Naomi and Wynonna Judd had a whirlwind experience on August 27, 1988, that was far from ordinary. Their day was packed with unforgettable moments, starting with a special performance in San Diego for none other than President Ronald Reagan. From there, they rushed to the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines to join Randy Travis on stage. Despite a slight delay due to the windy weather, they captivated their audience with hits like “Turn It Loose,” which had already topped the charts five months prior.
For Wynonna, “Turn It Loose” wasn’t just a song—it was a rallying cry for embracing life with abandon. She believed in breaking free from inhibitions and letting loose, a sentiment she hoped to impart to fans at Judds concerts.
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The idea for “Turn It Loose” originated with songwriters Craig Bickhardt and Brent Maher, who crafted it as a lively showcase tailored to the Judds’ energetic performances. With Maher’s guidance as their producer, they fine-tuned the song to capture the essence of the duo’s style.
Although initially intended as a crowd-pleaser rather than a single, “Turn It Loose” received additional polish from Don Schlitz, known for his timeless hit “The Gambler.” Recognizing its potential, RCA included it on the Judds’ album “Heartland” and released it as their 13th single. The decision paid off when the song climbed to the top of the charts, marking their eleventh number one hit on March 26, 1988.
By the time they arrived in Des Moines in August, the Judds had already made history by establishing their own booking agency, “Pro Tours.” Their entrepreneurial spirit was groundbreaking, echoing the achievements of legends like Loretta Lynn, who had paved the way in the industry.
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