Phil Collins

Phil Collins (Philip David Charles Collins) was born on 30 January 1951 in Chiswick, London, England. He is an English drummer, singer, songwriter and producer, associated with pop and rock. Collins is notable for his work as a member of Genesis and for a highly successful solo career that produced multiple international hit singles and albums from the early 1980s onwards.

Collins began working as a professional musician and actor in childhood and later developed as a drummer in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He joined Genesis in 1970 and became the band’s drummer before taking over as lead vocalist in 1975. Through the late 1970s and 1980s, Genesis achieved major commercial success, while Collins increasingly pursued solo songwriting alongside band commitments.

His solo breakthrough came with Face Value (1981), which included “In the Air Tonight” and launched a run of high-selling releases. Collins’ peak period extended through albums including No Jacket Required (1985) and …But Seriously (1989), supported by singles such as “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)”, “Sussudio” and “Another Day in Paradise”. He became one of the most prominent pop artists of the decade, combining drum-led production with radio-oriented songwriting and frequent international touring.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Collins continued recording and touring, while also contributing to film and theatre projects. He won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan at the 72nd Academy Awards (2000) and received other film-related nominations. Although health issues later affected his ability to perform as a drummer, he remained active through compilation releases, selected live appearances and retrospective projects.

Collins has been credited with worldwide sales in excess of 100 million records as a solo artist, and his totals rise further when including Genesis. His honours include multiple Grammy Awards and major film awards, and Genesis were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. His work has had lasting popularity through continued radio play and its influence on pop production and adult contemporary songwriting from the 1980s onward.