BIO

Karen's Bio..
Karen’s musical roots run deep, all the way back to her great-grandmother, Hattie Bell, who was a shape note singer who lived in Rome, Georgia. This all but lost, musical style was considered to be the defining style that influenced African American spirituals.

Karen’s gift of song was a melodic musical legacy that she discovered very early on as she performed the Battle Hymn of the Republic for her kindergarten graduation, which was a very mature song for someone at such a tender age.

Karen is a consummate creative at heart, with roots deeply imbedded in gospel, jazz, and soul, who loves singing and performing in plays and music pop-ups whenever she can.

It was through the arts that she first found her passion for song; singing and performing in productions from Hello Dolly, Fiddler on the Roof to The Man of LaMancha.

Most recently, Karen starred in the Chattanooga Theatre Center's rendition of The Wiz, directed by the incomparable Shane Morrow, who had the unconventional idea to cast her in the principle role starring as The Wizard. A role traditionally reserved for a man!

Karen also made her international debut in 2019 performing in the People's Republic of China with Shane and RISE Chattanooga, where her love of performance was ignited again!

Karen's beloved music Professor, Dr. James E. Mumford said it best so many years ago, Karen!!!…Sing from your soul!!!.... And she has been singing from there ever since!

Last but certainly not least, Karen is a Servant Leader who gives back to her community and who proudly serves as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Chattanooga Alumnae Chapter, and as a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

Karen is the wife of Jason Collins, who proudly served his country as a Marine and the mother of two young adults Miles, who is a creative and was a former professional basketball player in Slovakia and Mackenzie who is an aspiring entrepreneur and creative!