Philip David Charles Collins, also known as Phil Collins, LVO, born January 30, 1951 in London, is a British musician, songwriter, drummer, singer and actor. He is the drummer and then the singer of Genesis, an English progressive rock band that has enjoyed great success since its formation in the late 1960s. Originally only the band's drummer, it was after Peter Gabriel left in 1975 that Phil Collins became the voice of Genesis. However, he was overwhelmed by the triumph of his solo career and stepped down from his position in Genesis in 1996.
Lulled by the soul and pop rhythms of the Motown years, Phil Collins began a professional career in music at a very young age. Drummer and singer in the group Flaming Youth, which he formed with Ronnie Caryl, he finally joined Genesis in 1970. Behind his drums, he also accompanied Peter Gabriel on vocals on some songs. In view of his vocal performance, Phil Collins was finally chosen to become the new singer of the group after the departure of his predecessor. From hits such as 1978's Follow You Follow Me, Genesis enjoyed its greatest period of commercial success, which lasted until the early 1990s.
However, Phil Collins left Genesis to devote himself fully to his solo career. After In the Air Tonight, Against All Odds and Another Day in Paradise, the British musician is still smiling with glory and has received seven Grammy Awards, an Oscar and two Golden Globes.