Disco Music > Disco People Index > DJs / Remixers > Ken Collier
Ken Collier
Detroit area Disco DJ and Remixer
Ken Collier belongs on the same mantel that holds Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles, David Mancuso, Grooverider, and Kool Herc esteemed as the true fathers of modern electronic dance music.
In the late '70s, Ken Collier was the DJ that inspired Detroit youngsters -- and soon-to-be techno innovators -- such as Eddie Fowlkes, Derrick May, and Mike Grant, to begin spinning records. After he formed True Disco Productions in 1977, Detroit saw its first serious dance club, Chessmate, where Collier was before becoming the resident at the Motor City's famed Studio 54 Detroit in 1979.
Throughout his years, Collier would appear on disco station WLBS (102.7 FM) By the mid-'80s, Collier still reigned as the city's most-recognized DJ with his appearances at the legendary Heaven club, until eventually being eclipsed by his followers, ambitious young DJs such as Jeff Mills and Derrick May. Though he was eventually forgotten in the myths of Detroit -- often replaced by the equally influential Electrifying Mojo -- he continued spinning in the mid-'90s until he passed away.
KEN COLLIER MIXES
WHEEL ME OUT Was Not Was
OUT COME THE FREAKS Was Not Was
AND THE BEAT GOES ON Orbit feat. Carol Hall
TELL ME THAT I'M DREAMIN' Was Not Was
EYE OF THE TIGER Nighthawk
WHEN LOVE SURGES Jules
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COMMENTS ON Ken Collier
I remember Ken Collier as the DJ that
reigned Detroit. Wherever we were(dancing), there he was. Often, other upcoming DJ's tryed unsuccessfully to mimic his trademark style-It was the sound of Detroit. He ranks up there with the Levans, Sharon White, and all the rest....He shall be honored forever.
Ed C Murdock
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