Ray Collins (November 19, 1936 - December 24, 2012) was an American musician. Collins grew up in Pomona, California singing in his school choir, the son of a local police officer. He quit high school to get married. He started his musical career singing falsetto backup vocals for various 'doo-wop' groups in the Los Angeles area in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including Little Julian Herrera and the Tigers. In 1964, Collins, drummer Jimmy Carl Black bassist Roy Estrada saxophonist Dave Coronado and guitarist Ray Hunt formed The Soul Giants. Upon Hunt's departure, he was replaced by Frank Zappa on guitar. Under Zappa's leadership, the Soul Giants turned into the Mothers of Invention. Ray was the lead vocalist on the Mothers early albums, including Freak Out!, Absolutely Free and Cruising with Ruben & the Jets. He contributed to other Zappa projects through the mid-1970s. Collins resided in Claremont, California, until his death on December 24, 2012. He was 76 years old.
Made his stage debut at 14 in Vancouver and toured in vaudeville, where he met his future wife Joan.
Collins was descended from a pioneer California family. His great-grandfather was John Ridwell, commandant of Sutters Fort before the Gold Rush. He was also the son of William Collins, drama critic of the "California Bee".
Started his musical career singing falsetto backup vocals for various doo-wop groups in the Los Angeles area in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including Little Julian Herrera and the Tigers.
