Judy Collins

Easton Press Judy Collins books

Singing Lessons - signed first edition - 1998
Over The Rainbow - signed first edition - 2012

 

Singer Judy Collins

Judy Collins, born Judith Marjorie Collins on May 1, 1939, is an American singer, songwriter, and social activist known for her powerful and emotive voice. Born in Seattle, Washington, Collins developed an early interest in music and began studying classical piano at a young age. Her father, a blind singer and radio host, played a significant role in shaping her musical inclinations. In the late 1950s, Judy Collins emerged as a prominent figure in the folk music scene, making a name for herself in the coffeehouses of Greenwich Village, New York. Her pure, soprano voice and her proficiency on the guitar quickly gained attention. Collins became a part of the burgeoning folk revival movement alongside artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.

Her debut album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow, was released in 1961, marking the beginning of a prolific career that would span over six decades. Judy Collins' early work was rooted in traditional folk music, but she later incorporated a broader range of genres into her repertoire, including pop, rock, and even classical music. One of Collins' most iconic songs is Both Sides, Now, penned by Joni Mitchell. The song earned her a Grammy Award in 1969 for Best Folk Performance. Throughout her career, she continued to explore various themes in her music, often delving into issues of love, social justice, and personal introspection.

In addition to her singing career, Judy Collins is an accomplished songwriter. She wrote many of her own songs, including the poignant Since You've Asked. Her ability to blend her own compositions seamlessly with covers of other artists' work showcased her versatility as an artist. Beyond her musical accomplishments, Judy Collins is recognized for her activism and philanthropy. She has been an advocate for numerous social causes, including mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Collins has been open about her struggles with depression and has used her platform to destigmatize mental health issues. Judy Collins' impact on the music industry and her enduring contribution to the folk genre have solidified her status as a legendary figure. With a discography that spans over fifty albums and numerous accolades to her name, Judy Collins remains a respected and influential artist, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.

 

Singing Lessons

Singing Lessons is Judy Collins's life statement, complete with stories of her childhood, the music industry, her marriage to a man she had been living with for 17 years, her trips to Vietnam and Bosnia, and her night in the Lincoln bedroom. With rare candor and the insight her fans have always glimpsed in her lyrics, she looks back on a rich and extraordinary life full of both successes and failures with sorrow, joy, and wisdom. Chapters are separated by mediations on death and rebirth she wrote in the period after her son's suicide.

Over The Rainbow

Take a magical journey Over The Rainbow  When all the world is a hopeless jumble and the raindrops tumble all around, Heaven opens a magic lane. When all the clouds darken up the skyway, there's a rainbow highway to be found, Leading from your window pane to a place behind the sun, just a step beyond the rain.
 
You may not immediately recognize these words...but you definitely know and love the song to which they belong. This is the introductory verse to "Over the Rainbow," sung with such memorable poignancy by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. Although she actually recorded these opening lyrics, they were never used in the film. The extraordinary soundtrack for this book is performed by Judy Collins, who has recorded what might be the very best version of "Over the Rainbow" ever sung. The winner of a Grammy Award, Collins's glorious voice is one of the most admired of the 20th and 21st centuries.