Eleanor Collins Parents, Husband Richard Collins: Children and Family Explored
Eleanor Collins was a Canadian jazz singer, television host, and civic leader who passed away on March 3, 2024, in Surrey, Canada, at the age of 104. She was widely regarded as the “First Lady of Jazz” in Canada and a pioneer of Black representation in the media.
She was also a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family and their musical heritage.
Death Date
| Name | Eleanor Collins |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Elnora Ruth Proctor |
| Born | November 21, 1919 |
| Died | March 3, 2024 |
| Birthplace | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Ethnicity | Black and Creole Indian |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Religion | Baptist |
| Occupation | Singer, television host, civic leader |
| Spouse | Richard Collins (1942-2012) |
| Children | Rick, Judith, Barry, Tom |
| Genres | Jazz, blues, gospel, pop |
| Awards | Order of Canada, ACTRA Award, BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, Canadian Jazz and Blues Hall of Fame, Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Canada Post commemorative stamp |
| Nickname | Canada’s First Lady of Jazz |
| Source | Wikipedia- @Eleanor_Collins Homepage- Newsunzip |
Parents, Family
Eleanor Collins was born as Elnora Ruth Proctor on November 21, 1919 (age: 104 years, as of 2023), in Edmonton, Alberta. Her parents, Richard Ellis Proctor and Estella Mae Cowan Proctor, were part of a wave of Black settlers who migrated from Oklahoma to Canada in the early 20th century. They were attracted by the Canadian government’s offer of cheap land and the promise of a better life. However, they also faced racism, discrimination, and harsh weather conditions in their new home.
She was the youngest of four sisters who grew up in a musical family. Her father played the violin and her mother sang and played the piano. She and her sisters learned to sing and harmonize from an early age, performing at church, school, and community events. Music was not only a source of entertainment, but also a way of coping with the challenges and hardships that they faced.
Eleanor’s father worked as a furniture deliveryman until he was injured in an accident. Her mother then took over the responsibility of providing for the family by starting a hand laundry service at home. She and her sisters helped their mother with the laundry, ironing, and delivering the clothes to their customers. She later recalled that her mother was a strong and resilient woman who taught her the value of hard work and perseverance.
Husband and Children: A Musical Family in Burnaby
Eleanor Collins married Richard (Dick) Collins in 1942, after meeting him at a dance hall in Vancouver. Dick was a saxophonist and a band leader who shared her love for music. He also supported her career aspirations and encouraged her to pursue her talents. The couple moved to Burnaby in 1948, where they raised their four children: Rick, Judith, Barry, and Tom.
Eleanor and Dick were the only Black family in their neighborhood, and they faced hostility and prejudice from some of their neighbors. They even faced a petition to evict them from their home, which they successfully fought off with the help of their friends and allies. She also faced bullying and discrimination at school, but she did not let that stop her from excelling academically and musically. She also became involved in the community, volunteering and teaching music to Girl Guides and other groups.
Eleanor and Dick instilled in their children a love for music and a sense of pride in their heritage. They often performed together as a family band, playing jazz, blues, gospel, and folk songs. They also hosted musical gatherings at their home, inviting local and international artists to jam with them. Some of the notable guests who visited their home included Oscar Peterson, Duke Ellington, Pearl Bailey, and Louis Armstrong.
| Name | Relation | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Eleanor Collins | Self | Jazz singer, TV host, civic leader |
| Richard (Dick) Collins | Husband | Saxophonist, band leader, homemaker |
| Rick Collins | Son | Musician, producer, composer |
| Judith Collins | Daughter | Singer, songwriter, educator |
| Barry Collins | Son | Musician, engineer, entrepreneur |
| Tom Collins | Son | Musician, actor, director |
Career and Legacy: The First Lady of Jazz in Canada
Eleanor Collins began her professional career as a singer in the 1940s, performing with various bands and orchestras in Vancouver. She soon gained recognition for her smooth and soulful voice, as well as her charisma and style. She was influenced by jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan, but she also developed her own unique sound and expression.
Eleanor made history in 1954, when she became the first Black person to host a national television show in Canada. The show, called “The Eleanor Show”, featured her singing jazz standards and original songs, accompanied by a live band and guest performers. The show was a hit with the audiences and critics, who praised her for her talent, grace, and elegance. She also appeared on other TV and radio programs, such as “Cross Canada Hit Parade”, “Juliette”, and “Nightcap”.
Eleanor was a trailblazer and a role model for many Black Canadians, especially women, who aspired to pursue careers in the arts and media. She broke barriers and stereotypes, and opened doors for more diversity and inclusion in the Canadian cultural landscape. She was also a humanitarian and a philanthropist, who supported various causes and charities, such as the United Way, the Red Cross, and the World Vision.
She received numerous awards and honors for her achievements and contributions, including the Order of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame Star, and the Vancouver Mayor’s Arts Award. She also had a street named after her in Burnaby, and a stamp issued by Canada Post in 2022. She was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2023, shortly before her passing.
Eleanor Collins died peacefully on March 3, 2024, in Surrey, Canada, surrounded by her family and friends. She was survived by her four children, 12 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren, as well as countless fans and admirers. She left behind a legacy of music, love, and inspiration that will live on for generations to come.
