Speaking from the Dorchester Hotel, London, the Seattle-born singer, musician, writer and UNICEF representative seems as passionate about her art at 70 as she was as a young singer, when she played support gigs to the likes of Josh White and Bob Gibson in folk clubs around Colorado.

She said: "I've got a new album coming out, plus a children's book, called Over the Rainbow, which Macmillan is publishing later this year.

"The new album will include duets with Joan Baez, on her song Diamonds and Rust, plus I sing with Stephen Stills."

Stills was the man in Judy's life in the late 1960s and the pair have remained friends ever since.

It was Stills who immortalised the golden-voiced Collins in his famous tribute song, Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, as covered by folk-rock supergroup, Crosby, Stills & Nash.

A much-published author, Collins is adapting the title of her former lover's song for a forthcoming book, called Sweet Judy Blue Eyes.

Collins has always enjoyed a faithful following in the UK, adding: "Amazing Grace was a hit in 1970 and still holds a record in the UK for the number of radio plays it has received.

"People who come to my shows can expect all of my hits, plus I do songs by some of my favourite writers, including a great new number about the painter Gauguin, by the wonderful Jimmy Webb."

For someone whose public image is one of folk music purity, it's surprising to learn that Judy battled with the bottle for much of her early career.

"I've written about this a lot. The stinkin' drinkin' goes back a long way in my family, including my father.

"Alcoholism is an illness and I believe it's important to talk about it in public."

In 1992, Judy's only son, Clark, killed himself after relapsing into alcohol addiction, and his famous folk-singing mother has written and spoken about the issue in books and on American TV.

Although Collins quit drinking many years ago, she is always willing to provide first-hand evidence of its devastating effects on family life.

But music has proved the sustaining force throughout her life.

Classical music was her first love and she studied the piano from the age of five, giving her first public performance of Mozart's Concerto for Two Pianos at the tender age of 13.

Her father was a radio producer, so the studio was like a second home to the young singer.

But she became hooked on folk music from the late 1950s, partly to support her baby son, after marrying while still a teenager.

Outside of music, Judy remains committed to the work of UNICEF, explaining: "I've visited Bosnia and Croatia and various other places as a representative for what is a wonderful organisation.

"They are in Haiti at the minute and do great work."

Her passion for music saw Judy launch her own Wildflower album label several years ago.

Although she has had little contact with fellow folk legend Bob Dylan for several years, she did recently buy a signed copy of one his paintings, and also released a whole album of his songs in 1993.

"That was kind of a last salute to Dylan from me," she added.

Anyone visiting YouTube can access a visual treasure trove of Judy Collins' performances over the last 40 years, including duets with Johnny Cash and Bobby Darin, plus more light-hearted moments on The Muppet Show.

"I loved working with Johnny Cash on his show. We sang Turn, Turn, Turn. There's some amazing stuff by me on the Internet – and I remember most of it!"

Tomorrow's performance at The Sage Gateshead will be the singer's second appearance at the venue.

Most of the tickets are gone, but standing room and restricted view seats may be available for the concert, which starts at 8pm.

Call the box office on 443 4661. Tickets cost from £12.50 to £19.50.