Judy Collins is embarking on her “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes” farewell tour, a series of performances scheduled through May 2027.
Collins’ journey in music began at a young age. She first took the stage at age three in Butte, MT, when her father encouraged her to sing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The Mountain Times reports that her love affair with folk music truly began six years later in Denver. There, she joined the Denver Folklore Society and immersed herself in learning traditional songs.
It was in Denver that Collins also began writing her own music, including seminal works like “Since You Asked” and “My Father.” Her distinctive approach to blending traditional folk with contemporary songwriting would define her career.
Collins has a storied history of discovering and popularizing the work of now-legendary songwriters. In 1966, a friend at Atlantic Records introduced her to Leonard Cohen and his song, “Suzanne.” Cohen was unsure of his own material, but Collins was immediately convinced. “Leonard, that is a song and I’m recording it tomorrow,” she recalled.
In 1967, after hearing Joni Mitchell sing “Both Sides, Now” over the phone, Collins recorded it the next day. It became a major hit, though Collins noted, “I don’t think Joni was too happy that I was the first to record it.”
Collins’ legacy is not just in her solo work but in her collaborations. Her 1966 album, In My Life, was groundbreaking for its treatment of contemporary songs by artists like The Beatles and Bob Dylan with the seriousness of classical repertoire.
Throughout her career, she has worked with a diverse range of musicians. On her farewell tour, she will be joined by artists like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rosanne Cash, and Bruce Cockburn. For a stop in Rutland on November 14, 2026, she will be backed by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, according to The Mountain Times.
Collins announced her farewell tour after celebrating her 87th birthday. When asked about the finality of the tour, she was coy but expressed excitement. “Anyway, I’m very excited because we have wonderful artists coming on board and it’s a great privilege to be able to do that,” she said.
Judy Collins’ farewell tour of the US runs until 22 May 2027. Her final concert in the UK will be at the Palladium in London on February 6, 2027, and her final Irish performance will be at St Michael’s theatre in New Ross on January 24, 2027.
What is the name of Judy Collins’ farewell tour?
The tour is named the “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes” farewell tour.
When is Judy Collins’ final US concert?
Judy Collins’ farewell tour of the US runs until 22 May 2027.
Who is joining Judy Collins on her tour?
Artists such as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rosanne Cash, and Bruce Cockburn will be joining her on various dates, along with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra for the Rutland performance.
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