Allen Collins – Biography

by Skynyrd.com | Jun 10, 2023 | History

Skynyrd.com uses affiliate links (ie, Amazon, and others). When you click on these links and make a purchase, this website receives a small commission. I appreciate your support.

Allen Collins – Biography

Allen Collins, a renowned guitarist, played a pivotal role alongside Ronnie VanZant in the iconic Southern Rock rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. With his unique and fiery guitar playing style and powerful songwriting abilities, Collins contributed significantly to the enduring legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd in the history of rock and roll.

This short, biographical tribute to Collins, provides insights into his early life, musical journey, tragic incidents, and his enduring impact on the world of music.

Early Life and Passion for Music:

Born on July 19, 1952, at St. Lukes Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, Allen Collins displayed a boundless energy and enthusiasm from an early age. Even before he could walk, Collins was constantly in motion. Fascinated by cars, particularly race cars,

he spent his summers watching races at Jacksonville Raceway, often pretending to race his own car from the stands. This early fascination with cars stayed with him throughout his life, as he became an avid collector of collectible and performance vehicles. Allen Collins 1964

In 1963, while living in Jacksonville’s Cedar Hills area, Collins discovered his passion for music when an older friend received a guitar as a birthday gift. Instantly captivated, Collins persuaded his mother, Eva, to buy him his first Silvertone guitar and amplifier from Sears. With minimal training, Collins quickly learned to play the guitar and formed his first band, The Mods. It was during this time that Collins met Ronnie VanZant and Gary Rossington, with whom he would later form the core of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The Formation of Lynyrd Skynyrd:

Collins, along with VanZant and Rossington, laid the foundation for Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1964. Learning from each other and drawing inspiration from radio hits, the band initially went by various names such as My Backyard and the Noble Five. With the addition of drummer Bob Burns Allen Collins Wedding Picture - 1970

and bassist Larry Junstrum, they embarked on their musical journey, practicing wherever they could find space. After several years of honing their skills and lineup changes, Lynyrd Skynyrd began playing gigs, gradually gaining recognition. In 1970, Lynyrd Skynyrd caught the attention of music producer Al Kooper during a performance in Atlanta. This led to a record deal with MCA subsidiary Sounds of the South and the release of their debut album, “Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd.” The album showcased their hit songs such as “Gimme Three Steps,” “Simple Man,” and the legendary guitar-driven anthem, “Freebird.” Subsequent albums and songs like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Saturday Night Special” further solidified their place in rock music.

However, tragedy struck on October 20, 1977, when the band’s chartered plane crashed in a Mississippi swamp. The accident claimed the lives of Ronnie VanZant, guitarist Steve Gaines, vocalist Cassie Gaines, road manager Dean Kilpatrick, and severely injured the rest of the band and crew. This tragic event marked the end of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s meteoric rise.

After a period of recovery, Collins, along with other survivors, embarked on a new musical endeavor. Forming the Rossington-Collins Band in the early 1980s, they released the album “Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere,” which achieved commercial success. Their first album, Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere, sold more than a million copies, and yielded the hit singles, Don’t Misunderstand Me, and Getaway.

Despite subsequent challenges and lineup changes, Collins continued to create music, forming the Allen Collins Band in 1983. Pulling together some of the best musicians from the Jacksonvile, FL music scene, this band prepared to record and album and get back on the road. Allen had originally wanted the name of the band to be Horsepower, but not long after the artwork was completed for the new album cover they discovered that the name was already being used.

Collins faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife Kathy in the early days of the Rossington Collins Band and a life-altering car accident in 1986, which left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Despite these hardships, Collins remained dedicated to music, serving as the musical director during the 1987 Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute tour. He used his platform to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, fulfilling his legal obligations and leaving a powerful impact on his fans.

Allen Collins’s contributions to Lynyrd Allen Collins and Family - 1977 Skynyrd’s music and his remarkable guitar skills continue to resonate with fans around the world. His untimely passing on January 23, 1990, marked the end of an era, but his influence on rock music remains timeless, forever etched in the hearts of those who appreciate his extraordinary talent and enduring spirit.