Originally formed in 1961 as the C-Fun Classics (later the Classics and then The Canadian Classics), "The Collectors" were one of the first Canadian bands to achieve a degree of success in the USA. 

The original members included Bill Henderson on guitar, Claire Lawrence on keyboards and woodwinds, Glen Miller on bass, Ross Turney on drums and Howie Vickers on vocals.  Their first two albums , "The Collectors" (1967) and "Grass and Wild Strawberries" (1968) met with critical success on both sides of the border.

As a teenager I was a fan of their 1968 single "Lydia Purple" ... in fact it stills sounds fresh and innovative today, 40 years after its release!

When Howie Vickers left the band to pursue a solo career, the remaining members of "The Collectors" continued as "Chilliwack". My school-mate and best friend, Howard Froese, joined the band in 1972.  Howard passed away in 1992, age 39.