Phil Collins

ABOUT

Philip David Charles Collins, known professionally as Phil Collins, is an English drummer, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. Born on January 30, 1951, in Chiswick, London, Collins rose to prominence as a member of the rock band Genesis before embarking on a highly successful solo career. His distinctive voice, exceptional drumming skills, and prolific songwriting have made him one of the most influential musicians in popular music history. Collins' career, spanning over five decades, has been marked by numerous awards, multi-platinum albums, and an enduring legacy.

BEFORE FAME

Phil Collins showed an early interest in music and drumming. He received a drum set as a gift at the age of five and began performing on stage while still in primary school. Collins' passion for music was evident from a young age, and he frequently participated in school productions and amateur theatrics. His professional breakthrough came when he joined Genesis in 1970 as the band's drummer. Initially, Collins contributed backing vocals, but he later became the group's lead vocalist following Peter Gabriel's departure in 1975.

TRIVIA

• Phil Collins has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
• He is one of only three recording artists, alongside Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, who have sold over 100 million albums both as a solo artist and as a principal member of a band.
• Collins has won numerous accolades, including seven Grammy Awards, six Brit Awards, and an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "You'll Be in My Heart" from Disney's Tarzan.
• He penned the iconic drum break in "In the Air Tonight," which is considered one of the most famous drum solos in rock history.
• Collins temporarily retired from music in 2011 but has since returned to performing, much to the delight of his fans.

FAMILY LIFE

Phil Collins has been married and divorced three times. His first marriage was to Andrea Bertorelli, with whom he has a son, Simon Collins, who is also a musician. His second marriage to Jill Tavelman produced a daughter, actress Lily Collins. His third marriage to Orianne Cevey resulted in two sons, Nicholas and Matthew Collins. Despite the challenges of his personal life, Collins remains close to his children and has spoken openly about the importance of family.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Collins' music career is deeply interwoven with his work with Genesis. However, he has also collaborated with a number of other artists across different genres. He has worked with notable names such as Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad of ABBA. His contributions to the music industry, both solo and collaborative, have left a lasting impact and continue to influence new generations of musicians.