Jazz singer Eleanor Collins performs with the Ray Norris Quintet in February 1951. Collins died Sunday at age 104. (Jack Lindsay/CBC)
Eleanor Collins, the renowned Canadian jazz icon whose career spanned from the 1930s and included collaborations with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson, has passed away at the remarkable age of 104, as confirmed by a family member.
Recognized as Canada's pioneering lady of jazz, Collins made her mark in the music industry and on television screens across the nation. Her television debut in 1954 on CBC Vancouver's "Bamboula: A Day in the West Indies" marked a historic moment as the first Canadian TV show with a racially diverse cast and the premier live music program broadcasted from Vancouver.
Subsequently, Collins starred in "The Eleanor Show," becoming the first woman and Black artist to headline a national television series of her own. In an interview before her 100th birthday, Collins quoted lyrics from Shirley Horn's song, "Here's to Life," emphasizing her philosophy of embracing life without regrets.
Born on November 21, 1919, in Edmonton, Collins' roots traced back to Black homesteaders from Oklahoma who settled on the Canadian Prairies. Her early success came at 15 when she won a singing contest, leading to performances on radio station CFRN. Later, she relocated to Vancouver, where she sang with the gospel group Swing Low Quartet.
Despite facing racial discrimination, exemplified by a petition against her family's residence in Burnaby, B.C., Collins remained resilient. She volunteered at her children's school, teaching music to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion.
Collins's impact transcended music; she embodied grace and courage in the face of adversity, inspiring others to foster understanding and love. Marcus Mosely, a Vancouver musician, highlighted her powerful stage presence and recalled her captivating performance of "Bein' Green" at a Black History Month concert.
In recognition of her contributions, Collins received The Order of Canada in 2014 and was commemorated with a Canada Post stamp in 2022. Her legacy endures as a testament to the transformative power of music and unwavering resilience in the pursuit of equality and artistic excellence.
