(April 15, 2026) Dennis Collins isn’t a household name; but by virtue of the plurality of classic R&B, pop and rock records his voice has appeared on, he very well should be. There’s a high probability that fans of the likes of Diana Ross, Melba Moore, Al Green, George Benson, or Sting are familiar with Collins without realizing it. His prolific work as a background vocalist for the past four decades has graced classic records by these artists and scores more.
While Collins has been featured a few times in the foreground – notably on Moore’s 1987 top-10 hit, “It’s Been So Long,” it’s high time that he shines on his own. Classic dance label RFC Records, which relaunched in 2015, finally gives him that outlet on a spirited rendition of LaBelle’s 1975 gem, “What Can I Do for You?” With additional vocal riffs supplied by a fellow session vocalist with a miles-long list of credits, Ada Dyer (or, as some know her, Miss Adaritha), Collins’ crystal-clear phrasing breathes new life into a socially conscious musical statement that is as relevant as ever 50 years later.
Although several artists have covered “What Can I Do for You?” (most notably Taana Gardner), LaBelle’s follow-up to the defining “Lady Marmalade” remains an oft-overlooked treasure that is decidedly unconventional in melodic form and rhythmic structure. Production on Collins’ new version adopts a dancefloor-ready arrangement that gives him an ideal outlet for reaching disco devotees and soul aficionados alike.
Both Collins and Dyer gradually crescendo through the verse and chorus sections of “What Can I Do for You?” accentuated by an uplifting backing choir. Passionate electric-guitar strains anchor the second half of the track, with a gospel-fused piano solo adding richness to the timeless musical conversation of humankind looking out for one another.