Judy Collins

Bio:

Judy Collins has thrilled audiences with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and original compositions for nearly five decades. At age 13, she made her public debut performing Mozart's Concertos for Two Pianos. But it was the music of folk artists such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger and the folk revival of the early 60s that sparked Judy's love of lyrics.

Judy launched her recording career in 1961 with her first album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow. She interpreted the songs of fellow artists - particularly the social poets of the time such as, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and Tom Paxton. Maid, recorded when Judy was 22, began a thirty-five year association with Elektra Records. During this period, Judy was instrumental in bringing other singer-songwriters to a wider audience including poet/musician Leonard Cohen - and musicians Joni Mitchell and Randy Newman.

In the later 60s, Judy began experimenting with different musical sounds and sources. Collins interpreted the works of artists as diverse as The Beatles, Jacques Brell and Kurt Weil with the release of “In My Life” (1966.) On her album Wildflowers (1967), Judy began to focus on original compositions, such as Since You've Asked. The album also produced her first Grammy Award for her interpretation of Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now.

By the 1970s, Judy won acclaim both as an interpretative folk singer and for her own works. She explored a broad range of material: her songs from this period include the traditional hymn Amazing Grace and the Stephen Sondheim Broadway ballad Send in the Clowns- (both of which were top 20 hits as singles), as well as her own music compositions including Born to the Breed.

Judy has continued an impressive musical career with an extensive catalog from every decade from the 60s up to the present. She is still recording and delighting music audiences all over the world. Her new album, Born To The Breed - A Tribute to Judy Collins, Volume I is set for release on October 28, 2008. For a full discography visit Judy's website at: www.judycollins.com

In 1992, her personal life took a tragic turn when her son and only child, Clark Taylor (b. January 8, 1959) took his own life at age 33. Judy has since become a strong advocate of suicide prevention and actively speaks about her own battle with depression and substance abuse. In her 2003 memoir, 'Sanity & Grace', Judy details with unflinching honesty her recovery from her son's suicide and attempts to provide comfort and guidance to other families dealing with the loss of a loved one from suicide. Judy Collins has become a sought-after keynote speaker on suicide prevention.

In a recent New York Times interview *, Judy outlines her social commitment and philosophy. She has embraced the description folk singer because “…it indicates social commitment… My social history has always been linked with my musical history.” Like many folk singers of her generation, Judy is drawn to social activism. She is a representative for UNICEF and campaigns on behalf of the abolition of landmines.

Judy, now 69, is still writing, performing, and nurturing fresh talent. She plays 50 to 80 dates a year around the country. In 1999, she founded Wildflower Records with co-founder Katherine DePaul - a grass roots artist driven label. Their most recent signings include Wes Charlton and legendary punk folk artists, The Saints. The aim of the label is to develop long-term relationships with artists and their representatives in a way Judy's own career was nurtured by major labels. For more information about Wildflower Records, you can visit the label's website at www.wildflowerrecords.com

'Born To The Breed - A Tribute to Judy Collins, Volume 1'; Wildflower Records is scheduled to release this long-awaited album on October 14, 2008. 'Born To The Breed - A Tribute to Judy Collins, Volume 1*' features the original writing and poetry of Judy Collins recorded by luminary music artists such as Chrissie Hynde, Joan Baez, Rufus Wainright, Dolly Parton, Shawn Colvin, Leonard Cohen and more. The CD launch takes place at a benefit concert - headlined by Judy - for the 10th Anniversary celebration of Joe's Pub, NYC on Oct. 10th.

Slated for June 2009 at Red Rocks in Colorado, Judy will perform and celebrate her 'Born To The Breed' album. She will be joined by several artists who contributed on her albums Volume I and Volume II along with additional musicians who eagerly want to participate in this event.

Still recording, writing and touring Judy is a relentlessly creative spirit - a modern day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, social activist, and an inspirational keynote speaker.

Member Since:

Members:

Paradise, 2010 ....CD.. ....Download..	Sings Lennon and McCartney, 2007 ....CD.. ....Download..
Portrait of an American Girl, 2005 ....CD.. ....Download..	The Essential, 2004 ....CD.. ....Download..
Wildflower Festival, 2003 ....CD.. ....Download..	All On a Wintry Night, 2000 ....CD.. ....Download..
Live at Wolftrap, 1999 ....VHS.. ....CD..	3 & 4, 1964 ....CD.. ....Download..
Maids and Golden Apples, 1962 ....CD.. ....Download..	Over the Rainbow ....Book/CD..
Singing Lessons .. ....CD..