• May 1, 1939
• As a child, she studied classical piano with Antonia Brico, before switching to Folk guitar at the age of 16.
• She was born in Seattle, Washington. She began as a classical pianist, with her first performance at the age of 13. Soon after that, however, she discovered the work of Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and other Folk singers, and fell in love with traditional and contemporary topical music.
• When she was 22, she released her debut album A Maid of Constant Sorrow. She later became involved in the Civil Rights movement and the struggle for peace during the Vietnam War.
• She began her career singing both traditional songs and contemporary Folk tunes written by songwriters like Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs. She also brought great attention to songs by artists like Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell. It wasn't until 1967 that she began recording her own original compositions.
• Throughout her career, Collins has been socially active. She is a representative for UNICEF and an advocate for the destruction of landmines and suicide prevention.
• She has written a memoir and two novels, and has received two Grammy Awards and an Academy Award Nomination. >>

  Suggestion credit:
  Bertrand - Paris, France, for all above

Comments

More Songfacts:

Mistress For ChristmasAC/DC

AC/DC's 1990 song "Mistress For Christmas" is about Donald Trump, who was in the news because of his affair with the model Marla Maples.

ParanoidBlack Sabbath

"Paranoid" reflects a feeling Black Sabbath bass player Geezer Butler often felt after using drugs.

Sloop John BThe Beach Boys

"Sloop John B" is a traditional West Indian folk song, and it was a huge hit for The Beach Boys in 1966. They tweaked the lyric, "This is the worst trip since I've been born" to "...I've ever been on" as a wink to acid culture.

Dance Hall DaysWang Chung

Wang Chung's '80s classic "Dance Hall Days" is about how things can start simple but end up complex. First you "take your baby by the hand," but by the end she has an amethyst in her mouth.

The Lion Sleeps TonightThe Tokens

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is an English version of a Zulu hunting song from the 1930s.

Won't Get Fooled AgainThe Who

"Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who is about a revolution, but it doesn't have a happy ending, since in the end the new regime becomes just like the old one. Pete Townshend thought that whoever was in power was destined to become corrupt.

Editor's Picks

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")Song Writing

Nick made some of the biggest videos on MTV, including "The Final Countdown," "Heaven" and "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)."

Grateful Dead CharactersMusic Quiz

Many unusual folks appear in Grateful Dead songs. Can you identify them?

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")Songwriter Interviews

Holly Knight talks about some of the hit songs she wrote, including "The Warrior," "Never" and "The Best," and explains some songwriting philosophy, including how to think of a bridge.