Judy Collins Turns Book Revue Into a Sing-A-Long

If there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, Judy Collins' fans might very well have believed that they discovered it when the legendary singer/songwriter appeared at Book Revue last Thursday. Collins was in town to sign and speak about her new children's book, "Over the Rainbow," which comes complete with a CD showcasing her new version of the title song.

Collins immediately astounded the standing room-only crowd as she burst into one of her signature songs, "Both Sides Now." She continued to enthrall the crowd with snippets of song and stories about her life and legendary career.

"I was born in 1939 even though I don't look it," quipped the svelte singer, who explained that she received a wonderful, early introduction to music thanks to her father who was in the radio business.

Her first album, "Maid of Constant Sorrow," debuted in 1961, she indicated.

"It's been a privilege to go around the country talking to people who love books," Collins told the appreciative crowd. "I plan on doing this until I fall over," she said, adding that she hopes to be "the Betty White of the folk music scene."

Collins kept the audience on the edge of their seats with stories of her friendships with other music legends such as E.Y. Harburg, who wrote the lyrics for "Over the Rainbow," Ira Gershwin, Bob Dylan, Peter Yarrow, and Mary Travers, whose memorial Collins attended last October.

As per Collins' request, the audience joined in as she sang "Over the Rainbow" and "This Land is Your Land."

Following the sing-a-long, it was time to get Collins' new book signed.

"Judy Collins was so charming, so wonderful," said Marie Failey, of East Northport, who was one of many who left Book Revue toting a signed copy of "Over the Rainbow." "She was spontaneously funny. This was one of the best evenings I've had in a long time."

Failey added that she loved the stories that Collins shared about her life. "It was a performance, rather than a lecture, and a wonderful parallel to the book," she said.

The East Northport resident, who has two young granddaughters, said that she loved the fact that Collins made an effort to connect with children in the audience.

"There's a child-like quality about Judy," Failey said. "She wants to share with everyone."

Huntington resident Patricia Shih, a singer/songwriter like Collins, said that she couldn't wait to meet the woman who was one of her early role models.

"That's why I got into folk music," Shih said, adding that Collins' "Wildflower" album served as her introduction to folk music.

"It still blows me away – the writing, the singing, everything," Shih said. "I love her and her sensibilities."

For Helen Murdock-Prep, meeting Collins would unleash a torrent of memories that would leave the Huntington resident at a loss for words.

"I felt all tingly," Murdock-Prep said after meeting her longtime idol. "It was surreal to have finally met someone who meant so much to me. Her angelic voice has always moved me."

Bob Klein, who owns the nationally-renowned bookstore with his brother, Richard, said that Collins arrived early and chatted about Bob Dylan and other music notables in his office.

"Her book is beautiful, and we sold out," Klein said, adding that the store has already been restocked with more copies of "Over the Rainbow."

Anyone who missed the magical evening also has good reason to take heart.

"She's coming back next year," Klein said, indicating that Collins is working on another book, and plans to return for what will be her third visit to Book Revue.