Phil Collins is an English singer, drummer, songwriter, and producer. He rose to fame as a member of the progressive rock band Genesis and later became one of the most successful solo artists of the 1980s. Known for his distinctive voice and emotional ballads, Collins has sold over 100 million records as a solo artist and another 100 million with Genesis. His long list of hits includes “In the Air Tonight,” “Against All Odds,” “Sussudio,” “One More Night,” and “Another Day in Paradise.”
| Artist | Phil Collins |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Philip David Charles Collins |
| Born | January 30, 1951 |
| Origin | Chiswick, Middlesex, England |
| Genres | Pop rock, Soft rock, Progressive rock |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Record Producer, Actor |
| Instruments | Drums, Vocals, Keyboards |
| Years Active | 1963–2011, 2015–present |
| Associated Acts | Genesis, Brand X, The Phil Collins Big Band |
| Notable Hits | In the Air Tonight, Against All Odds, One More Night, Sussudio, Another Day in Paradise |
| Awards | 8 Grammy Awards, 6 Brit Awards, 2 Golden Globes, 1 Academy Award |
Early Life and Musical Start
Phil Collins was born on January 30, 1951, in Chiswick, London. As a child, he took an early interest in music and acting. He appeared in TV shows and films, including a brief role in The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night. Inspired by Ringo Starr, Collins started playing drums in his teens.
His first notable band was Flaming Youth. Though their 1969 album Ark 2 received critical praise, it failed commercially. The band soon broke up, setting the stage for Collins’ next chapter.
Joining Genesis
In 1970, Collins joined Genesis as a drummer. At that time, the band was transitioning from pop to progressive rock. Their frontman, Peter Gabriel, led the band through concept-heavy albums and theatrical performances.
When Gabriel left in 1975, the band struggled to find a replacement. After over 400 auditions, they turned to Collins. Reluctantly, he stepped into the role of lead singer. The lineup shift changed the band’s sound—less experimental, more mainstream.
Albums like And Then There Were Three (1978), Duke (1980), and Abacab (1981) brought Genesis more commercial success. They moved from niche rock circles to broader audiences.
Solo Breakthrough
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Collins released his first solo album, Face Value, in 1981. It featured the haunting “In the Air Tonight,” which reached #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a signature hit. The album was deeply personal, reflecting his divorce and personal struggles.
His solo work did not stop him from remaining active with Genesis. Their self-titled 1983 album included “That’s All,” which became their first U.S. Top 10 hit.
Peak Popularity in the Mid-1980s
In 1984, Collins scored his first solo #1 hit with “Against All Odds,” a theme for the film of the same name. The following year, he released No Jacket Required, which became a massive hit. It included “Sussudio,” “One More Night,” “Don’t Lose My Number,” and “Take Me Home.” The album sold over 12 million copies in the U.S. alone.
Meanwhile, Genesis released Invisible Touch (1986), their biggest commercial success. The title track hit #1 in the U.S., followed by other hits like “Land of Confusion” and “In Too Deep.”
Film Work and Continued Success
Collins contributed “Two Hearts” to the 1988 film Buster, which he also starred in. The song, co-written with Lamont Dozier, topped the Billboard Hot 100. In 1989, he released …But Seriously, which included “Another Day in Paradise,” a #1 hit that raised awareness about homelessness. The album also featured “I Wish It Would Rain Down” and “Do You Remember?”
The 1990s: A Shift in Sound
Genesis released We Can’t Dance in 1991. It featured “I Can’t Dance” and “No Son of Mine.” After a major tour, Collins left Genesis in 1996 to focus on solo projects.
That same year, he released Dance into the Light. The album saw modest chart success but signaled a decline in his commercial dominance. In 1998, his greatest hits compilation …Hits went multi-platinum.
Jazz and Big Band Experimentation
In the late 1990s, Collins explored jazz. He formed The Phil Collins Big Band and released A Hot Night in Paris in 1999, offering big band renditions of his solo and Genesis songs. He also briefly reunited with Genesis for the re-recording of “The Carpet Crawlers.”
Health Issues and Hiatus
In the early 2000s, Collins experienced hearing loss in one ear. Though it temporarily halted his work, he recovered and continued making music. In 2002, he won an Academy Award for “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Disney’s Tarzan soundtrack.
He joined Genesis again for the Turn It On Again tour in 2007. In 2011, due to nerve damage and back problems, Collins announced a retirement from music.
Return to the Spotlight
In 2015, Collins ended his retirement. He signed with Warner Music and began working on new material. He published his memoir Not Dead Yet in 2016 and launched the Not Dead Yet tour, which ran successfully despite physical challenges. His son Nic Collins took over drumming duties.
Collins also rejoined Genesis for The Last Domino? tour, announced in 2020 and delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour ran in 2021–2022, marking what might be Genesis’ final live appearances.
Legacy
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Phil Collins has won eight Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, and one Academy Award. He is one of only three artists—along with Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson—to sell over 100 million records both as a solo artist and as a member of a band.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 with Genesis. Collins’ music continues to reach new generations, with his songs featured in movies, commercials, and viral videos.