Shad Collins

Born Lester Rallingston Collins, this trumpeter had already settled on the more casual stagename of Shad Collins when in his late teens he joined the band of Charlie Dixon, at that time featuring the remarkable vocalist Cora La Redd. From here he moved to a combo led by pianist Eddie White, staying with him for several years until hired by drummer Chick Webb's outfit in 1931. Throughout the '30s ...more