Lyn Collins

Gloria Lavern Collins (June 12, 1948 – March 13, 2005), better known as Lyn Collins, was an American soul singer best known for working with James Brown in the 1970s and for the influential 1972 funk single, "Think (About It)".

Early life and career Collins began her recording career at age 14, singing lead vocals with a girl group called Charles Pikes & The Scholars. She sent her demo tape to James Brown, who initially prioritized her after Marva Whitney and Vicki Anderson. After Anderson left Brown for the second time, Collins received the opportunity to be the lead female in Brown's touring lineup. Her first single released was "Wheel of Life" in 1971 on King Records. When Brown left the label, Collins went to Polydor and People which left the record neglected. Collins recorded "What My Baby Needs Now Is a Little More Lovin'" with James Brown in 1972.

Her biggest solo hit was the James Brown-produced gospel-style song "Think (About It)", from her 1972 album of the same name on People Records. She would go on to sing backup for Dionne Warwick and Rod Stewart. Fellow James Brown backup singer Martha High was alongside Collins during her final days alive.

Cultural references In October 2004, "Rock Me Again and Again" and "Think (About It)" featured on the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas soundtrack, playing on fictional radio station Master Sounds 98.3. "Rock Me Again and Again" was covered by synth band The Human League on their 1984 album Hysteria. Bruce Springsteen's song "Shackled and Drawn" from his 2012 album Wrecking Ball and Ludacris' song "Southern Fried Intro" from his 2003 album Chicken-n-Beer both feature an excerpt from Collins' song "Me and My Baby Got Our Own Thing Going".

Discography Albums