Shivangi Sinha
Naomi Judd was not just a country music star — she was a defining voice of a generation, with chart-topping hits and Grammy wins that cemented her legacy. But that kind of stardom doesn’t come out of nowhere. Brent Maher, a legendary producer and songwriter known for his golden touch in the studio, was instrumental in shaping The Judds’ sound and success. He also shared his memories and insights in Lifetime’s ‘The Judd Family: Truth Be Told’ and offered a behind-the-scenes look at Naomi’s rise and the work it took to get there.
Brent Maher is the First Producer to Give a Platform to The Judds
Brent Maher’s introduction to Naomi Judd was pure fate. In the early 1980s, his daughter, Dianne Maher, had been in a road accident and was cared for by Naomi. The latter was then working as a nurse in Franklin, Tennessee. During their conversations, Naomi shared her dreams of making it in the music industry, unaware that Dianne’s father was one of Nashville’s top producers. When Naomi passed along a recording of her and Wynonna singing, Maher agreed to listen to it. The story goes that as he played the tape in his car, the raw emotion and power of their voices struck him so deeply that he had to pull over, overcome by what he heard. It was the beginning of something extraordinary.
Maher played a pivotal role in shaping The Judds’ signature acoustic country sound as he produced all ten of their multi-platinum albums and co-wrote many of their chart-topping hits. These included “Why Not Me,” “Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain,” and “Love Can Build a Bridge”. He also played a central role in helping them secure a record deal with RCA. Beyond the studio, he had a front-row seat to the evolving relationship between Naomi and her eldest daughter, Wynonna. He lent a listening ear to the daughter who, he claimed, felt pressured by her mother and also understood where Naomi’s attitude came from. He continued to collaborate with Wynonna on her solo projects, notably producing her 1997 album ‘The Other Side.’ He has been with the family not just in a professional capacity but has also seen them go through the personal ups and downs of life.
Brent Maher Has an Illustrious Career That Has Defined the Country Music Industry
Before his iconic work with The Judds, Brent Maher had already carved out a rich and varied career that spanned coasts and genres. Raised in Kansas and later stationed near Nashville while in the Air Force, his unexpected introduction to audio engineering came from reading liner notes. It set him on a path that would take him from the repair hangars of military aircraft to the control rooms of America’s top recording studios. In Las Vegas, he engineered landmark tracks for the likes of Ike and Tina Turner, The 5th Dimension, and Gladys Knight. After returning to Nashville, Tennessee, he lent his talents to projects with Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Kenny Rogers, and Olivia Newton-John, among others, and quietly shaped the backdrop of popular music.
By the time The Judds came along, Maher was already a seasoned hand with a rare ear and a deep respect for storytelling in song. He engineered iconic records like Ike and Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” and worked with legends such as Roy Orbison, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Chuck Berry, Sammy Davis Jr., and Duke Ellington. He also produced notable projects for Dottie West, Kenny Rogers, Shelby Lynne, and Canadian country star Johnny Reid, whose albums ‘Kicking Stones,’ ‘Dance With Me,’ and ‘A Place Called Love’ became massive hits in Canada. His songwriting credits stretch across generations and genres, penning hits like Dottie West’s “Lesson in Leavin’,” Tanya Tucker’s “Some Kind of Trouble,” and Juice Newton’s “Tell Me True.”
He even developed the Grammy-nominated Russian country group Bering Strait and produced Kathy Mattea’s Good News, which showed his gift for guiding boundary-pushing projects. He has earned a string of accolades and industry honors. He received ASCAP songwriting awards for multiple artists, including Michael Johnson and Dottie West, and produced Grammy-nominated or winning records for artists like Kathy Mattea and Willie Nelson. His work with Johnny Reid resulted in CCMA Album of the Year and multiple Best-Selling Canadian Album awards, along with back-to-back Juno Awards.
Brent Maher Doesn’t Hold the Rights to Most of His Work Today
In 2018, Reservoir acquired the rights to Brent Maher’s full catalog, securing the legacy of a career that had already spanned decades and genres. By 2023, Maher deepened this relationship with a new publishing deal for his future works, marking the start of a fresh creative chapter with the company. He continues to collaborate with Reservoir on new musical endeavors, expanding his influence across both contemporary and classic country landscapes. In October 2023, Maher also contributed to “A Tribute to The Judds,” the 40th anniversary tribute album, and honored his long-standing connection to the duo while showcasing his enduring relevance in today’s country scene.
In addition to his prolific music career, Maher founded Moraine Records in 2004, and it became Nashville’s premier independent publishing house. Moraine remains a family-run operation, and his daughter, Dianne Maher, is actively involved in continuing its legacy. Even beyond music, his creative pursuits shine. He owns one of the largest vintage Gretsch guitar collections in the US, has founded the Boots and Bandana Golf Association, and designs cowboy-style golf courses to support charitable causes like MusiCares and the Facial Pain Research Foundation. Whether behind the console or on the greens, Maher’s imprint is as diverse as it is enduring.
Brent Maher is Spending Peaceful Days Surrounded by Family
Away from the spotlight and soundboard, Brent Maher finds his greatest harmony at home in Franklin, Tennessee. He shares his life with the love of his life, Janel Maher, who is a gifted sculptor and painter, and her artistic spirit complements his own. Their home is not only a creative haven but also a warm, welcoming space often filled with the laughter of grandchildren and the hum of family gatherings. Brent’s son, Brian Maher, carries forward the musical legacy with a talent of his own.
At the same time, his daughter, Dianne Maher, plays a vital role in preserving the family’s imprint on the industry through her work with the family company. Despite decades of high-profile success, Maher has gracefully shifted into a slower, more intentional rhythm, devoting more of his time to his family and embracing the quieter joys of life. Whether it’s a round of cowboy golf or a cozy evening surrounded by loved ones, he continues to live a life rich in both melody and meaning.
Read More: Kodi Chandler: Where is Naomi Judd’s Manager Now?
