Beloved folk artist Judy Collins returns to Newton Theatre
NEWTON — The Newton Theatre welcomes back folk artist Judy Collins on Friday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m.
Judy Collins has inspired audiences with vocals, songwriting, personal triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, she has released a 50-album body of work.
The award-winning singer-songwriter is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk. Her rendition of Joni Mitchell's “Both Sides Now” from her landmark 1967 album, "Wildflowers," has been entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Judy’s version of “Send in the Clowns,” a ballad by Stephen Sondheim, won the Song of the Year Grammy Award in 1975. She’s garnered several top-10 hits, gold and platinum-selling albums.
Recently, contemporary and classic artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin, Arlo Gutherie, Joan Baez, and Leonard Cohen honored her legacy with the album "Born to the Breed: A Tribute to Judy Collins."
Judy began her music career at 13 as a piano prodigy performing Mozart, but the folk revival music by artists such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger seduced her away from a life as a concert pianist. Her path pointed to a lifelong love affair with the guitar and pursuit of emotional truth in lyrics.
In 1961, she released her masterful debut, A Maid of Constant Sorrow, which featured interpretative works of social poets such as Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, and Tom Paxton. Around this time Judy became a tastemaker within the thriving Greenwich Village folk community, and brought other singer-songwriters to a wider audience, including poet/musician Leonard Cohen – and musicians Joni Mitchell and Randy Newman. Throughout the decades, and up to the present, she has remained a vital artist, enriching her catalog with critically acclaimed albums and maintaining a robust touring schedule.
Her most recent release, the CD/DVD "Judy Collins Live At The Metropolitan Museum Of Art" aired on PBS and celebrates her iconic career. On this magical night in her adopted hometown of New York City she performed her most beloved works — from then and now. In attendance were friends and family, and joining her onstage were special guests such as Ani DiFranco, Jimmy Webb, and Shawn Colvin.
Judy has also authored several books, including "Sanity & Grace." For her most recent title, the memoir "Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: My Life in Music," she reaches deeply inside and, with unflinching candor, recalls her turbulent childhood, rise to fame, her romance with Stephen Stills, her victories over depression and alcoholism, and her redemption through embracing a healthy and stable lifestyle and finding true love with Louis Nelson, her partner of 30 years. In addition, she remains a social activist, representing UNICEF and numerous other causes.
Judy Collins, now 74, is as creatively vigorous as ever, writing, performing, and nurturing fresh talent. She is a modern day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention. She continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart.
Tickets for Judy Collins are $54 for premium seating, $44 for orchestra and $34 for balcony. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the box office at 973-383-3700.
The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton.