Anything worth having is worth the wait, and no one knows this better than musical folk icon Judy Collins. Her 2016 release, “Silver Skies Blue,” was nominated for a 2017 Grammy Award in the category for best folk album — a prodigious 48 years after her first, and only, Grammy win in the same category. Collins brings her legendary style and voice to the People’s Theatre in Honokaa at 7 p.m. Saturday.
“It’s been a big year,” said Collins. “After we left Hawaii last January, I made an album with Ari Hest and it was nominated for a Grammy for ‘Silver Skies Blue.’ I’ve had a busy two years with my feet on the ground, walking and running and hiking.”
The award-winning singer-songwriter famously interpreted and recorded a number of traditional and contemporary folk standards as well as her own original compositions. Her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” from her landmark 1967 album, “Wildflowers,” was entered into the Grammy Hall of fame.
Collins’ haunting and intimate version of “Send in the Clowns,” a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical “A Littler Night Magic,” won Song of the Year at the 1975 Grammy Awards. Last year, she rekindled her musical love affair with Sondheim with a new album of his songs and a PBS special.
“After the Grammy nomination, I made an album of Sondheim songs and did a big PBS special called ‘Love Letter to Sondheim,’ on which I sang a lot of songs of his,” she said.
For many, Collins represents a generation that bonded together over social and environmental injustices. Today, she continues to inspire audiences of all ages with her songwriting, which reflects not only her fierce commitment to social justice, but also her personal life sorrows and triumphs. At 78, her passion for progressive social change lives on.
“Just keep resisting, that’s my message,” said Collins. “Keep resisting. Do everything you can to keep this country on track, and doing the things we’re proud of and most famous for, instead of the things that are despicable and unforgivable.”
On Saturday, Collins will perform songs from her 2015 release, “Strangers Again,” a collection of duets with some of her favorite male artists, including Don McLean, Michael McDonald, Jeff Bridges, Willie Nelson and Jackson Browne.
“These are guys I adore and respect,” she said. “I have dreamed of playing with them”
Last year, Collins also completed a 50-show tour with her former romantic partner Stephen Stills, and made an album with him called “Everybody Knows.” Collins is also an author, having penned several books, her latest, “Cravings,” about eating disorders and diets.
Still going strong, Collins continues to create music that sparks hope and speaks to the heart.
To purchase tickets, which are $45 for general admission and $65 for Gold Circle seating, call 896-4845. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7.
Info: Visit www.judycollins.com.
