Tommy Collins, born Leonard Raymond Sipes on September 28, 1930, in Oklahoma, was one of the defining voices that sculpted the Bakersfield sound, a style characterized by its raw energy and rebellion against the polished Nashville sound. Cutting his teeth on the guitar and songwriting from a young age, Collins moved to the country music hub Bakersfield, California, where he signed with Capitol Records. His breakout hit, "You Better Not Do That," released in 1954, was a playful warning against marital infidelity and set the tone for a career marked by a clever blend of humor and heart.

Through the 1950s and 1960s, Collins' contributions to country music were nothing short of foundational. He released a slew of classic honky-tonk anthems and ballads that resonated with the working class and country music purists alike. His influence extended beyond his own performances, as he was known for his songwriting prowess, with Merle Haggard among the prominent artists who covered his songs. Not only was Tommy Collins a singer-songwriter, but his album "Singer Songwriter Comedian 1930-2000" underlined his versatility as an entertainer, being an adept comedian as well. Despite stepping away from the spotlight in the mid-1970s to focus on his faith and pastoral duties, his legacy continued through compilations that celebrated his work such as "Pure Bakersfield Sound - Tommy Collins' Legacy" and "Tommy Collins - His Very Best." He was honored with an induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019, nearly two decades after his passing on March 14, 2000, affirming his enduring influence on the genre and his place amongst country music's revered figures.

Genres

Bakersfield Sound

Classic Country Pop

Classic Oklahoma Country

Country Gospel

Western Swing

Latest Release

Pure Bakersfield Sound - Tommy Collins' Legacy

Tommy Collins

Album - 11 Tracks - Released August 4, 2023