40-Year-Old Songs: Why Not Me

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It’s a beautiful day here in the land of the Kentucky Derby as I continue celebrating my birth month with this look at songs that are turning 40 this year; and, in a separate list, the ones that are now 70. This isn’t designed to make you (or me) feel old (arthritis does a good enough job at making me feel old ), but to show the amazing staying power of music. Let’s go back to 1984, and speaking of Kentucky….(and Linda? NO!) Why Not Me - The Judds Ashland, Kentucky is the 18th largest city in Kentucky, the first thing to see on Interstate 64 when you leave West Virginia, and the hometown of Naomi and Wynonna Judd. Their real names were Diana (mother) and Christina (daughter). Mom took her stage name from the Biblical book of Ruth (Naomi was Ruth’s mother-in-law); while “Wynonna” came from the song “Route 66” (“Flagstaff, Arizona, don’t forget Wynonna”). The way Wynonna sings the line “your Kentucky girl” leaves no doubt that they’re from here. You can’t fake that accent. From Ashland they went to worldwide fame, with five Grammy awards (including one for this song), seven ACM awards, nine CMA awards, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Sadly, as you probably remember, Naomi took her life the day before the formal induction ceremony for The Judds in 2022. Wynonna continues to tour, and we have a legacy of songs like this great tune. Why Not Me Written by Harlan Howard, Sonny Throckmorton, and Brent Maher Recorded by The Judds From Why Not Me, 1984 When you’re growing old: