John Collins (16)

John Collins was a blues and folk singer-songwriter hailing from Northern Minnesota. His skillful fingerpicking, smooth tenor and occasional growling baritone were unforgettable. Between 1969-1975, John was the primary songwriter and singer for the band Podipto, who opened for acts including Elton John, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, The Guess Who, The Carpenters, Kenny Rogers, Poco, John Sebastian and many more. Following the breakup of Podipto in 1975, Collins played in Goldust before embarking on a solo career. In 1978 he recorded the album Minstrel Man, which showcased his maturing songwriting and acoustic fingerpicking skills. Preferring a simple, modest life in Northern Minnesota over the rat race in Nashville or L.A., Collins continued to perform his original songs and a range of cover songs at clubs, bars and colleges. In 1987 he released his second solo album, Anna. In the early 1990s, Collins collapsed on stage in Fargo, suffering a major heart attack. A paramedic happened to be at the bar, and he succeeded in reviving Collins. Over the next several years, Collins continued to perform locally, and in 1994 he recorded the album Heart On The Mend with former Podipto bandmate, Chester Ellingson. Collins died as the result of a massive heart attack in May 1995.