Judy Collins, a name synonymous with the crystalline voice and poignant interpretations of folk and popular music, wasn’t always known for her own songwriting. Initially, her artistry blossomed through breathing new life into the works of others. Her early albums were rich tapestries woven from traditional songs, showcasing her innate ability to connect with and convey the heart of a melody. It was in the vibrant folk scene of New York City that her musical horizons expanded further, influenced by luminaries like Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and Bob Dylan. These artists, masters of storytelling through song, shaped her understanding of music’s power to communicate and resonate deeply.
However, the path to becoming a songwriter herself was not immediately clear. In fact, within the bustling New York folk community, Judy Collins stood out as someone who, remarkably, did not pen her own material. This changed after a pivotal encounter with the legendary Leonard Cohen. His simple yet profound question, “Why aren’t you writing your own songs?”, acted as a catalyst, igniting a creative spark that had lain dormant within her. This gentle nudge from Cohen would alter the course of her career, leading her to explore and embrace her own voice as a songwriter.
The genesis of Judy Collins’ songwriting journey was gradual. In the initial years following Cohen’s prompting, the songs flowed slowly, perhaps only three or four emerging annually. Yet, with persistence and the burgeoning confidence in her own creative voice, this pace accelerated dramatically. Now, she reveals, songwriting has become a more frequent practice, with new songs taking shape almost every week. Looking back at the impressive body of work she has created – songs that have been embraced and performed by icons like Peggy Lee and Nina Simone – Collins expresses a sense of awe and perhaps even disbelief at her own transformation into a celebrated songwriter.
The very first song to emerge from this newfound creative wellspring was “Since You’ve Asked”. This song, born from a simple question and a leap of faith, has become one of her most enduring and beloved compositions. Its poignant melody and heartfelt lyrics have resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a popular choice for weddings and a testament to the universal emotions it captures. The enduring popularity of “Since You’ve Asked” is particularly striking considering that before Leonard Cohen’s encouragement, the very idea of songwriting had simply not occurred to Judy Collins. Her musical identity was so firmly rooted in interpretation that the possibility of creation seemed beyond her purview.
Leonard Cohen’s influence extended beyond simply prompting her to write. Their connection, while never romantic, was deeply impactful. A mutual friend, recognizing their shared sensibilities, facilitated their meeting in New York around 1964. Initially, there was a perception of Cohen’s work as “obscure” and perhaps inaccessible. However, upon meeting him, Judy Collins was immediately struck by his presence and charisma. When Cohen, with characteristic humility, expressed doubts about his guitar playing, singing, and the very nature of his poems as songs, he shared early versions of what would become iconic tracks: “Suzanne”, “The Stranger Song”, and “Dress Rehearsal Rag”. Collins’ reaction was immediate and decisive. Recognizing the profound beauty and lyrical depth in his work, she declared them to be undeniably songs and offered to record them without hesitation, providing early and significant recognition for Cohen’s burgeoning musical talent.
Later, in 1968, while in Los Angeles and in a relationship with Stephen Stills, Judy Collins encountered another song that would profoundly impact her repertoire. During the mixing of an album, a motorcyclist delivered a tape containing Sandy Denny’s “Who Knows Where the Time Goes”. The moment they listened to Denny’s hauntingly beautiful song, there was an immediate recognition of its power and a unanimous decision to include it on the album. This anecdote highlights Collins’ continued openness to discovering and championing exceptional songwriting, whether from established figures like Cohen or emerging talents like Sandy Denny, whom she grew to admire both as an artist and as a person.
Judy Collins’ journey, initially defined by her interpretations of other artists’ songs, took a transformative turn thanks to a simple question. From that spark, she blossomed into a songwriter of considerable depth and impact, creating songs that have touched hearts and become classics in their own right. Her story is a testament to the power of encouragement, the unexpected paths of creativity, and the enduring legacy of Judy Collins Songs within the landscape of American music.
