Kevin Collins Music is a great part of the life of Kevin Collins. Being raised in a musical family, music was an everyday event! His grandmother, Agnes (Tobin) Collins of Ship Cove, Placentia Bay, would have been the start of the music link in the Collins’ family. Kevin’s father, Tony Collins, carried on the family tradition for his lifetime, and now Kevin continues to offer music lovers his best! Kevin started singing at the tender age of six and started publicly performing at age 13. Tony Collins, Kevin’s father, sang country music for 25 years. Being from a family of four brothers and one sister, all having great musical abilities. Kevin’s mom, Margaret (Downey) Collins, Colinet, NF, though not noted for her musical abilities, provides many mouth-watering meals to give her crowd the energy to sing and play. Kevin and Roseanne count it a privilege to be a part of Newfoundland and its rich heritage. They feel that a great price has been paid by our ancestors for the rich heritage that we possess, and they are testaments to the strong binding love between Newfoundlanders near and far. Newfoundland and its people have been a very treasured part of the Collins’ life and they continue to sing the praises of Newfoundland everywhere they go. Many relatives and friends have left Newfoundland to obtain work but both Kevin and Roseanne put their best foot forward in keeping Newfoundland alive in the hearts and lives of everyone they meet. Kevin has three Irish/Newfoundland releases, as well as three Country CD’s to his credit. A new Newfoundland/Irish release entitled, “The Hills of Home” is scheduled to be hit the airwaves the end of August 2000. “Sawyer Hill Productions,” a 32 track digital recording studio owned and operated by Kevin Collins is making its own mark in the music history of Newfoundland. This studio has been recently up-dated with state-of-the-art digital equipment that boasts wonderful production quality. Kevin has been extremely busy recording other artists as well as completing his own releases. Kevin has made some great musical accomplishments, some of the high points being: · Being spotlighted on a CBC national telecast, “Country Sessions" in 1980 · Was featured in a CBC music documentary while in Nashville, TN in 1992. Kevin met such stars as: Vince Gill, Reba McIntyre, Ricky Skaggs, Alan Jackson, Doug Stone, The Kentucky Headhunters, Marie Osmond, Billy Walker, Jack Greene, Kitty Wells, Roy Acuff, Stonewall Jackson, Conway Twitty, and many more. · In 1992, Kevin obtained the honor of being voted by the people of Newfoundland and Labrador as “Best Solo Artist” in Newfoundland and Labrador. · In 1993, Kevin has the pleasure of being the “opening act” for Canada’s number one female country artist, Michelle Wright. · In 1994, Kevin recorded his second country album entitled, “Follow The Wind” in Nashville, TN with Grammy award winner Al Delorey. This album gained him a nomination as “Best Country Artist” at the East Coast Music Awards. · In 1996, Kevin once again traveled to Nashville, TN, where he completed his sixth CD. This new country CD was entitled, “Wildfire”. Kevin had some of the best musicians and Grammy award winners in Nashville help him out on this project. Brent Mason on guitar, Sonny Garrish on steel, Rob Hajacos on fiddle and Terry McMillan on percussion. These musicians have also backed such stars as: Alan Jackson, Sammy Kershaw, George Strait, Vince Gill and many other top entertainers. · Kevin has been featured on numerous live television and radio shows across Canada, USA and Europe. · It has been a real treat for Kevin to have his music plays on radio stations in Ireland, as he dearly loves Irish music. · Kevin toured Canada from Newfoundland to British Colombia from 1994 to 1998. · Although, Kevin has received real good pay for many performances, he reminds us that his major satisfaction has been obtained from non-paying jobs, such as work for Seniors and other charity events. Kevin’s motto is, “Newfoundland is a place where hospitality and friendship is NOT a business but a way of life”. He believes in playing his part to make this world a better place to live and plans on giving life his best!