Judy Collins
Few performers have the staying power as legendary folk singer, author and artist Judy Collins.
A child prodigy, she studied classical piano and by age 10 was learning from famed orchestral conductor Antonia Brico. She made her public debut at 13, performing Mozart's "Concerto for Two Pianos." But the music of such artists as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and the traditional songs of the folk revival, fired her love of lyrics. By age 16, she had moved from playing the Steinway to playing the guitar. After leaving Seattle to sing at folks clubs in Denver, Chicago and New York, she was signed by Elektra Records in 1961 - the start of a 35-year relationship with that label.
As the Sixties grew more rebellious, Collins was drawn to songs by social poet including Tom Paxton, Phil Ochs, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. She also worked with some of the best musicians of the era, among them Roger McGuinn, who played guitar on her versions of "Mr. Tambourine Man" and Pete Seeger's "Turn! Turn! Turn!" She has released more than three dozen albums, featuring beautiful vocals on songs including "Send in the Clowns," "Amazing Grace," "Chelsea Morning" and "Both Sides Now."
Collins' best-selling book, Sanity and Grace, which focuses on recovering from the tragic loss of her son's life. Her latest book, Morning Noon and Night: Living the Creative Life, explores the creative process.
She has started a new label, Wildflower Records, and remains devoted to supporting UNICEF and landmine awareness.
