John Collins

Who was John Collins?

John Elbert Collins was an American jazz guitarist who accompanied many swing era names from 1935–1950, including Art Tatum, Roy Eldridge, Billie Holiday, Buck Clayton, J.J. Johnson, Coleman Hawkins, Harry Carney, Teddy Wilson, Chubby Jackson, Shadow Wilson and Lester Young. His longest association was with Nat King Cole, 1951-1965. Known for his rhythm work, he soloed infrequently. Collins later taught music in the Los Angeles area.

He appears on the classic 1983 recording Jackson, Johnson, Brown & Company featuring Milt Jackson on vibes, J. J. Johnson on trombone, Ray Brown on bass, Tom Ranier on piano, drummer Roy McCurdy and Collins.

Collins was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1993.