The Weekly Show with David J. Maloney

The Weekly Show with David J. Maloney

Judy Collins

Jun 17, 2026 · 59 min · 11 segments

In this unforgettable conversation, folk music legend Judy Collins reflects on a remarkable career spanning more than six decades—one that has placed her at the heart of some of the most important…

In this unforgettable conversation, folk music legend Judy Collins reflects on a remarkable career spanning more than six decades—one that has placed her at the heart of some of the most important musical moments of the 20th century. Judy takes us back to her earliest musical memories, from rigorous classical piano training and a childhood surrounded by music, to discovering the folk songs that would ultimately change the course of her life. She shares stories of the 1960s folk revival, her friendships with artists like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and Stephen Stills, and the instinct that allowed her to recognize songs that would become timeless classics. We discuss the incredible origins of songs like “Suzanne,” “Both Sides Now,” and “Amazing Grace,” including how Judy’s iconic recording helped bring the centuries-old hymn back into the cultural conversation... and how this was the only time she was "paid" for performing a song she didn't write. She also opens up about the life-changing vocal injury that nearly ended her career, her journey to recovery and sobriety, and the resilience that has kept her performing for generations of audiences. Along the way, Judy reflects on the power of music to heal, to protest, to preserve history, and to connect people across generations. This is a conversation about artistry, intuition, perseverance, and the enduring magic of a great song.

In this unforgettable conversation, folk music legend Judy Collins reflects on a remarkable career spanning more than six decades—one that has placed her at the heart of some of the most important…

Speakers: Judy CollinsGuestDavid J. MaloneyHost

Early Life, Family & Classical Training1:20 – 5:40

Judy CollinsGuest

1:20

Thank you so much for reminding me.

Judy CollinsGuest

1:22

I'm breathless.

David J. MaloneyHost

1:24

So I kind of want to start at the beginning a little bit.

David J. MaloneyHost

1:27

What was your home life like growing up, and how integral was music to your family life? I mean, were you an outlier in your interest in it, or were you or your family really musically involved otherwise?

Judy CollinsGuest

1:38

Well, my father was a great star of radio for years and years, three decades.

Judy CollinsGuest

1:46

30 years of a radio show in Seattle, Los Angeles and CBS and Denver.

Judy CollinsGuest

1:54

So he had an incredible gift and he was a great singer, great performer.

Judy CollinsGuest

2:01

And he started in 1937 in Seattle.

Judy CollinsGuest

2:03

I was born in 39.

Judy CollinsGuest

2:06

But I was surrounded by the professional needs and direction and the daily life of somebody who went on the radio.

Judy CollinsGuest

2:16

you know, five times a week.

Judy CollinsGuest

2:17

In all of these situations, I started playing the piano when I was five.

Judy CollinsGuest

2:25

I worked on the essence of what the work is about and how to do it.

Judy CollinsGuest

2:31

I studied the piano for all that time, and then I started studying with Antonia Brico, who was the first woman to conduct major symphonies around the world, including New York City.

Judy CollinsGuest

2:44

And so I had, you might say that I was trained rather than raised.

Judy CollinsGuest

2:50

And so everything that I know how to do, I learned as a child growing up.

Judy CollinsGuest

2:57

The discipline, the way to practice, the things that you have to do, the opera choruses you sing in.

Judy CollinsGuest

3:07

And memorize the Mozart Piano Concerto.

Judy CollinsGuest

3:11

When I first started studying with Dr. Brico, I was 11.

Judy CollinsGuest

3:16

And she said to me one day, I'd like to, she brought in a score for the Mozart Piano Concerto, number K365, which he wrote for his sister, Nan Earl, and himself, Mozart.

Judy CollinsGuest

3:31

And she said, I want you to start memorizing this.

Judy CollinsGuest

3:34

And I said, you know, I have to get in the car into the Buick and go from Denver to Seattle to see my great-grandfather and my relative.

Judy CollinsGuest

3:45

She said, oh, no, that's fine.

Judy CollinsGuest

3:48

She brought out... a cardboard keyboard.

Judy CollinsGuest

3:52

And she said, you know, you can sit in the car, you'll have one brother on one side, one brother on the other, and then you'll be able to memorize on this keyboard, cardboard, cardboard, keyboard.