Soul And / Or Related Artists
lyn collins

Lyn Collins

b. Gloria Lavern Collins, 12th June 1948, Lexington, Texas, U.S.A.

d. 13th March 2005, Pasadena, California, U.S.A.

Born in Lexington (not Abilene as some reports state. Lyn told me), Lyn Collins was discovered by James Brown and later moved, and grew up in Abilene, Texas.

She, actually, began recording at the age of 14, recording a song called 'Unlucky In Love'.

She was given the nickname 'The Female Preacher' by the 'Godfather Of Soul', whilst he toured with her at his Revue's.

Marva Whitney then left the Revue, and Vicki Anderson was re-recruited.

In 1971, she recorded the song 'Wheel Of Life' and officially joined James's Revue in 1972 after Vicki Anderson departed again.

Lyn was one of several James Brown discoveries, including Bootsy Collins and Catfish Collins, who were, actually, not Lyn's relatives.

Lyn Collins 1Lyn Collins 2

She sang background vocals on many of James Brown's releases, however she released her own material via the People label (a Polydor offshoot), including 'Think (About It)' in 1972.

Other James Brown produced albums on Polydor include 'Check Me Out If You Don't Know Me By Now' in 1975, including 'Rock Me Again & Again & Again'.

Lyn eventually became backup session vocalist, and appreared on the soundtracks of the film 'Dr. Detroit' and the TV series 'Fame'.

She recorded on Belgium's ARS imprint during the late Eighties and early Nineties, releasing the songs 'Shout' and 'Break Your Heart' (for an Italian label).

Lyn then remade 'Think (About It)' with the singer Patra in 1993.

At the Jazz Cafe at the jazz cafe 22.2.05.

In 2005, Lyn teamed up with the singer Martha High for several European shows, including London's Jazz Café in February of that year.

Lyn Collins passed away on the 13th of March 2005 as a result of complications from a seizure she had suffered the previous Thursday 10th of March. She was only 56.

Her friend Martha High was with her. She had choked on some food and was brain dead by the time the Medics had arrived. She had a cardiac arrest on the 13th at the Huntingdon Memorial Hospital.

Lyn Collins 2005

Clive, Lyn & Charles at the jazz cafe 22.2.05.

Real Player

Albums:

Think (About It) (People 1972)

Check Me Out If You Don't Know Me By Now (People 1975)

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