Singing Lessons (w/CD) [Paperback]

Judy Collins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999

For the millions who know Judy Collins' unforgettable music, this remarkable memoir will come as no surprise. A ballad of transformation in which some of life's worst tragedies lead to the discovery of a deeper love, this is Judy's heart statement, imbued with the introspection we love in her songs.

It was the suicide of her son Clark in 1992 that signaled the slow dismantling of Judy's life, "the end of the world." But in its wake came a choice: to become another victim of the tragedy or to emerge victorious. Judy chose victory, freeing her heart to appreciate every precious moment of life, and see the gift of memory for the miracle it is.

With quiet grace and uncommon candor, Singing Lessons reveals some of those miracles -- Judy's memories of places, people, triumphs, and tragedies. From recalling the lessons of her beloved music teacher of thirty-two years, Max Margulis, to reflecting on her marriage to Louis Nelson, lover and soulmate for twenty years, Judy shares herself, in the sweet, clear voice that is as true as her music, with the insight her fans have come to know from her lyrics.

More than an intimate memoir, Singing Lessons is the triumph of a keenly observant, brilliantly gifted artist -- a deeply affecting and eloquently written journal of a woman determined to keep her heart open, her spirit intact, and all the elements of her life in harmony. It is the heart and soul of Judy Collins.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The sad truth about Collins's memoir is that the person for whom she seems to have written the book will never read it. The singer's son, Clark, committed suicide in 1992 after a long bout with depression and substance abuse, and every chapter ends with a Collins-composed prayer directly relating to his death. Otherwise, given her image as a confessional, heart-on-the-sleeve folkie, Collins tells her life story with vigor, candor and a surprising lack of sentimentality. She describes her alcoholism without apology, with a degree of forgiveness that seems to encompass not only herself but the memory of her addiction-tormented son. Collins's lack of self-absorption brings poignancy to her tales of growing up the daughter of a blind Seattle radio host, her interest in her seagoing ancestors and her fears that she contributed to her son's intense despair, while the tension between celebrity autobiography and letter to a lost loved one makes the book a disarming read. Perhaps her grave manner in discussing her son led Collins to the tasteful restraint with which she recounts her early glory days in Greenwich Village, when the likes of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Jim Morrison were among her drinking buddies. Her reticence only adds to the dignity of this moving memoir. 16 b&w photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

Collins's singing career made her a voice for civil rights and won her an Academy Award, but her success couldn't shield her from heartache. Her first autobiographical account, Trust Your Heart (LJ 11/1/87), ended with the wedding of her son, Clark. Similarly, this second account ends with a weddingACollins's own, to long-time companion LouisAbut, sadly, the book begins with Clark's suicide. Both books cover some of the same ground, such as Clark's problems with drugs and Judy's with alcohol, except that Judy recovers and Clark does not. The format is similar to the firstAdated entries as if taken directly from her journal, providing a sense of intimacy. Like the memoirs by George McGovern (Terry: My Daughter's Life and Death Struggle with Alcoholism, LJ 6/15/96) and Gloria Vanderbilt (A Mother's Story, LJ 5/1/96), this is more than a celebrity memoir; it is a deeply personal, gut-wrenching story of the loss of a child. Painful but important reading; highly recommended.ARosellen Brewer, Monterey Bay Area Cooperative Lib. System, CA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Atria (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671003984
• ISBN-13: 978-0671003982
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,540,188 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What really matters at the end, November 23, 2001

By 

Sasha "lampic" (at sea...sailing somewhere) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Singing Lessons (w/CD) (Paperback)

The writting style is stunnigly beautiful and impressive,just as authour's music always had a certain healing power.Many singers/actors are not capable to remember anything more than their LP's and awards - celebrities memoirs are too often simply boasting about their career - but Collins have a perfect ballanced view on her past and she writtes about her inner life much more than her career,which is mentioned basically briefly. Portraits of her father and mentor Anthonia are described with affection and of course the book never stops reflecting on her son.This is a clear picture of Judy Collins life from her point of view - no celebrity gossip,no recording dates,what really matters here are feelings and precious memories she shares with reader.At times I thought her story about son sounds a bit obsessive - until it made me realise that I think about my mother every day and she died 12 years ago,so I guess we never really let go.Not only that second half of the book brings very helpful observations how to cope with depression,Collins also have sharp witt and she saved certain original sense of humour which must be life-saving quality (on her knees in the bathroom of the White House,she laughs at herself),the whole book is a warm,affectionate celebration of spirit still shining bright after tragedy and life downfalls.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A book of rare honesty, sensitivity, and warmth!", November 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Singing Lessons (w/CD) (Paperback)

While listening to the current recordings of this remarkable performer, humanitarian, and personality, one is immediately struck by the warmth of her voice and its enduring stamina and honesty, the same can be said about, "Singing Lessons, A Memoir of Love, Loss, Hope, and Healing. If anyone wonders if it is possible to survive unbearable tragedy, and thrive, they only have to read this book. If anyone wonders about physical, spiritual, and emmotional vibrancy, beyond the age of 40, they have only to read this book! It has been said that to survive any great tragedy, you have to go through it and experience it honestly. For those of us who have gone through far less than the loss of an only child, this book is a triumphant road-map on how to grow and survive any of lifes unfathomable, unexpected, and unreal experiences. Judy Collins is a shinning example, not only for those trying to cope with an enormous tragedy, but many of the new comers in todays music and entertainment industry who could well learn a "lesson" from her tremendous example on how to be a "good" star, someone who is truly grateful for the position they have achieved, and seeks to give back to the world, a true sense of caring, a steady sense of responsibility, and most of all, an enduring sense of the "real" kind of love, that makes this book "sing," and the journey possible and worth the effort to continue.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is Judy's best book to date - it is a source of hope, October 3, 1998

By 

Richard L. Hess - See all my reviews

This review is from: Singing Lessons: A Memoir of Love, Loss, Hope, and Healing (with CD) (Hardcover)

We were all wondering how Judy could create a meaningful follow-on memoir and exceed the high expectations created by "Trust Your Heart." Since that book was published, Judy's son committed suicide and she married her long-time friend.

This book is a fantastic insight into the healing process--the healing that can be brought about by loving and caring people--the healing process that only you can do despite friends and caring supporters.

While this book brings you down to depths of despair the ultimate message is very uplifting and gives us all hope and lets us see the bright side of life -- all in all a very, very positive and uplifting book.

Oh, and as an aside, it provides another fascinating glimpse into Judy's exciting career. There are some good tidbits in there for the Collins fan.

Good job, Judy!