Dorothy Collins recording in the professional recording studio which her husband, Raymond Scott, built in their home.

Biographical Sketch

Dorothy was born in Windsor, Ontario, (Marjorie Chandler) where she received her early education and at the same time appeared on a Detroit children’s radio program.  As a child performer she sang on this show  and was famous in the Canadian—U.S.A. border towns and cities.

Raymond Scott heard her sing while visiting friends in Chicago and advised her to study for a year after which he promised to listen to her again.  In a year Raymond Scott not only auditioned Dorothy Collins, but engaged her as a singer with his band.

After a tour with the celebrated “Quintet” Raymond Scott became director of the “Your Hit Parade” orchestra and eventually Dorothy became a featured vocalist on the show.  As the featured star of “Your Hit Parade”, her pert and pretty countenance and extraordinary singing voice made her a welcome visitor each week to millions of American homes on both radio and TV. 

Dorothy married Raymond Scott in 1952 and continued on  “Your Hit Parade” until 1957 when the promoters decided to give the show an entire new look.  However, she was invited back the following year along with singer Johnny Desmond.

Following her departure from “Your Hit Parade” she delighted fans over a two year period with her amusing performances on “Candid Camera” and guest appearances on many variety shows. 

In addition Miss Collins was the featured leading lady in many summer stock presentations including South Pacific, Carousel, Brigadoon, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, Showboat and Do I Hear a Waltz?  Following her divorce from Raymond Scott in 1965 she married actor Ron Holgate in 1966.

Miss Collins endeared herself to New York audiences with her Broadway debut in “Follies” for which she was nominated for the Best Actress Tony Award in 1971.

She is the mother of three daughters: Deborah, Elizabeth and Melissa.  She died on July 21, 1994 in Watervliet, New York.

Dorothy began her professional recording career in 1944.  In 1954 she and Raymond Scott formed their own record company with the Audivox label.  Her last single record was on the Roulette label in 1963..

Tribute to Dorothy Collins