JUDY COLLINS - Never GIVE UP

The singer-songwriter talks about her struggles, lessons learned, and shares valuable advice

- Susan Hornik

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Judy Collins has not let time drag her down. At 84, she continues to tour and write music, poems and prose. “Performing is vital to my mental, physical and emotional health,” she told Closer after receiving the Legend Award at the 11th annual She Rocks Awards. “At the moment, I’m finishing up a book of poetry. I’ve been asked to do some editing to it, which means I’ll be using that muscle, which is good. And then I’ll get to the new book that I’m starting. I love to have something in process.” Judy’s rarely stood still since her dazzling rendition of “Both Sides Now,” written by Joni Mitchell, from her 1967 album Wildflowers brought her international prominence. She also enjoyed success with her renditions of “Chelsea Morning,” “Amazing Grace,” “Turn! Turn! Turn!” and “Send In the Clowns.” Judy’s latest album is called Spellbound.

Tell us a little about your upbringing.

I was born in Seattle, Washington, and was the eldest of five children. I studied classical piano with the famous Dutch conductor Antonia Brico, performing Mozart concertos at 13. Then I learned the guitar and fell in love with folk music.

Did anyone inspire you to sing?

My father was a great performer and singer and even a pretty good songwriter. He had a career in the radio business for 30 years. I grew up watching him, listening to him and learning how to do what he did. Things like how he chose songs and how he disciplined himself.

Did your father encourage you?