BIOGRAPHY
Singer/Entertainer
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, the youngest of four, Ed Collins began singing and playing the drums at the age of seventeen. It was the love of music that drove him to pursue a career in the Music Industry as a Singer. In his youth, his greatest influences were James Brown, The Temptations, B.B King and Wes Montgomery.
While attending high school, Ed organized a six piece band called, "The Soulful Ones." The band gained recognition with such artists as James Brown, Gladys Knight and The Pips, Stevie Wonder and the original Temptations.
In the late 1970's, Ed traveled to Washington DC and joined the band "The Satisfactions." This seven piece band traveled throughout the Midwest, New York, California and Florida. He quickly earned the position of lead vocals for the group, delighting audiences with his unique vocal versatility.
It was 1982, when Ed was introduced to Illinois as ED COLLINS, "SINGER EXTRAORDINAIRE". He has been dazzling audiences with songs from musical icons such as Lou Rawls, Barry White, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Luther Vandross and Earth, Wind and Fire, just to name a few. His current musical selection includes: Standards, Motown, Old School R&B and Contemporary.
In the early 1990's, while sharing the stage with Charlie Pride, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton, he received a very prestigious award for "Best Upcoming Male Vocalist" in Nashville, TN.
Throughout Ed’s musical career he has been honored to share the stage with other great artists. He was honored to share the spotlight as the opening act for The Richard Street’s Temptations Revue.
In April 2009, Ed performed for Governor Quinn of Illinois and the Illinois State Congress at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield, Illinois. Many of the State Representatives commented that they had not enjoyed themselves at an event as they had that evening with the silky sounds of Ed Collins.
From 2009 to 2010, Ed became a valued member of “The Legendary Drifters”. As a member of the group, they toured nationwide being “hailed as the best of its genre in the music scene today!” by ABC 7 Chicago’s Morning Show. http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/lifestyle_community&id=6986859 While a member of the group, Ed was honored to share the stage with “The Supremes”, “Little Anthony and The Imperials” and “The Jersey Boys”.
Ed Collins’ 45-year musical career continues as a Solo Artist performing in the Chicagoland area and traveling throughout the Midwest mesmerizing audiences with his smooth, silky vocal sounds and tremendous vocal range. Ed’s enthusiasm and passion for his profession shines through each performance through his stage presence, charisma and charm. You can contact Ed to perform for your: Corporate Events, Charity Functions, Restaurant/Lounge, Wedding, Anniversary or Birthday Celebration through information that follows.
Booking Information:
Phone: (630) 202-6863
Email: ecollinsmusic@yahoo.com
Website: www.edcollinsmusic.com
Facebook: Edward Collins http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001656482087
