Felicia Collins

Felicia Michele Collins (born 1964) is an American vocalist, guitarist and occasional percussionist, best known for her work on the CBS Television program, "The Late Show with David Letterman", as part of the CBS Orchestra.

She was born in New York City on birth date|1964|3|10, and grew up in Albany, New York. [ [http://www.unproductions.com/collins.htm Felicia Michele Collins -- Biography] ]

Beginnings in Music

While enrolled in school as a graphic design major, Collins began playing with local musicians in New York City in the 1980s. When playing with a band called The Take, she met and became friends with producer and artist Nile Rodgers. Impressed with her guitar talents, he offered her studio work on various projects. His clout for recognizing talent was confirmed when, just on his word, The Thompson Twins invited the budding musician to play guitar on their upcoming world tour in 1985.

In the summer of 1985, Felicia made her live debut with the Thompson Twins at Live Aid, the famine relief project led by Bob Geldof, the musician who served as the catalyst for "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

Soon after that gig, Collins found herself touring with jazz-pop singer Al Jarreau, after being featured on his "L is for Love" album (1986), on a song called "Pleasure Games." While the two genres are assuredly different, she quickly found herself an integral part of the Jarreau set. The performance veteran made her a highlighted part of his stage act.

Recognizing a raw talent in the self-taught musician, Rodgers vowed that he and Collins would one day work on a project together. While still on tour with Jarreau, Rodgers convinced her to taking a break to record an album with him and Philippe Saisse, in a triad they called Outloud. An album of the same name was released in 1988 on the Warner Bros. label.

The CBS Orchestra

Just after completing work on Cyndi Lauper's "Hat Full of Stars" tour in the summer of 1993 when Collins was asked by CBS Orchestra bandleader Paul Shaffer to join the house band for the program. She accepted and has remained with the show since its premiere on August 30, 1993. [ [http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/show_info/bios/cast01.php Bios -- Felicia Michele Collins] ]

Collins has toured and recorded with artists such as Madonna, Vonda Shepard, George Clinton and P-Funk, Cyndi Lauper, Thompson Twins, and Al Jarreau.

Collins originated and leads the New York City band Bitchslapp.

References

External links

* [http://www.apple.com/pro/profiles/collins/ Profile article on apple.com]
* [http://www.feliciacollins.com Official Felicia Collins website]