Arthur Collins was an American baritone; a prolific and beloved recording artist, Collins was, in his day, regarded as the “King of the Ragtime Singers”. Ragtime music has its origins in African-American communities, is known for its syncopated rhythm, and reached its peak in popularity between 1895 and 1918. Arthur Francis Collins was born on February 7, 1864, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Arthur Collins recorded more ragtime songs than any other singer when ragtime was at the peak of its popularity. His signature song, The Preacher and the Bear, which was first recorded by Collins in 1905, sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc, only the second one ever presented.
Collins was an extremely prolific musician; during his career, between 1898 and 1926, he worked for every active record company in the United States. Arthur Collins teamed up with tenor Bryon G. Harlan. Collins and Harlan made best-selling records of that are well appreciated and considered iconic even to this day; songs like Waiting for the Robert E. Lee, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Lily of the Valley and The Old Grey Mare all serve as good examples. Today, both Collins’ recordings and Collins and Harlan’s recordings are viewed as desirable and sought after by collectors.
