Phil Collins

Philip David Charles Collins, born on January 30, 1951, in London, England, is a highly successful English musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor. He rose to prominence as the drummer and later the lead singer of the rock band Genesis, and also enjoyed an incredibly successful solo career. Collins is one of only three recording artists, alongside Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, to have sold over 100 million records worldwide both as a solo artist and as a principal member of a band.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Collins' interest in music began at the age of five when he was given a toy drum kit. He also pursued acting from a young age, securing his first major role as the Artful Dodger in the West End production of the musical 'Oliver!'. After playing with several bands in his teens, his big break came in 1970 when he successfully auditioned for the progressive rock band Genesis, initially as their drummer and backing vocalist.

Genesis

Following the departure of lead singer Peter Gabriel in 1975, Collins reluctantly took over as the band's frontman. Under his leadership, Genesis transitioned from a progressive rock act to a more commercially successful pop-rock band, producing a string of hit albums and singles throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, including "Follow You Follow Me," "Invisible Touch," and "Turn It On Again." Collins officially left Genesis in 1996 to focus on his solo work but rejoined them for reunion tours in 2007 and a final tour in 2021-2022.

Solo Career

Collins launched his solo career in 1981 with the album Face Value, which featured the iconic hit single "In the Air Tonight". This was the start of a massively successful solo run, with numerous chart-topping albums like No Jacket Required (1985) and ...But Seriously (1989). He achieved seven US number-one singles, including "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" and "Another Day in Paradise". His work in the 1980s resulted in more US top-40 singles than any other artist during that decade. In 1999, he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "You'll Be in My Heart" from the Disney film Tarzan.

Major Awards and Achievements

Throughout his illustrious career, Phil Collins has received numerous prestigious awards. These include eight Grammy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and an Academy Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010.

Personal Life and Health

Collins has been married and divorced three times and has five children, including actress Lily Collins. In recent years, he has faced significant health issues. A spinal injury in 2007 and subsequent surgeries left him with nerve damage, making it difficult for him to drum and walk. He officially retired from performing after Genesis's final tour in March 2022 due to his declining health. Collins has stated that he has been "very sick" and no longer has the "hunger" to create music.