Judy Collins

Judy Collins has captivated audiences for decades with her sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal triumphs, and steadfast commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she embodied both the idealism and determination of a generation united in the fight against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminous presence continues to shine brightly, as new generations are drawn to her iconic 50-album body of work and inspired by her spiritual discipline, which has allowed her to thrive in the music industry for over half a century.

The award-winning singer-songwriter is revered for her imaginative interpretations of both traditional and contemporary folk standards, as well as her own poetically poignant original compositions. Her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” from her landmark 1967 album Wildflowers has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Judy’s dreamy, intimate version of Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns,” from the Broadway musical A Little Night Music, earned the title of “Song of the Year” at the 1975 Grammy Awards. With several top-ten hits and gold and platinum-selling albums, she has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Recently, contemporary and classic artists, including Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin, Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, and Leonard Cohen, have paid tribute to her legacy with the album Born to the Breed: A Tribute to Judy Collins.

Judy’s music journey began at 13 as a piano prodigy, captivating audiences with her performance of Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos. However, it was the hard-luck tales and emotional depth of folk music by artists such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger that ultimately steered her away from classical music and toward a lifelong love of the guitar and the pursuit of emotional truth in lyrics. The discipline and focus she gained from classical training would later serve as a source of strength as she navigated the ups and downs of the music business.

In 1961, Judy released her debut album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow, which featured interpretive works by the social poets of the time, including Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, and Tom Paxton. This marked the beginning of a remarkable 35-year creative partnership with Jac Holzman and Elektra Records. During this period, Judy became a key tastemaker in the vibrant Greenwich Village folk scene, introducing artists like Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and Randy Newman to a wider audience. Through the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and beyond, she remained a vital, evolving artist, enriching her catalog with critically acclaimed albums while balancing a robust touring schedule.

Still prolific, Judy recorded a special DVD, Judy Collins: A Love Letter to Stephen Sondheim, in her hometown of Denver, CO. Accompanied by the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, she delighted audiences with Sondheim’s beautiful songs and her radiant voice. The DVD and CD companion were released in early 2017. In June 2016, she released Silver Skies Blue, a collaborative album with writing partner Ari Hest, which earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Folk Album in 2017, marking her first Grammy nomination in over 40 years.

On September 18, 2015, Judy released Strangers Again, inviting iconic talents such as Willie Nelson, Jackson Browne, Jeff Bridges, Glen Hansard, Ari Hest, and Bhi Bhiman to join her on this fresh collection. The album features a rejuvenated version of “Send in the Clowns” and a poignant take on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Judy’s delicate touch enhances songs by Leonard Bernstein, Randy Newman, James Taylor, and others.

Judy’s concert films have also been widely celebrated. In 2012, her Judy Collins Live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art aired on PBS, earning a New York Emmy nomination and a Bronze Medal at the 2013 New York Festival International Television & Film Awards. She followed it up in 2014 with Live in Ireland, filmed at Dromoland Castle, which also won a Bronze Medal at the 2014 New York Festival International Television & Film Awards.

Beyond her music, Judy is a gifted author. Her memoir, Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: My Life in Music, and her powerful book Sanity & Grace have resonated with readers. Her most recent work, Cravings, published in 2017, candidly recounts her struggle with compulsive overeating and the journey to recovery. In Cravings, she alternates between her own story and those of diet experts she’s encountered along the way, sharing what she’s learned in the hope that others might avoid her difficult path.

Judy remains a passionate social activist, representing UNICEF and other causes. Along with Jill Godmillow, she co-directed Portrait of a Woman, an Academy Award-nominated film about Antonia Brico, the first woman to conduct major symphonies worldwide – and Judy’s classical piano teacher during her youth.

Now 77, Judy Collins continues to write, tour, and nurture new talent. A true Renaissance woman, she is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and in-demand keynote speaker on mental health and suicide prevention. She remains a beacon of hope and healing, creating music that lights up the world and speaks to the heart.