Biography

One of the many girl group-type solo singers who had a hard time making it in Britain in the early and mid-'60s, let alone the United States, Collins released 11 singles -- all flops -- between 1960 and 1966. Any interest she's been able to attract from collectors is due to her association with legendary British producer Joe Meek, who was at the helm of eight of the 45s. There's no question that Meek did his level best for his protégée, writing most of the singles himself and investing many of them with his immediately identifiable eccentric production values -- tons of echo, manic speeded-up tapes, weedy organs, and over-the-top orchestras. The stinging session guitar of Ritchie Blackmore graces a few of these singles, some of which were recorded with British instrumental groups the Tornados (of "Telstar" fame) and the Outlaws. Collins herself had a fairly good, belting voice, though she didn't show a particularly deep feeling for rock & roll. Collins never recorded again after Meek's death in early 1967. ~ Richie Unterberger, Rovi