Cledus T. Judd was born with the name Barry Poole on Dec. 18, 1964, in Crowe Springs, Ga. He grew up in Cartersville, Ga., in a double-wide mobile home with his mom and stepfather.
A hairstylist by trade, he won first place at an open mike comedy night at Atlanta’s Buckboard nightclub by singing two funny rap songs. Six months later he was in Nashville. Two years later, he had a record deal with indie label Razor & Tie. After four records with Razor & Tie, Judd moved to the Sony Nashville’s Monument imprint in 2000.
Judd has built his career by parodying popular country songs, with goofy titles like “How Do You Milk a Cow?” and “It’s a Great Day to Be a Guy.” Many country artists have lent their time to Judd's videos and albums, including Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Buck Owens, Toby Keith, Vince Gill, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins, Charlie Daniels, Brad Paisley and John Anderson.
Judd has emceed the Brooks & Dunn's Neon Circus & Wild West Show tour since 2001 and hosted CMT Most Wanted Live in late 2002 through early 2003. |
