Judy Collins

FOLK STORYTELLER, LEGEND

What music are you currently grooving to?

I like to listen to Jimmy Webb, Adele, some classical, usually Bach cello suites played by [Pablo] Casals. What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album? Bringing It All Back Home, Dylan. I think it’s the perfect LP. I was there at a party at Al Grossman’s home in Woodstock when I first heard Dylan working out Mr Tambourine Man. It was late at night, and I heard singing, so I left my room and sat on the stairs by myself listening to him write the song. What a magical moment! What was the first record you ever bought? And where did you buy it? It was called The Gypsy Rover, I bought it in 1955, at Wells Music in Denver. It was from The Black Knight, movie. The song was transformative, it started my love of folk music. Which musician, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Andrea Bocelli. He’s a remarkable talent and I would love to hear our voices together.

What do you sing in the shower? Usually something by William Butler Yeats, like The Golden Apples Of The Sun (AKA The Song Of Wandering Aengus). I don’t perform it live any more, so the shower is a perfect venue.

What is your favourite Saturday night record?

Rubber Soul, The Beatles. I’ve loved this album since the moment I heard In My Life, it changed me as much as meeting Leonard Cohen or hearing Joni Mitchell songs.

And your Sunday morning record? Jimmy Webb’s El Mirage album… if I fall in love with a song, it sticks with me for years. The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress is one of those songs that lives in my heart.