Phil Collins

January 30, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Phil Collins was born on January 30, 1951. Phil started playing drums at the age of five. His parents enrolled him at an acting school. Completing his acting training helped him land a role as a child actor in “Oliver,” a 1964 movie. First, he became the drummer and later, the lead act for the rock band, Genesis. Beginning in 1980, Collins pursued a solo career. As a solo act, he put together a fantastic discography. He is one of the highest-selling musicians ever. He has had an amazing career by all accounts. Collins has won eight Grammy awards, will he win more? Celebrate this amazing artist here.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Philip David Charles Collins

Nickname:

Phil

Birth date:

January 30, 1951

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Aquarius

Height:

5' 6"

Relationship Status:

Divorced

Net Worth:

$260 million

Background

Phil Collins was born in Chiswick, London, United Kingdom. His father, Greville Collins, was an insurance agent, while his mother, June Collins, was a theatrical agent. His mother’s job drew him to the performing arts. As a child, he accompanied his mother to the theaters, and he enjoyed seeing the artists perform. When he was five, his parents got him a drum set and enrolled him at the Barbara Speake arts training school. His training at Barbara Speake helped sharpen his acting and singing skills.

At the age of 14, he played the artful dodger in a British adaptation of “Oliver.” He also played supporting roles in “Calamity the Cow” and “A Hard Day’s Night.” Later, he joined the rock band Genesis as a drummer. In 1975, when the lead singer of Genesis left, Collins replaced him. The replacement was supposed to be temporary. However, he performed so well he had to stay. The first album in which Collins sang was called “A Trick of the Tail.” It was a success and cemented his place as the lead singer of the band.

However, most of his success came from his solo performances. In 1981, he released his first solo album titled “Face Value.” It was a wild success. He followed it up with “Hello I Must Be Going” in 1982, which was also a success. In 1985, he released his best project, “No Jacket Required.” The album topped the charts. He also appeared in many movies throughout his career. Some of them include “Frauds,” “Hooks,” and “Balto.” Collins has sold more than 100 million album copies throughout his career, thus making him one of the most successful musicians ever.

Career timeline

1970

Collins Joins Genesis

After seeing an advertisement for a drumming position, he auditions and joins Genesis as a drummer.

1975

He Becomes Genesis’ Vocalist

After the exit of the band's lead singer, he temporarily steps in as lead singer but it becomes permanent.

1981

Collins Drops His First Solo Album

“Face Value” gives him his first taste of solo success when it’s released.

2011

His Retirement

Collins retires from music.

2016

He Returns to the Music Scene

He announces a tour, his first in five years.

Why We Love Phil Collins

He cares about the homeless
In 1989, he made a song to raise awareness about homelessness. Later, he did a concert and donated the proceeds to charities fighting homelessness.
He supports charities
Collins donates all the royalties he earns to the Topsy Foundation in South Africa. He does this to support the fight against H.I.V./AIDS and poverty.
He supports animal rights
He is a public supporter of PETA. He advocates for the ethical treatment of animals.

5 Surprising Facts

He doesn't understand musical notations
He has managed a lifelong career of writing and performing music at the highest level without understanding musical notations.
He practiced by drumming along to broadcasts
As a kid, he drummed along whenever he heard music on the radio or television, and he became better as a result.
He wrote a book
The book is titled “The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector's Journey.”
He was a child actor
Collins played the artful dodger in a British adaptation of “Oliver.”
He was a music producer
He produced some songs on Erick Clapton's “Behind the Sun.”