Returning to Britain, Collins became a cornerstone of the 1960s folk revival:
: The trauma was exacerbated when her husband's new partner began attending her shows, sometimes even wearing his clothes while standing in the front row.
In 1978, Collins's life and career took a tragic turn. Following a traumatic marriage breakdown—where her husband abruptly left her for another woman—Collins developed , a condition that caused her throat to physically lock up. The Ballad of Shirley Collins
: In 1964, she recorded the landmark album Folk Roots, New Routes with guitarist Davey Graham, which is credited with setting the template for the folk-rock movement.
: At age 80, she released Lodestar , her first new material in 38 years. The recording took place at her home in Lewes to help manage her lingering nerves. Returning to Britain, Collins became a cornerstone of
: She later founded this band with her second husband, Ashley Hutchings, further pushing the boundaries of traditional music. The Loss of Her Voice
: The 2017 feature film The Ballad of Shirley Collins chronicles this remarkable comeback, juxtaposing her modern recording sessions with footage and stories from her 1959 trip with Lomax. : In 1964, she recorded the landmark album
: Collins found herself unable to sing, even in private. She largely withdrew from the music world for nearly 40 years, taking low-level jobs and focusing on raising her children. The "Phoenix-Like" Return