Canadian singer Eleanor Collins, celebrated as Canada’s first lady of jazz, has passed away at the age of 104. at a hospital in Surrey, B.C. The news of her death was confirmed by a family member to CBC on March 3. However, the cause of her passing has not been disclosed yet.
Collins was born on November 21, 1919, in Edmonton to parents of Black and Creole heritage, and relocated to Vancouver in 1938. She quickly made a name for herself in the local music scene, performing regularly in clubs and even in some theatre productions.
Eleanor Collins – ‘Lullaby Of Birdland’
Her breakthrough came when she appeared on CBC Vancouver’s show “Bamboula: A Day in the West Indies.” This marked the beginning of her pioneering journey in Canadian entertainment. In 1955, Collins made history by becoming the first Canadian woman singer to host her own show on national television, “The Eleanor Show.” Notably, she also became the first Black TV host in North America.
Eleanor Collins continued to break barriers and her talent and charisma earned her appearances on numerous TV and radio variety shows over the years.
Even in her later years, Eleanor Collins remained active in the music scene, performing as recently as 2016 at a memorial service for Leon Bibb. Her contributions to Canadian culture were recognized with prestigious honors, including being appointed as a member of the Order of Canada and induction into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. In 2022, Canada Post paid tribute to her legacy by issuing a commemorative stamp in her honor.
Eleanor Collins leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a icon in Canadian Jazz music and television, her music will continued to inspire upciming generations.
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