For nearly six decades and across 55 iconic albums, Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. Her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell's “Both Sides Now” won the 1969 Grammy Award for Best Folk Performance, her sweetly intimate version of Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns” was the Grammy’s Song of the Year in 1975, and her interpretation of “Amazing Grace” was inducted by the Library of Congress into the National Recording Registry.
This summer, the inimitable Collins comes to The Ford as part of her Farewell Tour, named cleverly for Stephen Stills’ hit “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” from Crosby, Stills & Nash’s 1969 self-titled album. Collins’ 29th studio album and the only one of entirely original songs, Spellbound, showed “her piano runs are glorious, her voice still as pure as mountain air” (The Guardian) and was nominated for Best Folk Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
The “ethereal, blue-eyed folksinging legend” (The New Yorker) is joined by 13-time Juno Award winner Bruce Cockburn, “a Canadian treasure, [who] writes such thoughtful, pointed songs that it’s easy to overlook what a guitar virtuoso he is” (The New York Times) for an evening of soul-touching folk by a pair of iconic musical storytellers.
Für Fans von: Folk & Blues, Indie & Alternative, und Pop.
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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.
Judy Collins' voice is just as beautiful and strong as it was 40 years ago. She seemed very comfortable singing her old standards with a nice mix of songs a bit less familiar, where some artists feel they need to focus on newer material. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with pouring down rain in this outdoor venue through her concert, but Judy was very gracious and appreciative of those who endured the elements. Hope she returns to the Denver area soon at an indoor venue!
Saw Bruce last night in Nanaimo. He had lots of energy, and did some jewels from the past that I wasn't expecting, such as Arrows of Light. It was definitely the Bruce Cockburn show, with him making the most music and the other two seeming a bit hesitant. Jenny Sheinmen didn't really know how to play over Bruce's jazz based chords, and Gary Craig played on the set like a talented percussionist who's not got much experience on the set. I've never heard a quieter drummer! Jenny and Craig did shine with Bruce's older material, so that was very nice. My friend said that this is early on in the tour-they are still feeling out the songs. If that is true and if this is what Bruce wants to do, then I can't question Bruce; it will work in the end.