By Michael Adam Cohen
SOLANA BEACH, California — Some conversations feel like pure magic, illuminating, warm, and timeless. Sitting with Judy Collins, the iconic folk legend, is exactly that. She has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a steadfast commitment to social activism.
From her earliest days as a piano prodigy performing Mozart at 13 to shaping the folk revival, nurturing the careers of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Joni Mitchell, and releasing dozens of recordings over decades, Judy has lived a life steeped in artistry, authenticity, and courage. Five decades later, her luminescent presence continues to shine, as new generations bask in the glow of work and heed inspiration from her disciplined spiritual practice to thrive in the music industry for half a century.
Beyond her public persona, Judy Collins’ career is filled with rare and intimate moments that reveal her artistry and devotion. She collaborated privately with legends like Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Stephen Stills, Phil Ochs, and Jimmy Webb, performing unreleased duets, harmonies, and early versions of songs that few ever heard.
In-people discovered her talent in Greenwich Village, where she performed for small, crowded audiences and honed her craft in intimate cafés, often drawing inspiration from nature and quiet reflection. Anecdotes from her life show a deeply emotional performer; she sometimes paused mid-song to compose herself, creating unforgettable moments of connection with listeners.
Tuesday and Wednesday nights were no exceptions as she performed at the Belly-Up Tavern in Solana Beach.
Judy shared with me about preparing to be on stage, in which she follows disciplined rituals: precise breathing exercises, instrument tuning, and a silent pause before performing, all of which center her and preserve the clarity of her voice. She also adapts her setlists spontaneously, allowing her shows to breathe with the energy of the audience.
Her friendships with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and other iconic figures highlight a balance of humor, respect, and artistic insight. Collins recalled with a mischievous grin, “When you take a cigarette, God takes an hour of your life and gives it to Keith Richards,” reflecting both awe and playful observation of rock and roll legends.
Her work with Leonard Cohen was deeply formative. She described receiving his poems and songs, some hand-delivered, others sent in little brown envelopes, as a sacred responsibility. “I didn’t just perform them; I tried to live them on stage,” she said. Authenticity in interpretation was her guiding principle. “Every lyric had to resonate with me, otherwise I couldn’t sing it authentically. That’s the key.”
Her ability to find levity even in serious moments demonstrates a sophisticated awareness of human experience. Each quip, each smile, each observational anecdote is layered with meaning, guiding her audiences toward empathy, reflection, and shared joy.
Many of her recordings remain rare or hidden. Early demos, private performances, college radio shows, benefit concerts, and unreleased covers of contemporary and classical songs exist largely outside the public eye, offering glimpses of her expansive talent and artistic curiosity. These behind-the-scenes facets underscore Judy Collins not only as a masterful singer but as a thoughtful, meticulous, and profoundly connected artist. Every pause on stage is sacred space; every duet a dance of spirits; every audience a portal to connection. Authenticity outshines technical perfection. Joy, gratitude, and playfulness fuel every performance.
I first had the pleasure of briefly interviewing Judy at 4th & B, a San Diego venue that no longer exists. Later, at the Magnolia Theater in El Cajon and other memorable concerts, each encounter was a study in grace, humor and heart. Her laughter carries wisdom, sometimes mischievous, always tender, and her eyes seem to hold decades of stories yearning to be shared.
I asked about her early piano days. She smiled, teasing, “I was little, but I had big ideas.” I laughed, sensing the unspoken connection between artists who understand the joy of vulnerability. “And now,” I replied, “those big ideas have shaped decades of music for the world.” She chuckled, eyes twinkling, “The world is lucky, isn’t it?”
Her award-winning career is celebrated for imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards, as well as her own poetically poignant original compositions. Her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” from the landmark 1967 album Wildflowers has entered the Grammy Hall of Fame, while her intimate version of “Send in the Clowns,” written by Stephen Sondheim, won Song of the Year at the 1975 Grammy Awards. She has garnered several top-ten hits along with gold- and platinum-selling albums, and her artistry has been honored by contemporary and classic artists including Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin, Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, and Leonard Cohen on the album Born to the Breed: A Tribute to Judy Collins.
Music is a bridge; we lift each other higher when we share. Gratitude is the secret melody behind all music, and every song is a tiny miracle in motion. Hakarat hatov! Recognize the good in every note; every soul resonates in every performance, keeping the heart wide open and sometimes cheeky. Even sorrow can dance in melody and harmony.
During another interview, I asked Judy what keeps her creativity alive. She paused, reflecting, and said, “Curiosity. Curiosity fuels every heartbeat, every chord, every word. And joy, Michael. You must never underestimate joy.” I nodded, recalling the playful twinkle in her eyes during our earlier conversation, and replied, “It’s true joy and gratitude are the secret harmonies behind every great life.”
Colorado has remained a central landscape in Judy’s life. She vividly recounted skiing in blizzards as a young woman, capturing the passion of music through snow, and also learning lessons from broken bones—one of the reasons she avoids skiing now. “Something happens to my mind and heart in Colorado,” she told me once. “I become that girl with her visions and dreams. I don’t have to live there to know that Colorado is at the heart of everything in my life.”
Judy’s humor is sophisticated empathetic conscious-based—she recognizes life’s absurdities, celebrates them, and conveys them with a wit that is entirely her own. Her perspective is simultaneously playful and deeply insightful.
“I just had my birthday—I’m 86 years young. They say 86 is the new 27, Age is just a number. What matters is joy, laughter, purposeful work, and connecting with others in a meaningful way. Life has been a journey full of music, friendship, insight, humor, heartbreak, and inspiration. I love them all.” Added Collins.
Last night’s audience included my beautiful mother, socialite and fashion influencer Frances Cohen, her colorful hair highlighted with tinsel, and her incredible fashion sense that drew admiration from fans in line who immediately recognized her as a devoted Judy Collins fan. I was stopped over 15 times by people asking what I did for a living while complimenting my full head-to-toe Gucci look. Also present was my longtime handsome friend, mentor, and unwavering support—my dearest friend Jim Abbott—a good shoulder to lean on, whom I absolutely admire. Together, we experienced the joy, elegance, and magic of Judy Collins’ music live on stage.
Music is a vessel, wisdom the water, and each listener a co-creator in the art of living. Magic thrives in shared curiosity, and the heart that listens expands the universe. Authenticity multiplies joy, and empathy transforms notes into stories.
In closing, Judy said she was raised Methodist; I on the other hand was raised Jewish, so in my perspective, I look at her life and how it embodies the Jewish wisdom gam zu l’tovah even heartbreak has its melody tzedek tzedek tirdof (justice, justice shalt thou pursue). Justice in music, justice in life. Love and gratitude make every note eternal, and joyful abundance hearts keep the stage timeless.
*
Michael Adam Cohen is a freelance music columnist and “The World We’re Becoming: Make America Grateful Again” podcaster. He is co-founder of SmoothJazzLiveRadio365.com, a 24-hour global radio station featuring live stories and backstage moments told by the artists themselves.
Well done my friend!