Acclaimed Welsh-born and New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Judith Owen returns to the spotlight this season. She reintroduces her beloved holiday album Judith Owen Swings Christmas and announces a brand-new album set for release in early 2026.
Known for her energy, wit, and emotional depth, Owen has become one of the most admired figures in contemporary jazz. Her 2022 release Come On and Get It was a milestone. It celebrated bold women of the 1940s and ’50s and gained over three million streams. As a result, she earned worldwide praise from The Times, Rolling Stone, JazzWise, and Jazz Journal.
Now, Judith begins a new chapter. She combines the joy of jazz with stories about resilience, womanhood, and creative freedom.
A Life Shaped by Music and Courage
Born into a musical Welsh family and raised in London, Judith’s life has always revolved around music. Yet, her art also reflects her honesty and emotional strength. After losing her mother as a teenager, she transformed grief into creativity.
“I wanted to do music that made me smile, lit up my face, and made me laugh,” she says. “After years of therapy and healing, joy became my rebellion.”
Her openness about mental health has touched many listeners. Through her songs and interviews, Judith has encouraged conversations about anxiety, recovery, and empowerment.
The Feminine Fire of Jazz
Working with New Orleans musical director David Torkanowsky, Judith continues to collaborate with top jazz musicians. Together, they create a sound that is both classic and refreshingly modern.
Her new work celebrates strong and unapologetic women, reflecting global conversations about visibility and identity. Moreover, her music highlights how women can reinvent themselves at any stage of life.
Her admirers include Helen Mirren, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Goodman, Jamie Cullum, and Jennifer Coolidge. All praise her authenticity, warmth, and courage on stage.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Judith Owen will perform across Europe and the USA with her upcoming headline shows:
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30 Oct 2025 – Toulouse Theatre, Los Angeles
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30 Jan 2026 – Jamboree Jazz, Barcelona, Spain
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1 Feb 2026 – Splendid, Saint-Quentin, France
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8 Feb 2026 – Pizza Express Live, Holborn, London
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28 Mar 2026 – Jazz à Toute Heure Festival, Chevreuse, France
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30 Mar 2026 – Jazz Cat Club, Bellinzona, Switzerland
More tour dates in Italy, Germany, the UK, and the USA will be announced soon.
Beyond the Music
Away from the spotlight, Judith enjoys life in New Orleans with her husband Harry Shearer and their two dogs, Aretha and Franklin — a fitting tribute to her soulful influences.
Together, they host the Christmas Without Tears charity concert, supporting the Innocence Project New Orleans. Additionally, Judith connects with fans through her podcast Unapologetically Judith Owen, co-hosted with Bibi Lynch. The show explores music, humour, and real-life stories in a fun and inspiring way.
A Story That Inspires
Judith Owen’s journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and radiant joy. Her upcoming releases promise to blend wit, warmth, and musical brilliance. Most importantly, her message reminds listeners that joy and vulnerability can coexist beautifully.
Through her music and her words, Judith continues to show that even after hardship, there is always a way to swing back into joy.
