G. C. Collins

G. C. Collins grew up in Jackson County. At the age of twelve, he took up playing the fiddle. His father was a fiddler whose playing inspired both G. C. and G. C.’s sister Darlene—Darlene Hodges—to learn the instrument. He taught them many of the standard chestnuts of oldtime and bluegrass music, like “Down Yonder” and “Soldier’s Joy.” The three played as a family band, with Darlene then on guitar.

Collins was an accomplished fiddler in the bluegrass, oldtime, and country styles. In his later years, he played at festivals and other regional events, solo and with the Danny Johnson Band.

G.C. Collins passed away on January 21, 2011 at the age of 80.