collins was born and raised in lenoir city, tennessee, which lies along the tennessee river southwest of knoxville and is part of the knoxville metropolitan area. he attended the university of tennessee in knoxville and took scientific courses with the idea of attending dental school, but was always interested in music. he played trumpet in the university of tennessee band and was a member of the sigma chi fraternity. he directed the fraternity's chorus in annual singing competitions. he was honored as a "significant sig" in 1983, a national honor given by the fraternity to notable members.