COLLINS, TOMMY
(1930–2000)
COLLINS, TOMMY (b. Leonard Raymond Sipes, Bethany, Okla., September 28, 1930–May 14, 2000) One of the pioneers of the BAKERSFIELD SOUND, Collins is best remembered for his mid-1950s recordings featuring a young BUCK OWENS on lead GUITAR. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Collins had his first exposure on local radio before relocating to the Bakersfield, California, area, where many displaced Okies moved in search of employment after World War II. He roomed with FERLIN HUSKY , and soon became an…