A renowned Canadian jazz icon who commenced her career in the 1930s and collaborated with luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie and fellow Canadian Oscar Peterson, Eleanor Collins, passed away at the age of 104.
Eleanor Collins Biography
Eleanor Collins was a Canadian jazz singer, television host, and civic leader. She was known as Canada’s First Lady of Jazz. She was on November 21, 1919, Edmonton, Canada and died on March 3, 2024, in Surrey, Canada. Collins was married with 4 children.
Eleanor Collins Career
At 15, Eleanor Collins claimed victory in an Edmonton talent competition, marking the dawn of her illustrious musical journey. She lent her vocals to various ensembles, including Joe Macelli’s dance band and the Three Es, gracing the airwaves of CFRN.
In 1938, she made Vancouver her new stage, joining forces with the Swing Low Quartette, a gospel ensemble comprising Collins, her sister Ruby Sneed, and talents Edna Panky and Zandy Price. Their harmonies resonated across CBC Radio from 1940 to 1942. Later, in 1945, Collins mesmerized audiences with Ray Norris’ jazz quintet on “Serenade in Rhythm,” a beloved CBC Radio show that brought solace to troops abroad.
After a brief hiatus from 1948 to 1952, Collins returned to the limelight, captivating audiences at Theatre Under the Stars in productions like “Finian’s Rainbow” and “Kiss Me, Kate.” Breaking barriers, she starred in the groundbreaking CBC Vancouver TV program “Bamboula: A Day in the West Indies” in 1954, leading the first interracial cast in Canada’s television history. This milestone set the stage for her groundbreaking series “The Eleanor Show,” making her the pioneering woman of color and jazz vocalist to headline a national TV program.
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Collins graced both CBC and CTV screens, rejecting offers from the U.S. to remain in her beloved Canada. Her talent knew no bounds, as she shared the stage with icons like Chris Gage, Lance Harrison, and Doug Parker. Renowned for her velvet voice akin to Lena Horne and Ella Fitzgerald, Collins left an indelible mark through her recordings with CBC and live performances.
Even in her later years, Collins continued to captivate audiences, directing music at Unity Church and performing at notable events like Canada Day celebrations. From jazz festivals to heartfelt tributes, her legacy endures, celebrated alongside legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Oscar Peterson. Through her timeless melodies, Eleanor Collins remains a beacon of Canadian musical history.
Eleanor Collins Cause of Death
The family of Eleanor Collins confirmed her passing in a statement relayed by Vancouver writer Christine Hagemoen, though the cause was not disclosed. Ms. Collins remained self-reliant in Surrey until a week before her demise, receiving support from loved ones.
Eleanor Collins Illness, Health and Funeral
There were no prior indications of health concerns or ailments for Eleanor Collins. Information regarding her funeral arrangements is pending release.
Eleanor Collins Age
Born on November 21, 1919, in Edmonton, Canada, Eleanor Collins was 104 years old at the time of her death on Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Surrey, Canada.
Eleanor Collins Net Worth
Leveraging her successful career as a singer, television host, and civic leader, Eleanor Collins accumulated an estimated net worth of $1 million at the time of her death.