“Mama He’s Crazy” by The Judds Remains a Timeless Country Love Song
Lainey Wilson has long looked up to Wynonna Judd. Her admiration for the “No One Else on Earth” legend has been no secret—and over time, she’s even had the chance to collaborate with her musical hero.
Back in 1984—eight years before Wilson was born—Wynonna and her mother Naomi released “Mama He’s Crazy,” a heartfelt track that quickly became a fan favorite. Wynonna leads the vocals, pouring her heart out to her mother about a man who loves her deeply—so deeply, he’s “crazy” about her and believes she “hung the moon and stars.”
Listeners were captivated, and the song shot to #1 on the Hot Country Songs chart. By the end of that year, it stood as the third most popular country song in America.
Now, over four decades later, “Mama He’s Crazy” still holds its place as one of country music’s most beloved love songs. Naturally, it earned a spot on the 2023 Judds tribute album—with a powerful remake featuring Lainey Wilson and Dolly Parton.
Lainey recalled how the project came together during an interview on The Bobby Bones Show:
“Mandelyn, my manager, called me and said, ‘We’ve got this opportunity to be a part of The Judds tribute record.’ And I immediately was like, ‘Well, duh.’ I mean, they’re the soundtrack to my childhood… And then she said, ‘They’re thinking about the song.’ I said, ‘Okay. Done.’ Then she added, ‘They’re thinking about getting Dolly on it too.’ I about passed out.”
A Full-Circle Moment: Lainey and Wynonna Perform Together Live
Lainey and Wynonna have since continued to work together, including on a 2024 cover of “Refugee” for a Tom Petty tribute album.
“It has been a career highlight to work together on this song,” Lainey shared. “I cherish our life-long friendship so much. Wynonna is the real deal, y’all—and I’m really proud of what we did with this one.”
Most recently, the two reunited during CMA Fest in Nashville. Wynonna hosted a “Girls Night Out” showcase at the Ascend Amphitheater, featuring Sara Evans, Little Big Town, The War and Treaty, and Noah Cyrus.
One of the most emotional moments came when Lainey joined Wynonna onstage for “Mama He’s Crazy.” Lainey opened the song solo, affectionately wrapping an arm around Wynonna, who smiled beside her. As Lainey made her way through the first half, Wynonna jumped in—her iconic voice instantly commanding the room.
The love and mutual respect between them was unmistakable. At the song’s end, Wynonna told Lainey, “I love you,” to which Lainey replied with a smile, calling her “my red-headed sister.”
Their touching performance is captured in the video below—and it’s pure magic to witness their bond.
@countrymusichat @Lainey Wilson & @Wynonna Judd perform “Mama He’s Crazy” #laineywilson #wynonnajudd #thejudds #nashville #cmafest #foryou #foryoupage #fyp #countrymusic ♬ original sound – countrymusichat