With her winter concert tour now underway and a new album, a Broadway musical, and several books in the works, it's evident that the self-proclaimed "happy workaholic" Judy Collins has no plans to slow down at the age of 85. But don't just take our word for it.

Judy Collins - A Musical Force Unstoppable

Early Beginnings and Musical Journey

A classically trained pianist, Judy Collins made her debut as a soloist with the Denver Symphony at just 13. But she soon switched to folk music, finding more artistic freedom and launching her professional career at 20. Her soaring soprano voice and tireless work ethic led to quick success. She was instrumental in shaping the folk music scene of the 1960s and beyond, helping to create a vital template for fellow singers.She recorded songs by Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and Randy Newman when they were unknown, championing their music at her concerts and on her albums. Her 1961 debut album, "A Maid of Constant Sorrow," came out just 13 months after Joan Baez's first album.

Constant On-the-Move Lifestyle

Judy Collins credits her late dad, Chuck Collins, a blind radio host who often traveled for his performances, for her zeal for being constantly on the move. She grew up in the backseat of a Buick during her father's travels and feels that's where she belongs. She loves being in new places and hotel rooms.Her overflowing schedule and constant touring, except for March, with concerts every month this year, leave no doubt that she relishes being out on the road. Artists half her age or younger often complain about the rigors of touring, but it doesn't faze this Seattle-born troubadour. She will perform at The Magnolia in El Cajon on Feb. 12, a make-up date for her Thursday concert that was pushed back due to a family emergency.

Music Through the Years

Her seven-decade music career is a source of purpose and pride for her. She released her 1967 album "Wildflowers," which later inspired the name of the record label she co-founded. Her 2011 memoir, "Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: My Life in Music," was inspired by the classic 1969 song "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" by Crosby, Stills & Nash.She has made several Christmas albums over the years, with her first one coming out in 1993. She credits her ability to make any song her own as the key to her success. Whether it's Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" or Cohen's "Suzanne," she gives each song a unique touch.

Recent Projects and Personal Reflections

In 2017, she launched a new podcast, "Since You've Asked," and released the album "Live at the Town Hall, NYC." She is currently working on a Broadway musical, having written 14 new songs for it. Her 2022 album, "Spellbound," features songs she wrote herself, and she talks about her practice regimens for singing and piano playing.She also reflects on her struggles with drinking and how she stopped in 1988. Her song "Hell on Wheels" is a gripping true-life story about her drinking and driving as a teenager. She is now in good health and keeps working, having written a new book called "Singing."

Historical Moments and Testimonies

Judy Collins took part in the 1968 Yippie press conference in New York and testified at the Chicago 7 trial. She remembers standing up in court and singing "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" and the shock when the clerk put his hand over her mouth. She was the only woman in the room and believes that episode was a moment of real drama that should have been included in the 2020 movie "The Trial of the Chicago 7."She was on President Nixon's "Enemies List" and is proud of it. She has had a long and successful career, and her music continues to inspire and touch people.

Upcoming Performances

Judy Collins will perform at The Magnolia Performing Arts Center in El Cajon on Feb. 12. Tickets range from .50 to .40 and can be purchased online at livenation.com.