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, and Ray Charles.
Her debut single “I’ve Been Had by Love Before was a Top 40 hit. “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone”, followed and it did better. By the end of 1980, she had a Top 30 hit with the self-penned, “I Sure Need Your Lovin’”.
The Songs That Brought Her Here
The highlight of all Judy Rodman’s achievements happened in 1986. Rodman debuted on the Grand Ole Opry and recorded her debut album, Judy, which produced a number one hit in “Until I Met You”. Her Top 10 follow-up was “That She’ll Marry”. Judy made more singles that have become hits. One time, her label folded before she can even release her songs. That was when she decided to go back to singing backup and writing songs. Now, she is continuing to be a vocal coach for singers and speakers.
Happy birthday, Judy! We would be happy to hear from you sing again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VE7ajdHfkU
Read more life stories by visiting our website on Country Thang Daily.
Tags
Judy Rodman, Until I Met You