Rodman worked as a backup singer during the mid-'70s for country and soul performers. After marrying professional bass fisherman and drummer John Rodman, in 1980, the couple moved to Nashville, where she began singing jingles for national companies. She also sang backup for some of Nashville's biggest stars, including Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, and Ray Charles. In the mid-'80s, she had a Top 40 hit with her debut single "I've Been Had by Love Before." Her second single, "You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone," did better, and by the end of the year she had a Top 30 hit with the self-penned "I Sure Need Your Lovin'."
In 1986, Rodman debuted on the Grand Ole Opry and recorded her debut album Judy which produced a number one hit in "Until I Met You" and the Top Ten follow-up "That She'll Marry." Her 1987 second album, A Place Called Love, featured several hits; singles from her upcoming third album were also successful, but her label folded before it came out. She then went back to singing backup and writing songs. In the mid-'90s, Rodman wrote for Warner-Chappell Music and began making plans for another bid for a new label and stardom. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi