Tuesday, December 14, 1pm
Books & Books Coral Gables
For more than five decades, Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her superlative soprano and her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes. Enjoying a career full of accolades, including a Grammy Award and an Academy Award nomination, she continues to perform globally, and almost constantly, at age 70, while making time for social activism. She is also the author of several books, both fiction and nonfiction, and has recently collaborated on this delightful and uplifting children’s book.
OVER THE RAINBOW is an enchanting picture book and 3-song CD set, featuring Judy Collins’ version of the beloved song that Judy Garland made famous. Working on this project gave Collins “great pleasure.” She was named for Judy Garland four months before “Over the Rainbow” came out on the radio in 1939. Her parents adored the song and played it at home, over and over, so it became little Judy’s favorite lullaby. Now, Collins admits that “Over the Rainbow” has followed her, “like a bluebird,” all her life and continues to make her feel “young and free and hopeful.”
A treat for the eyes, ears, and imagination, OVER THE RAINBOW weaves a charming spell of music and visual imagery. Renowned painter Eric Puybaret’s wonderful, colorful magical artwork transports children from a little red farmhouse on a stormy gray day to castles high in the clouds and a dream-come-true escape, complete with star beams, chuckling moons, and glorious rainbows that span pages.
Collaborating on OVER THE RAINBOW marks a dream-come-true for Judy Collins: recording a song that has held powerful meaning for her throughout her life and career. “The movie [The Wizard of Oz] was released the same year I was born and became an instant favorite of my parents,” says Collins. “They loved playing the song ‘Over the Rainbow’ in our home and it practically became my lullaby. A lot of my childhood memories are blended in with that song; it’s helped influence my creativity and passion for discovery of magical places real and imagined.”
Stunningly designed and exquisitely packaged, OVER THE RAINBOW is a must look and listen for Wizard of Oz devotees, Judy Collins fans, classic song lovers, and illustrated book collectors. Best of all, this gift book will enthrall dreamers of all ages—from grandparents to toddlers.
About the Performer/Author
Judy Collins is a world-renowned singer and songwriter. Many of her albums have been certified platinum and her version of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” has been entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Her rendition of Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns” won Grammy’s Song of the Year in 1975. In addition to her musical accomplishments, Judy is the author of several books, including The Artist’s Way, the inspirational memoir Sanity & Grace, and the novel Shameless. She is also co-director, with Jill Godmillow, of an Academy Award-nominated film about Antonia Brico, the first woman to conduct major symphonies around the world—and Judy’s classical piano teacher when she was young. In 2000, Judy founded her own record label, Wildflower Records. Her latest CD, “Paradise,” is scheduled for release in May. She lives on the Upper West Side of New York City with her husband, three Steinway pianos, and three Persian cats.
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