Judy Small

by Craig HarrisJudy Small is one of the most influential singer-songwriters to come out of Australia. Her songs, which include one of the hardest-hitting looks at the effects of war, "Mothers, Daughters, Wives" and the ecologically-minded tune, "Charlesworth Bay," have been covered by Ronnie Gilbert, Eric Bogle, The McCalmans, The Corries, Charlie King and Priscilla Herdman. The Oakland Tribune referred to Small as the "writer of some of the most powerful social and political songs of our time".
A highly educated woman, Small has studied both psychology and law. She currently balances her musical career with work as a lowly articled clerk in Victoria, an intern-like step prior to becoming a fully-licensed attorney.
Small, who grew up in the small northern seaport village of Coffs Harbor in New South Wales, was inspired as a youngster by the folk songs that were popular in the United States and England in the late-1950s and early-60s. Although she began performing her original Celtic and contemporary folk-like songs in Australian folk clubs and coffeehouses in 1970, Small was little known outside of her native continent until leaving her government job and embarking on a world tour in 1982. The turning point in her career came at the Vancouver Folk Festival when Australian singer-songwriter Eric Bogle invited her onto the stage. Since then, Small has made many appearances throughout Europe and North America.
Small has remained a popular performer in Australia, as well. She received a prestigious "Mo" award, in 1990, as "Folk performer of the year". In 1993, Small was honored with a tribute concert of her songs at the Maleny Folk Festival in Queensland.
Three Sheilas, Small's most recent album, was recorded with Australian vocalists Kavisha Mazzella and Bronwyn Calcutt and featured solo tracks along with tunes performed as a trio.
Smith recently completed an album, Out And Proud, featuring songs aimed at the Gay and Lesbian population.