Biography
Who is Phil Collins?
Early life and background
Philip David Charles Collins was born on January 30, 1951, at Putney Hospital in the United Kingdom. His parents were Greville Bernard Philip A Collins and June Strange. He was the youngest of three children. His family eventually moved to 453 Hanworth Road in Brentford and Chiswick. Phil attended school in Twickenham before enrolling at Chiswick County Grammar School. He later became a full-time pupil at the Barbara Speake Stage School.
As a child, he received a toy drum kit at the age of five. His uncles later crafted a makeshift set for him using household items like triangles. He practiced by playing along with music he heard on the radio and television. During his youth, Phil was influenced by the Beatles and jazz drummer Buddy Rich. He also took drum lessons under instructors Lloyd Ryan and Frank King, though he never learned to read or write musical notation. He devised his own system for music instead.
Acting career and beginnings
Before his music career fully took off, Phil acted in stage and film roles. He especially played the Artful Dodger in the West End production of the musical Oliver! In 1964. He also appeared as an extra in the Beatles film A Hard Day's Night. His other acting credits include the 1967 film Calamity the Cow. He eventually stopped acting to focus on music after a disagreement with a film director.
He played with several bands in the late 1960s, including the Cliff Charles Blues Band and the Gladiators. In 1969, he joined a band called Hickory, which was later renamed Flaming Youth. They recorded one album titled Ark 2 before splitting up in 1970. During this period, he also auditioned for various roles and bands, including a failed attempt to join the band Yes.
Success with Genesis and solo work
Phil joined the band Genesis as their drummer in 1970. Following the departure of frontman Peter Gabriel in 1975, he became the lead vocalist for the group. He remained with the band until 1996, helping them achieve significant commercial success. He also performed as a drummer for the jazz fusion group Brand X during the 1970s and formed the Phil Collins Big Band in 1996.
His solo career began with the release of the album Face Value in 1981. This was followed by successful albums such as Hello, I Must Be Going!, No Jacket Required, and...But Seriously. Throughout the 1980s, he produced many hit singles including In the Air Tonight, Sussudio, and Another Day in Paradise. He became widely recognized for his distinct gated reverb drum sound that influenced the production of pop and rock music during that decade.
Family and personal life
Phil has five children named Joely, Simon, Lily, Nicholas, and Matthew. He was married to Andrea Bertorelli and later to Orianne Cevey. He was also in a relationship with Dana Tyler. His daughter Lily Collins is known for her own career in the entertainment industry.
Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades including eight Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for the music of Disney's Tarzan. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010. He also received the Royal Victorian Order and was named MusiCares Person of the Year.
Birthday and age
Phil Collins was born on January 30, 1951, which makes Phil 75 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Phil shares the date with 52 other famous people.
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