Ray Collins (rock musician)
Ray Collins was born on November 19, 1936 and grew up in Pomona, California singing in his school choir, the son of a local police officer. He quit high school to get married.[1] He started his musical career singing falsetto backup vocals for various 'doo-wop' groups in the Los Angeles area in the late 1950s and early 1960s,[1] including Little Julian Herrera and the Tigers.[citation needed] In 1964, Collins, drummer Jimmy Carl Black and bassist Roy Estrada joined with Frank Zappa to form The Soul Giants, which, under Zappa's leadership, turned into the Mothers of Invention.[1] Ray was the lead vocalist on the Mothers early albums, including Freak Out!, Absolutely Free and Cruising with Ruben & the Jets. He contributed to other Zappa projects through the mid-1970s.[1]
Collins currently resides in Claremont, California.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e Allen, David (May 30, 2009). "Please greet Ray Collins, Claremont's own Mother". Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_12484780. Retrieved May 31, 2009.
