Judy Collins on Doing a Farewell Tour While ‘Having a Lot More Steam in My Engine’: At 87, ‘I’m the Betty White of the Folk Movement’

Judy Collins, a seminal figure in folk music whose career spans nearly seven decades, has commenced what she has designated as her farewell tour. At the age of 87, Collins shows no signs of slowing down, maintaining an active touring schedule with vigor and passion that belie her years. This farewell outing, named the “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes Farewell Tour 2026-2027,” references the iconic song Stephen Stills wrote in her honor, symbolizing the lasting impact she has had on the folk-rock scene.

Collins’ tour includes high-profile dates such as her upcoming performance at the Ford in Hollywood, where she will share the stage with fellow folk-rock luminary Bruce Cockburn. The itinerary is enriched by an array of notable supporting acts including Richard Thompson, Amanda Shires, Rosanne Cash, and Mary Chapin Carpenter, underscoring Collins’ enduring influence and the respect she commands among contemporary artists.

Reflecting on her extensive career, Collins has acknowledged that while she loves touring and performing, it is time to step back. Despite this, she remains enthusiastic about the road, drawing from early experiences traveling with her father, a radio personality and entertainer, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for life on tour. Her fondness for the journey itself — whether by car or plane — remains a distinctive aspect of her approach to performing.

The singer’s voice, a defining element of her artistry, remains remarkably robust. Collins credits this to rigorous vocal training with esteemed teacher Max Martley and a pivotal medical intervention in the late 1970s that restored her singing ability after years of heavy drinking compromised her vocal cords. Her sobriety, now spanning 48 years, coupled with disciplined technique, has allowed her to sustain her musical output and vocal health well into her eighth decade.

Collins’ personal life has also been intertwined with significant artistic and emotional milestones. She was married for 46 years to Louis Nelson, a distinguished artist known for designing the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. His recent passing in 2024 marked a profound loss for Collins, yet her commitment to continuing her creative endeavors remains firm.

The repertoire for the farewell tour reflects Collins’ rich catalog, blending classic covers like Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne” and Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns” with selections from her original compositions. Notably, her 2022 album “Spellbound” marks a milestone as the first record comprising entirely self-written material, a testament to her evolving artistry and songwriting maturity.

Collins’ songwriting career was inspired by her friendship with Leonard Cohen, who encouraged her to develop her own voice as a composer. This mentorship led to a prolific period in which Collins produced songs that have been embraced by other artists, illustrating her lasting contribution to the folk canon.

Beyond music, Collins has ventured into writing, publishing a poetry collection derived from a personal challenge to write daily for a year. This literary endeavor complements her musical output, revealing a multifaceted artist continuously exploring new creative avenues.

Politically engaged yet measured, Collins remains attentive to contemporary issues, drawing inspiration from figures such as historian Heather Cox Richardson. Her political awareness informs her performances and public persona, aligning with the socially conscious roots of folk music.

As Judy Collins tours the country one final time, she embodies a remarkable blend of endurance, artistic vitality, and personal resilience. Her farewell tour is not only a closing chapter but a celebration of a career that has shaped and enriched American music for generations.