The Judith Durham Story: Colours of My Life

Rating:
Summary: A musical journey, a spiritual journey
Review: "Colours of My Life" traces the life and career of Judith Durham, lead singer of the Seekers. Now a singer/songwriter in her own right, Judith shares her fascinating yet heartbreaking journey. Born in Australia to working-class parents, Judith struggled with issues of self-esteem, body image and depression. Her years with the Seekers brought both fame and frustration, as she coped with the need to spread her wings as an artist while being held back by her loyalty to the group.After four years of being relegated to nightclubs and variety shows by a manager who always played it safe, Judith gave six months' notice that she was leaving the group to pursue a solo career. Judith had always felt that her strong areas were jazz and blues, but feared there was no audience for this in the sixties. As she sought to shed her "folksinger" image, and compete with the likes of the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Simon and Garfunkel, Judith had to find her own niche. And in doing so, she also found her husband, pianist Ron Edgeworth. The two embarked on a 25 year musical journey which saw them living all over the world. And on a spiritual path which ultimately carried Judith through her health problems, recovery from a very serious auto accident, and the losses of her parents and husband. This book serves as biography, travelogue and music history lesson. But most importantly, it serves as an inspiration. Despite a lifelong condition causing limited lung capacity, Judith's voice rings strong and clear, now in her sixth decade. By sharing with us her joys and triumphs as well as her heartache and loss, Judith imparts a sense of purpose and zest for life, both in her songs and in her book.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling life story of the worlds best female vocalist
Review: In the afterword of "Colours of My Life" Judith Durham describes life as "what happens to you when you are making other plans." This phrase would certainly describe the life of one Judith Durham. This biography, lovingly written by Graham Simpson, was first released in Australia way back in 1994. It has been recently updated and reissued for the enjoyment of her fans all over the world.
While I have been a fan for all these many years I was certainly never a Seekers or Judith Durham fanatic. After all, the Seekers never achieved the popularity in the States that they enjoyed in their native Australia and the UK. About three years ago I was spinning my vinyl copy of the Seekers "Greatest Hits" when I remarked to my wife that Judith is perhaps the best female vocalist I had ever heard. This remark prompted me to do a search on Judith on the internet. I was really curious as to what she might be doing after all these many years. Much to my amazement, I discovered that the Seekers had reunited in 1993 and had recorded a new album of original material "Future Road". I was not aware of any of this. I immediately ordered the new CD and from that point on I have become a Seekers/Judith Durham fanatic!!!
I simply could not put down "Colours of the Day". What an interesting life Judith Durham has led. There are so many highs and lows, so many twists and turns. Graham Simpson has done a wonderful job in chronicling all of it. You will discover how Judith came to be a Seeker and the reasons why she chose to leave the group back in 1968. You will follow her around the world in her pursuit of a solo career. Learn how she met her beloved husband Ron Edgeworth and follow their travels over two decades from England to France to Switzerland to South Africa and back to Australia. It seems that they were always on the move in search of new musical horizons. You'll learn about the causes Judith really cares about and about tragic illness that claimed her loving husband.
Judith Durham has been honored all over the world for her work as a member of the Seekers, for her solo work and for any number of humanitarian causes she has become involved with. She is a remarkable lady. You are sure to enjoy her life story.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling life story of the worlds best female vocalist
Review: In the afterword of "Colours of My Life" Judith Durham describes life as "what happens to you when you are making other plans." This phrase would certainly describe the life of one Judith Durham. This biography, lovingly written by Graham Simpson, was first released in Australia way back in 1994. It has been recently updated and reissued for the enjoyment of her fans all over the world.
While I have been a fan for all these many years I was certainly never a Seekers or Judith Durham fanatic. After all, the Seekers never achieved the popularity in the States that they enjoyed in their native Australia and the UK. About three years ago I was spinning my vinyl copy of the Seekers "Greatest Hits" when I remarked to my wife that Judith is perhaps the best female vocalist I had ever heard. This remark prompted me to do a search on Judith on the internet. I was really curious as to what she might be doing after all these many years. Much to my amazement, I discovered that the Seekers had reunited in 1993 and had recorded a new album of original material "Future Road". I was not aware of any of this. I immediately ordered the new CD and from that point on I have become a Seekers/Judith Durham fanatic!!!
I simply could not put down "Colours of the Day". What an interesting life Judith Durham has led. There are so many highs and lows, so many twists and turns. Graham Simpson has done a wonderful job in chronicling all of it. You will discover how Judith came to be a Seeker and the reasons why she chose to leave the group back in 1968. You will follow her around the world in her pursuit of a solo career. Learn how she met her beloved husband Ron Edgeworth and follow their travels over two decades from England to France to Switzerland to South Africa and back to Australia. It seems that they were always on the move in search of new musical horizons. You'll learn about the causes Judith really cares about and about tragic illness that claimed her loving husband.
Judith Durham has been honored all over the world for her work as a member of the Seekers, for her solo work and for any number of humanitarian causes she has become involved with. She is a remarkable lady. You are sure to enjoy her life story.