Good Bye Mother Ray- November 19, 1936 - December 24, 2012

I don't know how many people who read this blog are Frank Zappa fans or even follow what is going on in the world of Frank Zappa (lots if you are a fan who keeps on top of what is happening, he's very productive for a dead man if you get my drift).  Getting to the point, Ray Collins vocalist in the first incarnation of The Mothers Of Invention passed away on December 24 due to complications stemming from heart problems.  He will be missed greatly by his fans.

The Mothers circa late 60s.  L to R: Roy Estrada, Bunk Gardner, Motorhead (Jim Sherwood),  Ray Collins,  Arthur Tripp, Don Preston, Jimmy Carl Black, Ian Underwood and Frank.

Collins' contributions can be heard on Freak Out!, Absolutely Free, Cruising With Rueben & The Jets, Uncle Meat, Burnt Weeny Sandwich, Weasels Ripped My Flesh and Apostrophe (').  If you are unfamiliar with these I suggest you check them out immediately, you have no idea what you are missing out on.