Judy Collins

In the late ’60s, Judy Collins made her name by interpreting other folk singers’ songs, exposing a mainstream audience to compositions by Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell. She quickly shed the folk tag by releasing increasingly ballad-centric recordings, most notably her version of “Amazing Grace.” More than 40 years (and 40 albums) later, Collins’ voice remains strong, as does her influence: A Collins tribute album from 2008, Born To The Breed, features Rufus Wainwright, Leonard Cohen, and Dolly Parton. Collins’ latest release, Bohemian, arrived in 2011 and features covers such as “Pure Imagination”—from the film Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory—alongside a handful of original songs.

Updated 02/15/2012