Judith Marjorie Collins (born May 1, 1939), otherwise known as Judy Collins, is a folk, country and rock ‘n’ roll singer-songwriter from Washington US, reputable for her soothing vocals, along with her ability to play the guitar in seamless cohesion.
Inspired by artists such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and more generally the folk resurgence of the early 1960s, Judy Collins hit stardom in 1967 after her cover of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides, Now’, released on her album ‘Wildflowers’, gained international recognition. Not only did the single peak at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, but Collins also won her first Grammy Award for Best Folk Performance as a result. Judy then released singles such as ‘Someday Soon’ and ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’ before the 1970 Christian hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ returned Collins back to the top 20 of the US Billboard Hot 100 - it peaked at no. 15 - and also charted at no. 10 on the Australian Singles Chart. During her career, the talented folk singer has released over 25 studio albums, along with numerous live and compilation albums, whilst also utilizing her vocal talents on different stages; in 1970, Collins featured on The Muppet Show, and sang ‘Leather-Winged Bat’, ‘Do Re Mi’, ‘I Know an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly’ and ‘Send in the Clowns', whilst also starring on Sesame Street on numerous occasions.
Collins performed at prestigious settings such as the Wolftrap Farm amphitheater (Vienna USA) and the Capitol building (Washington USA), and also performed at President Bill Clinton’s first inauguration in 1993. She is commended for her ethical motives, as a representative for UNICEF, and was also awarded a Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree from Pratt Institute (2009). A multi-talented individual, Judy Collins is a highly respected member amongst the folk-music following and beyond.
AJR
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