In 1959, the two embarked on a historic "Southern Journey" across the Deep South of the United States to document authentic American folk and blues. This trip was pivotal, leading to the discovery of influential artists like Mississippi Fred McDowell and capturing recordings that later inspired the soundtrack for the film O Brother, Where Art Thou? .
: At age 80, she released Lodestar , her first new material in 38 years. The recording took place at her home in Lewes to help manage her lingering nerves.
: The 2017 feature film The Ballad of Shirley Collins chronicles this remarkable comeback, juxtaposing her modern recording sessions with footage and stories from her 1959 trip with Lomax.