Larry Collins (guitarist)

Larry Collins
Cover of a single depicting a young Collins
2016 Collins single cover
Background information
Born(1944-10-04)October 4, 1944
Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S
DiedJanuary 5, 2024(2024-01-05) (aged 79)
Santa Clarita, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1954–2024
Formerly ofThe Collins Kids

Lawrence Collins (October 4, 1944 – January 5, 2024) was an American guitarist, best known for being a part of The Collins Kids duo with his sister Lorrie, being mentored by Joe Maphis, and for his fast and energetic playing.[1]

When The Collins Kids initially split up in 1961, Collins continued to perform as a solo artist, and most notably co-wrote the 1972 hit "Delta Dawn".

The Collins Kids

Main article: The Collins Kids

Collins was a member of The Collins Kids, with his sister Lorrie (1942-2018[2]). Their hits in the 1950s included "Hop, Skip and Jump", "Beetle Bug Bop", and "Hoy Hoy".[3] The Collins Kids became regular performers on Town Hall Party in 1954,[3][4] appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, and on the syndicated for television version of the show, Tex Ritter's Ranch Party in the late 1950s.[4]

Collins and his mentor, country star Joe Maphis, recorded an album together for Columbia Records, titled Fire on the Strings, released in 1957.[5] The Collins siblings continued to perform together until 1961 when they separated.[6][7] The duo reunited for a rockabilly revival concert in England in 1993[3] and performed together until Lorrie's death in 2018.[2]

Later works

When he was not a part of The Collins Kids, Collins continued to perform as a solo artist.[8][6] Collins went on to write and produce hits for many well known country music stars, and is most notable for co-writing the 1972 hit "Delta Dawn" with Alex Harvey[9] and the 1981 country hit "You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma" with Sandy Pinkard.[7]

Equipment

Collins was known for playing a double-neck Mosrite guitar like his mentor, Joe Maphis.[9]

Personal life and death

Lawrence Collins was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on October 4, 1944,[9] and died of natural causes in Santa Clarita, California, on January 5, 2024, at the age of 79.[10]

References

  1. ^ Dickerson, Deke (2018-02-22). "The Kid who Recorded the First Punk Rock Record (and Influenced Surf Guitar)". PleaseKillMe. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  2. ^ a b Best Classic Bands Staff (2015-06-13). "Lorrie Collins, Rockabilly Singer (Collins Kids), Dies at 76". Best Classic Bands. Retrieved 2023-02-05.
  3. ^ a b c Harrington, Richard (2007-01-26). "Rockabilly's Collins Kids: Still Young at Heart". Washington Post. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  4. ^ a b "Rockabilly Luminary Lorrie Collins Passes". Vintage Guitar magazine. 2018-08-06. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  5. ^ Joe Maphis (King of the Strings) - Fire On The Strings, retrieved 2023-02-05
  6. ^ a b Liptak, Carena (2024-01-09). "Larry Collins, Hit Songwriter and Rockabilly Guitarist, Dead at 79". Taste of Country. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  7. ^ a b Cifarelli, David (2024-01-11). "Hit song writer who rose to fame as a child country music star has died". masslive. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  8. ^ Oermann, Robert K (2024-01-09). "West Coast Country Great Larry Collins Dies". MusicRow.com. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  9. ^ a b c "Larry Collins". Discogs. Retrieved 2023-02-05.
  10. ^ Meeker, Ward (8 January 2024). "Renowned Guitarist Larry Collins Passes". Vintage Guitar Magazine. Retrieved 8 January 2024.