About Judy Small
The Grande Dame of Australian Folk Music
Judy Small, a renowned Australian singer-songwriter, is celebrated for her feminist folk music and political songs that often follow traditional themes. With twelve albums and hundreds of songs to her credit, she is regarded as one of the most popular political singers in Australia. Judy enjoys singing about real people and pressing issues, stating, "If an audience comes away thinking about issues, it is a worthwhile performance."
Now based in Melbourne, Judy Small was born in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. She relocated to Sydney in 1972 to study psychology and began her career as a singer and songwriter in the late 1970s, inspired by the folk boom of the 1960s and drawing influences from iconic folk singers like Joan Baez, Peter, Paul and Mary, and The Seekers.
Her powerful songs have been recorded by notable artists such as Ronnie Gilbert, Eric Bogle, The McCalmans, The Corries, Charlie King, and Priscilla Herdman, with several being translated into various languages.
In addition to her own repertoire, Judy is a distinguished interpreter of both traditional and contemporary songs.
After a successful performance at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival in 1982, she committed to being a full-time singer-songwriter. Over the next 16 years, she toured regularly throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Australia, and New Zealand.
In 1990, she was honored with the Mo Award for Australian Folk Performer of the Year, and in 1997, she was named Artist of the Year at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. Additionally, Judy was invited to Beijing for the United Nations Women's Conference NGO Forum in 1995, where she performed for thousands of women from around the globe.
Fans had long requested a live album from Judy Small to capture her introductions and stories behind her songs, which are integral to her performances. In response, she recorded "Live at the Artery" in her hometown of Melbourne, which was later released as a double CD collection, showcasing over 35 years of her music.
Judy ceased full-time performing in 1998 to pursue a career as a family lawyer in Melbourne but continued to write new songs and perform at festivals worldwide.
In March 2013, she was appointed as a Judge with the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, marking her full retirement from performing.
In recognition of her contributions as a songwriter and recording artist, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2013. Judy retired from the Bench in April 2020.
On May 10, 2014, she married Charlotte Stockwell in Wanaka, New Zealand.
Judy Small formally announced her second retirement from performing in January 2026, informing her friends and fans of her diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia.
Music
Judy Small's songs encompass a diverse range of topics and styles, particularly focusing on social justice, equity, and harmony, with a strong emphasis on feminism and peace. Some of her most popular pieces include "Mothers, Daughters, Wives," "Women of Our Time," "One Voice in the Crowd," and "Global Village."
Awards and Recognition
In 1990, she received the Mo Award for Australian Folk Performer of the Year. In 1997, she was named Artist of the Year at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. Judy was also invited to Beijing for the United Nations Women's Conference NGO Forum in 1995.
In 2006, Australian Rhymes Magazine recognized her as the club/pub entertainer/performer of the year, coinciding with the release of her double CD, a collection of her greatest hits titled "Live at the Artery."
In June 2013, she was honored as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her contributions to folk music as a songwriter and recording artist. Judy received the National Folk Festival Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
Discography
A Natural Selection (1982) (CD - re-released)
Mothers, Daughters, Wives (1984)
Ladies and Gems (1984)
One Voice in the Crowd (1985)
Home Front (1988)
Snapshot (1990)
Best of Judy Small (1992)
Second Wind (1993)
Global Village (1995)
Three Sheilas (1997)
Let the Rainbow Shine (1999)
Mosaic (2001)
Never Turning Back (2001)
Judy Small: Live at The Artery (2006, reissued 2021) (double 2 CD disc, recorded live in Melbourne)
Swansongs (2026) (two singles 'Stand or Fall' and 'Within These Walls (Yad Vashem)')