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In these days, when people play fast and loose with truth for the purpose of personal gain at the expense of important things like rights, and even survival, I hope this episode, and the next one help us all regain a little sanity and peace. 

Personal Truth takes you on a powerful journey through the birth of the singer-songwriter era, spotlighting artists who didn't just sing about the world—but cracked themselves wide open to show us their own. Starting in the fertile grounds of Greenwich Village’s folk revival, we trace Judy Collins’ leap from classical prodigy to folk icon, discover how her mentorship helped launch the poetic brilliance of Joni Mitchell, and explore how deeply personal songwriting reshaped the music landscape.

From the haunting honesty of Blue to the communal power of We Shall Overcome, and the electric turning points of Dylan and Elton at the Troubadour, this story is as much about music as it is about the courage to be vulnerable. These artists weren’t just performers—they were truth-tellers, risking emotional exposure to connect with something universal.

If you've ever been moved by a lyric that felt like it was written just for you, you’re already part of this legacy. Dive in and discover how raw truth, vulnerability, and fearless authenticity led American music in yet another bold direction.

In this Episode:

MUSIC

Jackson Brown: Lives in the Balance

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Concerto for Two Pianos

Judi Collins

• John Riley
• Barbara Allen
• Loch Lomond
• Both Sides Now

Joni Mitchell

• Both Sides Now
• The Circle Game
• Chelsea Morning
• Cactus (audience recording from The Troubadour)
• Car On a Hill
• Down to You
• River
• Lesson in Survival

Elton John - 60 Years On

INTERVIEWS

Judi Collins

Pete Seeger

Gordon Lightfoot

James Taylor

Elton John/ Joni Mitchell

Nigel Olsen

Links to Related Episodes

The Second Folk Revival: A Passing of the Torch.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1622638/episodes/10030031-the-second-folk-revival-a-passing-of-the-torch

1960’s Folk Music: How the Fire Spread

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1622638/episodes/10030131-1960-s-folk-music-how-the-fire-spread

The Other Side of Fusion: Jazz Rock

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1622638/episodes/12426684-the-other-side-of-fusion-jazz-rock

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