Phil Collins
Philip David Charles Collins, known as Phil Collins, was born on January 30, 1951, in London, England. He is an acclaimed English musician, songwriter, record producer, and actor. Collins rose to fame as the drummer and later the lead singer of the rock band Genesis. He also enjoyed a highly successful solo career, becoming one of the most successful musicians of the 1980s.
Collins began playing drums at the age of five and pursued acting, notably performing in the musical Oliver! as the Artful Dodger. He joined Genesis in 1970 as a drummer and became the lead vocalist in 1975 after Peter Gabriel's departure. Under Collins' leadership, Genesis transitioned to a more mainstream sound, achieving commercial success with albums like Duke (1980) and Invisible Touch (1986).
Parallel to his work with Genesis, Collins launched a solo career in 1981 with the album Face Value, featuring the hit single "In the Air Tonight." He continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s, including Hello, I Must Be Going (1982) and No Jacket Required (1985), producing hits like "Against All Odds" and "Sussudio."
Collins was the only artist to perform at both Live Aid concerts in 1985, showcasing his global appeal. He also contributed to film soundtracks, notably winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "You'll Be in My Heart" from Disney's Tarzan (1999).
Beyond music, Collins pursued acting, appearing in Miami Vice and starring in the film Buster (1988). He briefly retired in 2011 but returned to music in 2015, rejoining Genesis for their final tour in 2020. Collins' influence in pop and rock music remains significant, marked by his distinctive drumming style and numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards.