My Life in Art

Shirley Collins has earned a reputation as one of the most beloved and influential figures in British folk music.

From her song-collecting trips in the American South with Alan Lomax to her pivotal role in the folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s, and her triumphant return with Lodestar after 30 years of silence, Collins is celebrated for bringing the raw beauty of English folk songs to life—particularly those that reflect the struggles of the working class.

In this special conversation with friend and comedian Bridget Christie, she reflects on her extraordinary body of work and the enduring power of song to speak across time.