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If u were to look up into the night, you would see the sky filled with brightly lit stars. Though we tend to notice only those that appear to be burning the brightest, the keen observer knows stars off in the distance are bigger and blazing hotter than any we're more familiar. One such star was Detroit's own KEN COLLIER, better known in the solar system as the "Godfather". A name given to him by the equally luminescent Detroit air personality, Mojo.
Collier began his music career of 23 years in an afterhours club called the Chessmate, after the venue closed, he was sought after by every major club to serve up his unique style of programming at their venues. Places like Studio 54, L'uomo, Downstairs Pub, Rich and Famous and others filled to capacity on his nights Collier then set precedence after he became the first club DJ in Detroit history, to have a radio mix on the orginal WDRQ FM 93.1. It was about this time when he was approached by Don Was, of the legendary group "Was Not Was" who asked Collier if he would like to do a mix on their newest project. It turned out to be the mix on the smash single 'Wheel Me Out'. This led him to do other projects which included Carol Hall's "And The Beat Goes On". Not long afterwards he turned an afterhours club located on the east/west divide into what became the legendary hot spot known as Heaven. In the tradition of his biggest influences like Frankie Knuckles, the late Larry Levan, Tee Scott, Larry Patterson, Sarena Tyler, Felton Howard, Stacey "Hot Wax" Hale, Collier would work the crowd into a frenzy with his underground sound. After a series of tragic events Collier decided to close down Heaven. Ken moved his, what was arguably the most massive sound system in the midwest to Timesquare, in downtown Detroit. A small but pumpin venue.
Many of Detroit renown dj's such as Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson, Juan Atkins, Eddie Fowlkes, Terrance Parker, Mike Huckaby and many more often claim Collier as their mentor, truly a legend in Detroit and the world.
Collier consider his playing style as diverse, giving them everything from tribal to message music with an underground sound. Collier was the recipent of many prestigious awards and a Billboard Club reporter for ten years. He is truly regarded as one of the best and legendary DJ's ever, a guru of the underground.
On Febuary 17, 1996, he was rushed to Sinai hospital, in Detroit where he slipped into a diabetic coma. On Febuary 19, 1996 he succumbed to the undiscovered disease.
Its has been over ten years of Colliers passing and the music world, especially house music has missed his captivating sound, his unique way of taking you on a musical journey, it reminds you of a great rollercoaster ride, climbing the hill reaching the top soaring through the curves until the last record plays and the ride for that night has ended, returning in line again the following weekend. Collier's role within the club era has touch so many people's lives, created the new breed of legendary dj's, and has saved and changed so many. Detroit's history would not be complete without his music living on.
Contact: kencollier3000@aol.com
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