Phil Collins (born January 30, 1951) is an English singer, songwriter, drummer, producer, and actor whose career spans progressive rock, pop, soul, and film music. He became internationally known as the drummer and later lead vocalist of Genesis, while also building one of the most successful solo careers in popular music. Across his work with Genesis and as a solo artist, Collins has sold more than 150 million records worldwide and developed a distinctive musical identity based on direct songwriting, expressive vocals, and highly recognizable drum production.
Collins began playing drums as a child and worked professionally before joining Genesis in 1970. Initially recruited as the group's drummer, he contributed to the band's intricate arrangements during its progressive-rock period. When Peter Gabriel left Genesis in 1975, Collins became the band's lead singer. His arrival at the microphone helped reshape the group's sound without abandoning its musicianship. Albums such as A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, ...And Then There Were Three..., and Duke charted Genesis' transition from ambitious art rock toward more concise and accessible songwriting.
The band's commercial breakthrough continued with Abacab (1981), Genesis (1983), and Invisible Touch (1986). Songs including "Follow You Follow Me", "Misunderstanding", "That's All", "Mama", "Land of Confusion", and "Invisible Touch" established Collins as one of the most prominent frontmen of the 1980s. His drumming remained central to the group's sound, even as his vocal performances made him the public face of Genesis.
Collins launched his solo career with Face Value in 1981. The album combined polished pop writing with elements of soul, jazz, and experimental studio work. Its opening single, "In the Air Tonight", became a defining recording of the decade, particularly because of its tense atmosphere and dramatic gated drum entrance. The follow-up album, Hello, I Must Be Going! (1982), produced the hit "You Can't Hurry Love", while No Jacket Required (1985) made Collins one of the biggest recording artists in the world. The album included "Sussudio", "One More Night", and "Take Me Home", and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
His later solo successes included "...But Seriously" (1989), featuring "Another Day in Paradise", and ...Hits (1998). Collins also wrote music for film, most notably Disney's animated Tarzan (1999). His song "You'll Be in My Heart" won the Academy Award and the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, as well as a Grammy Award. He later contributed songs to Brother Bear (2003).
Beyond his own records, Collins worked as a producer and drummer with artists including Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Adam Ant, and Philip Bailey. He also performed at the 1985 Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia on the same day, a widely remembered moment in the event's history.
Genesis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Collins entered the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2026. His catalog remains notable for connecting technically accomplished musicianship with unusually broad pop appeal.