John Elbert Collins (September 20, 1913 – October 4, 2001) was an American jazz guitarist who was a member of the Nat King Cole trio.
At twenty-one, he played with Art Tatum in the 1930s, followed by Roy Eldridge, Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Fletcher Henderson, and Benny Carter.
[1] Collins served in the U.S. Army during the 1940s, then returned to his musical career, working with Slam Stewart, Kenny Clarke, Ike Quebec, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Erroll Garner, Billy Taylor, Tadd Dameron, Coleman Hawkins, Artie Shaw, and Vic Dickenson.
He recorded The Incredible John Collins, his only album as a leader, with Jimmy Woode and Alvin Queen.
With Hoyt Axton With Ruth Brown With Natalie Cole With Nat King Cole With Harry Edison With Ted Gärdestad With Illinois Jacquet With Peggy Lee With Carmen McRae With Maria Muldaur With Frankie Randall With Della Reese With Billy Taylor With Joe Williams