Results for "Eleanor Collins"

Eleanor Collins

Born: November 21, 1919

Eleanor Collins was born Elnora Ruth Proctor on November 21, 1919, in Edmonton, Alberta.

Her parents were part of the migration of Black settlers from Oklahoma who responded to the Canadian government’s promotion to settle the prairies in 1910.

As a young child Eleanor took an active role in the Proctor family tradition of singing and playing music of old time religious songs, anthems and hymns common to their new surroundings. Led by an Uncle, each family member was assigned a key and harmonic part and this was the genesis of Eleanor’s musical training.  If you muddled your part a real chastising followed.  Fortunate for Eleanor, she was born with a keen musical ear that always allowed her to hear the right notes. This gift held her in good stead to win a talent contest at the age of 15 and through the rest of her career.

2022: The Year in Jazz

by Ken Franckling
December 29, 2022

Current events impacted the jazz world in significant ways throughout 2022. In its third year, the coronavirus pandemic continued to lurk in some settings, while others recovered in robust fashion. Russia's war on Ukraine was felt by musicians and triggered an outpouring of support for its victims. Initiatives to ensure greater equity in jazz advanced. The ...