This Week’s Sound Bites: 1/30/25 – New Jersey

Judy Collins recently shared details about her upcoming poetry book, “Sometimes It’s Heaven: Poems of Love, Loss and Redemption,” and her new album filled with duets. Despite being 85 years old, Collins shows no signs of slowing down, embarking on a tour that will take her from Texas to Colorado, with stops in Florida, North Carolina, Nashville, and New York along the way.

Her poetry book, set to be released on March 28, contains 100 poems that she wrote at her husband’s request, delving into personal experiences and observations that give it an autobiographical touch. Collins believes that everything, including her work, is open to interpretation, allowing listeners to connect with her lyrics and poems based on their own life experiences.

During her 100 shows a year, Collins creates a dreamlike state for both herself and her audience, engaging them with stories, jokes, and songs, while enforcing a strict no-phone policy to create a meditative space for mental well-being. She believes that this restriction on technology is crucial for the mental health of her listeners and herself, offering a rare opportunity for introspection and focus.

One surprise in her recent book is a photograph from her youth, showcasing her talent as a young musician, which the publisher decided to include despite their usual policy of not using photographs on covers. Collins was impressed by their choice and the nostalgic memories the image evoked.

Scheduled for release on March 25, “Sometimes It’s Heaven: Poems of Love, Loss and Redemption” will be part of a combined book and singing tour that Collins plans to embark on, demonstrating her tireless dedication to her craft and her audiences. She acknowledges the importance of interacting with fans during meet and greet events, but emphasizes that the best part of her work remains the singing and performing itself.

As she prepares for upcoming shows in Nashville and New York City alongside fellow musicians like Amanda Shires and Richard Thompson, Collins continues to embody passion and enthusiasm for her music, ensuring that her legacy of storytelling and songwriting endures for years to come. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience Judy Collins live and support original music.