THE MAKINGS OF A LONG PROMISING CAREER

Every few years a singer comes along and captures the hearts and souls of romantics everywhere. Willie Collins is that kind of singer.  In contrast to today's musical fads, gimmicky and ever-changing sound, Willie Collins' warm expressive phrasing makes his music like fine wine, growing more rich and resonant with time. Hush Productions believed that he had the talent the public would embrace. They believed he could be a superstar, however, the expectations were very high but, their willingness to take a chance encouraged him.  The company promoted Willie with a sense of urgency. Their view was not based on only talent, but also one of character. 

Based upon his past experiences in the music business - winning a contest at the Apollo Theatre and performing at the world renowned Village Gate and also the house band at a club across the street called the Mod Scene - was enough to convince them, that Willie was their man. This was definitely his season to succeed, and everything seemingly was falling into place. Hush did not take any shortcuts.  In pursuit of going straight to the top, Willie was signed with Capitol Records. In a real world, it doesn't get any better than that! Joining a roster of well known artists such as Freddie Jackson, Melba Moore and Meli'sa Morgan, led to his debut album WHERE YOU GONNA BE TONIGHT. It immediately went up the billboard charts to 63 with a bullet-an instant hit.

Success came fast for Willie and he traveled extensively in and out the country promoting his album. He was able to built a very large fan-base worldwide. Then, at the peak of his career things started to go wrong. The relationship with the production company took a turn for the worse and they couldn't seem to come to terms with their differences.

Life is amazing-one minute you're on cloud nine, and just as fast, you can hit rock bottom.  That's just what happened to Willie! His career in the music industry ended for a long period of time.  He didn't know if I would ever rebound from this experience.  His world stopped coupled with embarrassment, frustration and devastation.  He didn't want to be seen in the public for a very long time. Why? The pain was too intense. Everything he had worked so hard for had been taken away from me. However, glory to God! In the midst of this, He was in control and was bringing about a healing within. Willie believes God allowed this mishap in order for him to recover, and it got his attention. There wasn't anywhere to go but to Him.

Through a friend, God led Willie to the Christian Cultural Centre.  At the time the ministry was called Household of Faith.  During that period Willie was going through numerous challenges, and the ministry was an answer to prayer.  In just one visit, he knew this was the place God desired him to be. Pastor A. R. Bernard was and is an excellent teacher of the world of God.  In joining the church, Willie states he was blessed by the talented musical choir and felt this was where I should planted and grow.  The choir leader asked him if he would like to join the choir.  This was God's timing. 

As a result of being under this leadership and choir, we have ministered at various venues-Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden,  The Morning Show at Rockefeller Center, Nassau Coliseum and numerous countries. This has been invigorating, rejuvenating and refreshing, for Willie which is why his love for music has been enhanced and he has embraced the gift within with my his CD.