As one of the greatest unknown singer/songwriters of the 1970’s, Judee Sill (1944-1979) deserves a place in the hearts and minds of music lovers. She has been compared to Nick Drake with regards to the sadness, pain, and musical genius that marked their short lives. Discovered by Graham Nash, Judee Sill was the first act to be released on David Geffen’s Asylum Records label.

Sill led a turbulent life, and after a commercially unsuccessful follow up to her moderately successful debut album, she quit music altogether. It’s hard to believe that someone with such soul and musical talent would not recognize their own unique gift, but it’s all too common. The life of an artist of this depth is often difficult because of their great sensitivity and empathy. She died of a drug overdose in 1979.

One of her most famous songs, “Jesus Was a Cross Maker“, was produced by Graham Nash. The song is rumored to be about her relationship with Eagles collaborator J.D. Souther.

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Here is Sill’s brilliant album, “Heart Food”:

A collection of rarities and live tracks:

Her self-titled debut album, which includes “Jesus Was a Crossmaker”:

And a posthumously released ‘official’ third album: