Who is Larry Strickland?
Larry Strickland is an American vocalist and former backup singer for Elvis Presley, widely recognized as the husband of country music icon Naomi Judd.
His rich bass voice and roots in southern gospel have played a significant role in his enduring career in the music industry.
Struckland developed a deep passion for gospel music from a young age. By the age of 12, he enlisted in the US Army, serving for four years in Germany and with the NSA.
In 1974, he joined J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, the group that supported Elvis Presley. He subsequently embarked on an extensive tour with Elvis until the artist’s passing in 1977, participating in over 200 performances.
Relationship with Naomi Watts
According to reports, Larry Strickland met Naomi Judd in 1979, during her tenure as a nurse in Nashville, as she was nearing success with her daughter Wynonna Judd in their duo known as The Judds.
They married ten years later, in May 1989. However, their relationship was marked by various difficulties, including an occasion when Naomi Judd confronted Larry Strickland while armed with a gun.
In The Judd Family: Truth Be Told, Larry Strickland disclosed that Naomi had confronted him while armed with a firearm. This event was earlier depicted in a 1995 television film adaptation of Love Can Build a Bridge, which was inspired by Naomi’s autobiography.
In the film, Naomi’s character fires at Strickland’s character upon learning of the affair. A recent documentary revealed that Larry Strickland verified that this scene took place in reality.
He said,
“Well, it really happened. That’s all I can say. That’s all I’m gonna say. It happened.”
Throughout their marriage, Larry Strickland fulfilled multiple roles: spouse, confidant, creative associate, and eventually, Naomi’s dedicated caregiver.
In light of Naomi’s serious mental health struggles, particularly during the last ten years of her life, Larry became her primary caregiver, striving to provide her with a comfortable existence.
He asserted that he never departed from the house without notifying her exactly where he was going and when he would return.
In April 2022, Naomi Judd sadly ended her life just days before The Judds were set to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. After her death, Larry Strickland made the decision to sell their home in Tennessee and move to Florida.
