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With a career that spans nearly five decades, Judy Collins is one of America’s national treasures and a true legend in every sense of the word. A one-time child prodigy pianist switched gears in the early 1960s aided by the influence of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and the newly formed New York folk scene that was spearheaded by Dylan.

Though she’s not known primarily as a songwriter, the Seattle native’s interpretations of a well penned song are legendary. Her debut, A Maid of Constant Sorrow, in 1961 was chock-full of traditional tunes that showcased her voice. It wasn’t until her third release, amply titled Judy Collins #3, that she began including other musicians on her recordings.

The album was also the beginning of the contemporary Collins as she reworked Dylan and Seeger songs with her soprano vocals. In 1967, Collins wrote a few songs for her masterpiece, Wild Flowers, but was it mainly comprised of covers â€" this trend continued throughout her career.
Now 69, Collins is still recording. Her latest pays homage to Lennon and McCartney.

Judy Collins will make a very special appearance accompanied by the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra on tonight in the new Chambers Creek Central Meadow.

With such a vast body of work, who knows what songs she’ll perform? But who cares, it’s Judy Collins.

[Chambers Creek Central Meadow, 6 p.m., $50 at Broadway Center Box Office, 6320 Grandview Dr. W, University Place, 253.591.5894]