John Collins

[Pete C]

Unsung guitar hero. Played with Tatum and Nat Cole, but almost never soloed. Tadd Dameron, however, used him as a feature on a few tunes in the late '40s.

There's a John Collins posting here who has over 3,000 posts, but I've only noticed him recently. I wonder who he was in a past life.

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

Originally Posted by Pete C

I wonder who he was in a past life.

[Jon Abbey]

Originally Posted by Pete C

There's a John Collins posting here who has over 3,000 posts, but I've only noticed him recently. I wonder who he was in a past life.

if you mean a past JC life, JBW.

[Valerie]

John Collins was the loveliest of men and musicians. he lived here in L.A. until his passing probably around 6 or 7 years ago. i still see his wife from time to time.

[hornplayer]

Originally Posted by Valerie

John Collins was the loveliest of men and musicians. he lived here in L.A. until his passing probably around 6 or 7 years ago. i still see his wife from time to time.

Indeed he was! I first heard him with Nat Cole when I was 6, but I don't remember him..... however, I met him in the late 80's, I think..... anyway, he autographed an lp for me, and we talked about my twin, Joe Williams...

The last time I saw him was in 98 at the Hollywood Bowl. It was a guitar extravaganza with the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra as "backup." John was in the audience, and Russell Malone recognized him from the stage and made him take a bow.

He was a very talented and very humble man.