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Bernard Collins Biography

bernard-collins
  • Born: in Jamaica
  • Years Active: 1990s
  • Member of: The Abyssinians
  • Genre: World & Reggae

Born Neville Bernard Collins in Jamaica on November 10, 1948, Bernard Collins was raised in Kingston, although he also spent six years in Saint Catherine while his mother was working in London. He formed the legendary Abyssinians in 1968 with Donald Manning, and they added Donald's brother Lynford Manning a short time later to complete the trio. The Abyssinians remain one of the most revered and respected of Jamaica's roots reggae harmony groups, having cut the enduring "Satta Massa Ganna" at Studio One in 1969 (when it was known as "Far Far Away"). Rechristened "Satta" in 1971, the song (and rhythm) have been covered and versioned countless times ever since. The Abyssinians officially broke up in 1983, coming together in 1988 for some studio sessions that again found the trio parting ways. For a time Collins and the Manning brothers toured with two separate groups called the Abyssinians, and there have been occasional reunions of the original members in later years. Collins released a solo album, Last Days, in 1998. ~ Steve Leggett, Rovi

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