Paul Harlan Collins, also known as Harlan Collins, is a multifaceted individual with a plethora of talents and accomplishments. As a composer, arranger, musician, and writer, he has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry.
One of his most notable endeavors is his daily feature, "Today's Chuckle", which has been syndicated worldwide since 1948, making it the most widely syndicated front-page feature globally. His father, Tom Collins, started the column, and Harlan has continued to contribute to its success.
In addition to his work on "Today's Chuckle", Harlan has collaborated with notable figures in the music industry. He was one of the first pop artists signed to Brian Epstein's Nemperor Records, a pioneering record label. He has composed and arranged music for various projects, including Sesame Street, Robin Hood, Highlander, Fighting Words, One Tough Cop, and the cult classic This Is Spinal Tap. His songwriting skills have also been showcased through his composition of "Wrap Me in Your Arms" for Olivia Newton-John, which was featured on her 1976 album Come on Over.
As a musical guest, Harlan has performed on the first season of Saturday Night Live. He has also worked on more recent projects, including the creation of Highlander – A Celtic Opera, a collaboration with Roger Bellon. Throughout his career, Harlan has authored and composed music for numerous other musicals.
Beyond his work in the entertainment industry, Harlan has extensive experience in language localization and content creation. He has held various positions, including Vice President at several companies, and Creative Director at others. His expertise has been utilized in subtitling, dubbing, and content creation for the entertainment business.
Harlan's educational background includes a major in film and drama from New York University.
In his personal life, Harlan is the author of Today's Chuckle: 2500 Great One-Liners for Every Occasion, a 1993 paperback that collects one-liners from the column started by his father. He is divorced and has a daughter, Molly, born in 1989.
