Wynonna Judd parlayed her involvement with one of the most successful country duos ever into a winning solo career.

Born Christina Ciminella on May 30, 1964, in Ashland, Ky., Wynonna assumed the last name of her mother, Naomi Judd, at age 4, when her parents divorced. Naomi raised Wynonna and her younger sister, Ashley, in Los Angeles.

By the time Wynonna was 15, Naomi recognized her daughter's talent for singing. The family moved to Nashville in 1979, where Naomi worked as a nurse while Wynonna finished high school. The two began singing together on Ralph Emery's early morning show on station WSM. They also promoted themselves by singing for any record-industry people who would listen.

Their hard work paid off when they found management and flew to L.A. for a live set in front of top RCA Records executives. They landed a contract, and in 1983 released their first single, "Had a Dream (For the Heart)."

"Mama He's Crazy" (1984), their first #1 hit, was the first of eight singles to go straight to the top of the country charts. Their albums also sold well, with Rockin' With the Rhythm (1985), Heartland (1987) and Love Can Build a Bridge each surpassing the platinum mark.

At the end of the '80s Naomi was found to have a strain of hepatitis, and she could no longer keep pace with the duo's busy schedule. The pair embarked on a 124-date farewell tour in 1991. Wynonna struggled with the decision to go solo, but after urging from her mother and manager, decided to carry on.

She released her self-titled solo debut in 1992. The material was more varied in sound, moving closer to rock and pop than Wynonna had ventured with her mother. Audiences were clearly enthusiastic about the new direction; the album's first three singles — "She Is His Only Need," "I Saw the Light" and "No One Else on Earth" — all went to

#1.

Wynonna's Tell Me Why (1993) and Revelations (1996) each sold more than a million copies.

Earlier this year, she released New Day Dawning, her fifth solo album, which featured a cover of the Fabulous Thunderbirds' "Tuff Enuff" (RealAudio excerpt).

Other birthdays Tuesday: Johnny Gimble, 74.