The versatile session musician behind some of rock's greatest solos
In short: From progressive rock legends to global pop hits, Mel Collins has been the invisible thread connecting diverse musical eras. Whether providing the soulful saxophone for The Rolling Stones or joining King Crimson during two distinct eras, his woodwind expertise has shaped the sound of countless iconic recordings.
Born on 5 September 1947 into a musical family, Melvyn Desmond Collins inherited a deep connection to performance. His father, Derek Collins, was a saxophonist and session musician who toured with artists like Judy Garland and Shirley Bassey, while his mother, Bebe Collins, was a singer. Such a base enabled Collins to traverse diverse genres, including jazz, progressive rock, blues rock, and R&B. This musical lineage provided a strong foundation for his multifaceted career. He has successfully navigated various musical landscapes, from R&B to jazz.
His career is defined by his ability to integrate into complex musical structures. Replacing Ian McDonald, he entered King Crimson in 1970 and played on key albums like Lizard (1970), In the Wake of Poseidon (1970), Islands (1971), and Earthbound (1972). After leaving the group in 1972, he returned as a session musician for their 1974 album Red. He would later rejoin the band in 2013, serving until 2021.
Beyond progressive rock, Collins has left an indelible mark on mainstream music. After performing the saxophone solo for The Rolling Stones' 1978 hit "Miss You" and Tina Turner's 1983 title track "Private Dancer," his session credits grew to include Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, Tears for Fears, Dire Straits, and Camel. In recent years, he has continued his legacy with Dire Straits Legacy, performing the music of the band alongside former members and producer Trevor Horn. His session work also includes contributions to albums by Joan Armatrading and Bad Company. Furthermore, he performed on the animated film When the Wind Blows.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Mel Collins
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