Spotlight Series: Judy Collins

SpotlightSeriesJudyCollinsAt 76, Judy Collins shows no signs of slowing down.

The four-time GRAMMY-nominated folk singer, best known for her versions of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now” and Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns,” has kept busy since the 1961 release of her debut album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow. Over her 50-plus year career, she’s released 27 studio albums; collaborated with a number of legendary musicians including Joan Baez, Leonard Cohen, Don McLean and Pete Seeger; and championed such causes as suicide prevention, landmine abolition, civil and women’s rights and more.

Learn more fun facts about Collins before her free show tonight at Levitt Los Angeles!

Did you know?

  • Bill and Hillary Clinton named their daughter, Chelsea, after Collins’ version of Joni Mitchell’s “Chelsea Morning.” One of Bill’s favorite singers, Collins also performed at the former president’s 1993 inauguration.
  • Stephen Stills and Judy Collins in 1968

    Stephen Stills and Judy Collins before their 1968 breakup that inspired “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes”

    Stephen Stills (of Crosby, Stills & Nash) wrote “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” for Collins as the couple was breaking up. Though they split in 1968, the two remain friends and collaborators, and Collins named her 2011 autobiography Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: My Life in Music after the song.

  • Often credited with discovering Leonard Cohen, Collins recorded his “Suzanne” and “Dress Rehearsal Rag” for her 1966 album In My Life before he became a singer. In return, Cohen released a spoken-word version of her “Since You’ve Asked” for the 2008 compilation album Born to the Breed: A Tribute to Judy Collins.
  • In 2013, Collins made a cameo on HBO’s Girls, performing “Open The Door (Song For Judith)” and “Someday Soon” on Episode 8 of Season 2. Her signature song, “Both Sides, Now,” also appeared in the closing scenes of the Season 6 finale of AMC’s Mad Men.

Come see the blue-eyed folk singer tonight at Levitt Los Angeles! And for folks in AnchorageBethlehemBellinghamDenisonFrederickLafayette, MemphisSheboygan or Westport, check out the other free concerts happening this week at the Levitt.

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