Clinton Collins

" At a songwriting festival it's difficult to distinguish yourself from hundreds of other talented singer/songwriters, but that's just what Clinton Collins did at this year's Mountain Stage NewSong Festival. His well crafted songs & acerbic wit along with his clear voice and relaxed & confident stage presence garnered the respect of peers and judges alike. Being chosen as one of the winners of this years contest was well deserved and hopefully a giant step forward towards national recognition."

Ron Sowell

Musical Director - Mountain Stage radio show & NewSong Festival
(Jan 27, 2006 - New Song Festival

Bluefield Daily Telegraph Junebug, the latest CD release by Clinton Collins and The Creekboys, is a powerful compilation of stories set to song by a collection of gifted musicians whose love for the unique pathos born of the heights and depths of life in the Appalachian Mountain region shines through on every song.
Collins recorded the entire CD in his home recording studio in Mercer County, but it has a distinctive sophistication that could only come from the work of an intense artist who sets out with a sound in mind, and works to achieve that exact sound. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the Creekboys includes Randy Fielder, who supplies the drive for the CD with his work on the upright bass and percussion, as well as Dale Elswick, whose incredible guitar work on songs like, The Long Journey Home, pushes the envelope of excellence while remaining rooted in the context of each selection.
"Junebug is my attempt to continue writing about living here in the Appalachian Mountains". Collins said. He said, The Long Journey Home sets the tone for the entire project. "So many times we overlook the obvious beauty and riches of our lives that's around us". he said. We lose our childlike wander as we grow older and forget the things that matter most.
Each song strikes a unique chord that resonates through the entire CD, with songs like Portal of Light tracing Collins autobiographical journey through life as a third generation underground coal miner, who heeds his father's
advice: A breath of fresh air is gonna clear my head. It makes me think of you. Still, in the powerful, Junebug Bride, Collins examines the bittersweet theme of how sorrow, hope, sadness and joy can be entwined in a moment, with music serving as a lilting reminder of Scots-Irish roots of mountain music.
The CD has a lot of surprises including Colby Elswick's excellent claw hammer-style banjo on Junebug on a String, as well as Nicole Walters soulful lead vocals on Sun Is Risin and sharing the leads with Collins on Resurrection Day. Creekboys Fielder and Elswick blend well with Collins, Miranda Fielder and Jessica Elswick on several sides. While some cuts carry a heavy message, there is pure fun in When You Gotta Go. Pastor Bob Bill of the Independent International Fundamental Church of Jesus Christ in Big Bottom gives a special invitation to the Creekboys.
Collins released Junebug in June, and so far, the CD is officially selling like hotcakes, he said. People can learn more about the CD by visiting (www.clintoncollins.com) or can order the CD at (cdbaby.com) (iTunes), according to Collins. - Bluefield Daily Telegraph/Bill Archer

"We receive lots of CDs in the course of a year and the Creek Boy Blues was one that I will listen to over and over. The lyrics are great and the music and voice are top notch. We can't wait to showcase Clinton at our festival."
- Bristol Rhymn & Roots Reunion