Larry Collins Dead at 79, Rockabilly Guitar Prodigy, The Person Who Announced The Death Was His Daug

Larry Collins Dead: Larry Collins, the prodigious child guitarist and one-half of the rockabilly duo the Collins Kids, has passed away at the age of 79. Alongside his sister Lorrie, the duo brought an untamed, proto-punk sensibility to the West Coast country and rockabilly scenes of the 1950s. Despite not achieving mainstream success, their high-energy performances and Larry’s innovative guitar playing left a lasting impact on the music industry. Larry’s hyperkinetic antics and staccato fingerpicking influenced the likes of Dick Dale and even anticipated the sound of punk rock. Let’s delve into the extraordinary life and career of this musical pioneer.

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Larry Collins Dead

Larry Collins: The Prodigy of the Guitar

Larry Collins, a remarkable child guitarist, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his extraordinary talent. Born on October 4, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Larry was the only son of Lawrence and Hazel Juanita Collins. From a young age, it was clear that Larry possessed an exceptional gift for music. His mother, an amateur singer and mandolinist, recognized his potential and nurtured his talent.

Early Years and Rise to Fame

Larry’s musical journey began when his sister, Lorrie, won a talent contest in 1950. Impressed by their talent, steel guitarist Leon McAuliffe encouraged their parents to move the family to California to pursue their musical careers. In 1954, Larry and Lorrie auditioned for “Town Hall Party” and made their debut on the show the following night. Their captivating performances caught the attention of audiences and industry professionals alike.

Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success, Larry and Lorrie found their niche in the emerging medium of television. As regulars on “Town Hall Party,” a popular TV barn dance hosted by Tex Ritter, they became bona fide stars of the early years of live country music TV. Their untamed, proto-punk sensibility brought a fresh energy to the West Coast country and rockabilly scenes of the time.

Collins Kids: Stars of Early Country Music TV

Clad in matching Western wear, Larry and Lorrie charmed audiences with their infectious performances on “Town Hall Party.” Larry, at just 9 years old, stole the show with his hyperkinetic antics and high vocal harmonies. His guitar skills were equally impressive, ranging from jagged single-note sequences to reverb-drenched bass-string runs on his double-neck Mosrite guitar.

The Collins Kids’ music transcended genres, influencing not only rockabilly and surf music but also punk rock. Their 1958 single “Whistle Bait” was hailed as a groundbreaking record that divorced itself from traditional musical styles. Larry’s innovative guitar playing, characterized by staccato fingerpicking, left a lasting impact on musicians like Dick Dale, the “king of the surf guitar.”

Although their time in the spotlight was relatively short-lived, Larry and Lorrie’s contributions to the music industry were significant. Larry went on to have a successful career as a songwriter, co-writing hits like “Delta Dawn” and “Tulsa Turnaround.” Their reunion in 1993 and subsequent intermittent performances showcased their enduring talent and the lasting legacy of the Collins Kids.

Larry Collins: A Guitarist Ahead of His Time

Larry Collins, a true musical visionary, revolutionized the guitar-playing landscape with his innovative style and unmatched talent. Born on October 4, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Larry’s extraordinary abilities were evident from a young age. His passion for music and relentless dedication set him apart from his peers, propelling him to become a trailblazer in the industry.

Influence on Surf Music and Rockabilly

Larry Collins’s impact on surf music and rockabilly cannot be overstated. His distinctive guitar-playing techniques, characterized by his staccato fingerpicking and energetic performances, left an indelible mark on the genre. Artists like Dick Dale, hailed as the “king of the surf guitar,” credit Larry as a major influence on their own musical journeys. Larry’s ability to seamlessly blend genres and push the boundaries of traditional rockabilly paved the way for a new wave of musical expression.

With his double-neck Mosrite guitar in hand, Larry mesmerized audiences with his jagged single-note sequences and reverb-drenched bass-string runs. His mastery of the instrument was unparalleled, captivating listeners and inspiring countless aspiring musicians. Larry’s contributions to surf music and rockabilly continue to resonate with artists and fans alike, shaping the landscape of these genres for years to come.

Pioneering Punk Rock

Long before the punk rock movement took the world by storm, Larry Collins was already pushing the boundaries of musical conventions. His groundbreaking 1958 single, “Whistle Bait,” defied categorization and challenged the status quo. The record, characterized by its raw energy and rebellious spirit, laid the foundation for what would later become known as punk rock.

Larry’s fearless approach to music, characterized by high energy and a refusal to conform, set him apart from his contemporaries. His performances were a whirlwind of swagger and attitude, captivating audiences with his unapologetic expression of emotion. The influence of Larry’s pioneering spirit can be heard in the iconic punk recordings of bands like the Sex Pistols and the Ramones, solidifying his status as a true visionary.

Larry Collins’s contributions to the music industry extend far beyond his time in the spotlight. His innovative guitar-playing, genre-bending approach, and fearless attitude continue to inspire generations of musicians. Larry’s legacy as a trailblazer and pioneer will forever be etched in the annals of music history.

Life and Legacy

The life and legacy of Larry Collins, the prodigious child guitarist, continue to resonate in the hearts of music enthusiasts around the world. Born on October 4, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Larry’s musical journey was nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days as a child entertainer to his groundbreaking contributions to various genres, Larry’s impact on the music industry is undeniable.

Collins Kids’ Musical Journey

The Collins Kids, Larry and his sister Lorrie, embarked on a musical journey that captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the early years of live country music TV. Clad in matching Western wear, the duo brought an untamed, proto-punk sensibility to the West Coast country and rockabilly scenes of their time. Their performances on “Town Hall Party,” hosted by Tex Ritter, showcased their infectious energy and undeniable talent.

Larry’s guitar skills were nothing short of awe-inspiring. From his hyperkinetic antics to his high vocal harmonies, he stole the show with his electrifying performances. His double-neck Mosrite guitar became an extension of his being, as he effortlessly transitioned from jagged single-note sequences to reverb-drenched bass-string runs. Larry’s influence on surf music and rockabilly cannot be overstated, as his innovative style inspired generations of musicians.

Reunion and Continued Performances

In 1993, Larry and Lorrie reunited for an appearance at a rockabilly festival in England, reigniting the magic that made them stars decades earlier. Their intermittent performances after the reunion showcased their enduring talent and the deep connection they shared as siblings and musical partners. Despite the passing years, Larry’s guitar prowess remained unmatched, and his performances continued to captivate audiences.

The Collins Kids’ reunion was a testament to the lasting impact of their music and the bond they shared. Their performances served as a reminder of the timeless quality of their artistry and the joy they brought to fans around the world. Larry’s legacy as a guitarist and performer lives on through his recordings, inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of musical expression.

Although Larry Collins may have left this world, his music and the memories he created will forever be cherished. His contributions to the music industry, his innovative guitar-playing, and his infectious energy continue to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring that his legacy will endure for years to come.

Larry Collins, the talented guitarist of the 1950s rockabilly duo the Collins Kids, has passed away at the age of 79. Alongside his sister Lorrie, they became stars of early country music TV, bringing a unique and energetic style to the West Coast country and rockabilly scenes. Larry’s guitar playing, characterized by his hyperkinetic antics and high vocal harmonies, influenced musicians like Dick Dale and even anticipated punk rock. Despite not achieving mainstream success, the Collins Kids left a lasting impact on the music industry. Larry Collins will be remembered for his exceptional talent and contributions to rock ‘n’ roll. Rest in peace.

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