Arthur Francis Collins was born on February 7, 1864, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He would become one of the most prominent voices of early American recorded music, particularly known for his work in the ragtime genre. Ragtime, which originated in African American communities, is characterized by its lively, syncopated rhythms and gained widespread popularity in the United States between 1895 and 1918.
Arthur Collins earned the nickname "King of the Ragtime Singers" due to his significant contributions to the genre and his popularity as a performer. During the peak of ragtime’s popularity, Collins recorded more ragtime songs than any other singer of the era. One of his most famous and enduring hits, "The Preacher and the Bear," was first recorded in 1905 and became a massive success, eventually selling over one million copies. The song was recognized with a gold disc, making it only the second recording ever to receive such an honor at the time.
Collins had an extensive and influential recording career, spanning from 1898 to 1926. He worked with virtually every major record label operating in the United States during that time. His deep, expressive baritone voice and animated delivery made him a favorite among turn-of-the-century audiences.
One of the most impactful collaborations of his career was with tenor Byron G. Harlan. As the duo Collins and Harlan, they produced numerous successful and best-selling records. Their recordings of songs such as "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee," "Alexander’s Ragtime Band," "Lily of the Valley," and "The Old Grey Mare" became cultural staples and are now considered iconic examples of early American popular music.
