8 Timeless Secrets To Judy Collins’ Enduring Legacy And Surprising Current Age

The legendary folk singer and activist Judy Collins continues to defy the march of time, remaining an active and vital force in the music industry well into her ninth decade. As of the current date, December 13, 2025, the iconic voice behind "Both Sides Now" and "Send in the Clowns" is 86 years old, a remarkable age for an artist still touring and releasing new material. Her enduring career, which spans nearly seven decades, is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her art and her causes. Born at the dawn of the Second World War, Collins has lived a life intertwined with the most significant cultural and political shifts of the 20th and 21st centuries. From the Greenwich Village folk scene to her advocacy for mental health and suicide prevention, her journey is as rich and complex as her eclectic repertoire. This deep dive explores the life, career, and surprising current activities of the inimitable Judith Marjorie Collins.

Judy Collins: A Complete Biographical Profile

The foundation of Judy Collins' enduring legacy lies in a life dedicated to artistry, discovery, and social change. Her profile is a blend of musical genius and committed activism.

• Full Name: Judith Marjorie Collins
• Date of Birth: May 1, 1939
• Current Age (as of Dec 13, 2025): 86 years old
• Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Singer-Songwriter, Musician, Author, Activist
• Musical Genres: Folk, Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Classical
• Key Instruments: Vocals, Guitar, Piano
• Career Span: 1959–present (nearly seven decades)
• Spouses: Peter Taylor (m. 1958; div. 1965), Louis Nelson (m. 1996; d. 2022)
• Children: Clark Taylor (deceased)
• Notable Awards: Grammy Award for Best Folk Performance (1969), Grammy Nomination for "Send in the Clowns" (1975)
• Signature Songs: "Both Sides Now," "Send in the Clowns," "Amazing Grace"
• Latest Album: Spellbound (2023)

The Age-Defying Resilience: Judy Collins' Recent Activities

While many contemporaries have retired, Judy Collins’ career has maintained a vigorous pace. Her recent activities prove that her current age is merely a number, not a limitation. In the mid-2020s, Collins remains a prolific artist, consistently engaging with her audience through new recordings and extensive touring. Her commitment to performing live is a hallmark of her career.

The *Spellbound* Album and 85th Birthday Tour

Collins’ 2023 album, *Spellbound*, marked a significant milestone: it was her first album of all-original material in her entire career. This late-career burst of songwriting creativity demonstrates her ongoing artistic vitality. The album was met with critical praise and proved that her voice and lyrical depth remain intact. To celebrate her remarkable longevity and continued success, Judy Collins has been on an extensive tour, often billed as her 85th Birthday Tour, which extends into 2025. This tour sees her performing across North America, showcasing her greatest hits alongside new material. Fans can expect to hear classics like "Both Sides Now" and "Suzanne," as well as tracks from *Spellbound*.

New Music and Collaborations

Even beyond her full album releases, Collins is always working. In 2024, she released new material, such as the live single "Sisters of Mercy." Her continued recording and touring schedule, which includes dates well into 2026, solidifies her status as an indomitable and ever-youthful icon of the folk genre.

8 Timeless Secrets Behind Her Seven-Decade Career

Judy Collins' career is distinguished not just by its length, but by its depth and influence. Here are eight secrets that explain her enduring legacy and topical authority in music and culture.

1. The Pivotal Shift from Classical to Folk

Collins began her musical journey as a piano prodigy, performing Mozart's "Concerto for Two Pianos" at age 13. However, she soon fell in love with the hard luck tales and raw emotion of folk music. This pivot, moving from the rigid structure of classical music to the expressive freedom of the folk revival, defined her career trajectory and allowed her to become a voice for a generation.

2. Championing Emerging Songwriting Giants

One of Collins’ greatest contributions was her role as a curator of talent. She was instrumental in introducing the world to some of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century.

• Joni Mitchell: Collins’ 1967 recording of "Both Sides Now" was the first major hit for the then-unknown Mitchell.
• Leonard Cohen: She was one of the first to cover his work, including the song "Suzanne," helping to launch his career.
• Bob Dylan: Her early covers of Dylan's songs, such as "Mr. Tambourine Man," helped popularize his work in the mainstream.

3. The Definitive Version of "Send in the Clowns"

In 1975, Collins had a major commercial success with her cover of Stephen Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns" from the musical *A Little Night Music*. The song became her signature hit and earned her a Grammy nomination, cementing her ability to interpret and elevate material from diverse genres.

4. The Power of the Soaring Soprano Voice

Collins possesses a distinctive, clear, and powerful soaring soprano voice. This vocal quality allowed her to tackle a wide range of material, from the delicate folk balladry of *Wildflowers* to the spiritual power of "Amazing Grace," which became another one of her greatest hits.

5. Unwavering Political and Social Activism

Beyond music, Collins is a lifelong activist. Her involvement began during the 1960s with the civil rights movement and opposition to the Vietnam War. Her activism has extended to environmental protection and, most significantly, mental health advocacy.

6. Advocacy for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Following the tragic death of her only son, Clark Taylor, by suicide in 1992, Collins became a powerful and influential advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. She has written several books on the subject and speaks openly about her personal struggles, helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

7. A Prolific Author and Storyteller

Collins’ talent extends beyond music; she is also a prolific author, having written nine books. These works include memoirs and books on her advocacy, demonstrating her skill as a storyteller in multiple mediums.

8. The Constant Pursuit of New Material

Unlike many artists who rely solely on their back catalog, Collins continues to challenge herself. The release of *Spellbound*, her first album of all-original songs, proves a relentless artistic curiosity. She views her career as a continuous journey, ensuring her music remains fresh and relevant to both longtime fans and new listeners. Judy Collins’ life is a masterclass in longevity. Her age of 86 (as of late 2025) is not an ending, but a continuation of a vibrant, multifaceted career that has profoundly shaped the landscape of American music and activism. Her voice remains a timeless instrument, inspiring generations to come.