Phil Collins, with eight Grammy Awards to his name, has cemented his reputation as one of the world’s most iconic musicians.
He joins a rarefied group of artists—including Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney—who have sold over 100 million albums both as solo performers and as members of a band.
Born on January 30, 1951, in London, Collins grew up in a creatively nurturing environment. His passion for music was evident from a young age, with his uncle fashioning him a makeshift drum set at just five years old—a moment Collins fondly recalls.
As a child, Collins’ early influences came from the burgeoning British music scene in the 1960s. He practiced drumming to songs like The Beatles’ Please Please Me and developed his skills by instinct rather than formal training, a trait that would define his unique style.
By the 1970s, Collins’ musical career took a significant leap when he responded to an ad for a drummer in the band Genesis. After joining, Collins helped the band release five successful albums, but his career took a major shift when he was asked to take over as lead vocalist. Despite initial reluctance, Collins embraced the role, and his distinctive voice contributed to Genesis’ growing success.
Simultaneously, Collins launched a stellar solo career, delivering hits such as “In the Air Tonight,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “I Don’t Care Anymore.” His versatility as both a drummer and a vocalist made him a major force in music during the 1980s and beyond.
Though Collins left Genesis to pursue solo projects, he remained close to the band. After years of focusing on different musical directions, including movie soundtracks and jazz, he rejoined Genesis in 2017 for “The Last Domino” tour. His son, Nicholas, stepped in as drummer, allowing Collins to focus on vocals due to health issues that have affected his ability to drum.
In recent years, Collins has faced a number of health challenges, including nerve damage and physical limitations that make drumming nearly impossible. Despite this, he continues to leave a lasting impact on music, with a legacy that spans decades.
