Biography

Rodger Collins-- During the golden age of soul, Oakland never produced a bigger star than Rodger Collins. When he headlined the Showcase on Telegraph Avenue, he tore up the crowds as much as the other big-name acts that came through the room--Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Ike and Tina Turner. And he cut a record that, if the country had heard it, would have made Rodger Collins an authentic contender. "She's Looking Good" was not just another half-baked soul side that never got any further than No. 101, "bubbling under" Billboard's Hot 100. The track was a certified, stone-in-the-groove, drop-dead classic that never got a fair hearing. Where it was played--including in the Bay Area--the record was a smash. It vied for the top of playlists on local Top 40 stations with the Rolling Stones, the Monkees and Buffalo Springfield in the early weeks of 1967, a heady time for pop music on the radio...Rolling Stone noticed his other great classic,..."Foxy Girl in Oakland" ("From every possible aspect, this disc is incredible...")
--Joel Selvin, S.F. Chronicle

That was then and today Collins has hit the streets once again with a fresh update of the classic She’s Looking Good sung with yodeling and unique group effect shrills. The killer track is an extreme make over of Rodger Collins’ classic hit from the late sixties. Fans are treated to the many different tones of his voice on this new version. This one fits in pop, country, soul, r&b, lite rock, and easy listening.

It is only one of the tracks from Rodger's bumpin’ CD Rodger Collins: Through My Eyes which will drop in retail outlets and online at cdbaby.com in late August. On the Garden Tree Media label, this one brings back the funk, with a dash of the blues! Most artists express their philosophy of music one genre at a time. But not Rodger (She’s Looking Good, Foxy Girls in Oakland, Sexy Sugar Plum) Collins. On these tracks he skillfully infuses blues with scatting, R&B with yodeling, gospel with hip-hop rap and jazz with country.

Sounds like American music? You bet! It comes with the genius of years mixin’ it up with artists Ike and Tina Turner, the late Wilson Pickett, being on the bill in Las Vegas with Elvis Presley or jamming with friends the late Merl Saunders and the late Tom Fogerty and the late Jerry Garcia. So many of the tracks on this CD are delivered in a melody rooted in a foot tapping, dancing style solely unique to the Rodger Collins delivery.

No wonder he has enjoyed popularity throughout the world for his driving groove and slamming lyrics. This is his passion and his signature. The Grateful Dead and Creedence Clearwater Revival fans and all music lovers will be especially delighted with what Collins describes as his sentimental track. The Drivin 2 Step (featuring Mystery Train) has the late Merl Saunders and the late Jerry Garcia from The Grateful Dead, and the late Tom Fogerty from Creedence Clearwater Revival as sidemen, on this once in a lifetime session. The energy of Collins’ vocal will burn up your CD and mp3 players.

Take Care of Business—a lover’s song for all seasons describes this track. The vocal is so touching it can’t help but hit. Mark this one down for weddings and other special occasions. New genre, new sound, great song, and great vocal equals hit. This track belongs in pop, country, soul, r&b, lite rock, jazz, and easy listening.

In My Wildest Dream—what can I say? Play it anywhere you want. Starting with country, there is yodeling in it. Funk—there’s funk in it. Entertaining, there’s novelty in it. There’s rap in hop. Soulful Latin shrills in it coupled with many Rodger Collins’ hallmark sound effects. There is history in it mixed with current ideas showcasing the Collins performance genre, exciting your “brand new dance buds.” Categories are: country, soul, r&b, rock, and lite rock.

Thank U Baby—another strong track with a fresh approach to pop, lite rock, hip-hop, soul, r&b, jazz, easy listening and country. This track is a mix of soulful vocals, powerful love lyrics and a tasty groove with a hint of hip-hop. Categories are: pop, lite rock, hip-hop, soul, r&b, jazz, easy listening and country.

Stop That Lady—a for sure rocker bumpin hit. This track is sprinkled with a soulful country twist and rock and roll. Fits well in rock and roll, r&b, pop, country, easy listening, rock and lite rock categories.

The CD is available on cdbaby.com/rodgercollins; iTunes; Amazon; Rhapsody and other digital outlets. Retail distribution is available through SuperD Distributors.