Singer, musician, poet, author, filmmaker, advocate, citizen of the world – Judy Collins, your extraordinary and genuine commitment to making a difference compels our honor.
You have given the world so many of your gifts – the gift of song, the gift of film, and the gift of hope to millions through your untiring work for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), landmine awareness, and Amnesty International.
The daughter of singer, composer Chuck Collins, you trained as a classical pianist studying under Antonia Brico, one of the first women to make a career as a symphonic conductor. But the lyrical power of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger moved you from classical piano to guitar, and it was our good fortune. The genius of Tom Paxton, Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs inspired your work in the turbulent era of the 1960s.
Throughout your impressive career, you have brought innovation to your performances and recordings. And you continue this today with the creation of a new record label, Wildflower Records. For more than 40 years with 37 albums, Grammy nominations, gold and platinum status – you have inspired millions. The National Museum of Women in the Arts recognized your many contributions with their Lifetime Achievement Award.
Today we honor you, Judy Collins, for a body of musical work whose fans span the generations. Through words and sounds you capture with clarity and meaning what is felt in many hearts. When we hear that familiar voice, we somehow feel like we are ‘home.'
We celebrate you for your commitment to the causes of ending hunger and political oppression throughout the world. As a tireless supporter of UNICEF, you have traveled to some of the world's most desperate locations, bringing supplies, money and hope to children with a bleak future. You have been a strong advocate for political prisoners throughout the world through your work with Amnesty International.
With ‘Amazing Grace' for your many accomplishments, we honor you today.