What You Should Know About the Life and Career of Phil Collins

It is impossible to write about the career of Phil Collins without mentioning his incredible run of hits throughout the 80s. However, despite that fact, it is also interesting to note there are some little-known facts about this singer's life and career that has led him to become one of the most successful singers and songwriters in the world. Perhaps you think you know all there is to know about Phil Collins? If so, then buckle up, because we've uncovered five bits of information that might just surprise you.

The Start of His Long Career

If you’re a fan of Phil Collins and Genesis, you probably already know a lot about the singer. He started out small. A drummer and vocalist, Philip David Charles Collins from London, England, answered an ad in a newspaper placed by a local band, Genesis, for a drummer and backup singer. Phil officially joined the band in 1970 and began a career that has lasted a lifetime.

Little-known facts about his life:

• He was born on January 30th, 1951, in London

• His first instrument was the drums.

• Phil joined his first band at the age of 15 years

• He played drums on Peter Gabriel's self-titled solo album, released in 1977.

• He is a multi-talented musician, he taught himself how to play the flute and other instruments like trumpet and guitar.

• He is considered to be one of the best drummers in the world.

Phil took over as front man for Genesis when then lead-singer Peter Gabriel left the group. During his time with Genesis, he produced several hit songs like "That's All", "I Can't Dance", and “Land of Confusion"." Before his time with Genesis, Collins was an in-demand session drummer for many acts, including Eric Clapton. He played on the album 461 Ocean Boulevard.

In an episode of the “Tonight Show,” “In the Air Tonight.” In an episode of the “Tonight Show,” The band turned out some of the most recognized, and popular songs to hit the charts in decades. There was some speculation surrounding one of the band’s most popular songs, “In the Air Tonight.” In an episode of the “Tonight Show,” the musician explained to host Jimmy Fallon that the song was written at a very tumultuous time in his life. He was going through a divorce and channeled his emotions through his music. the musician explained to host Jimmy Fallon that the song was written at a very tumultuous time in his life. He was going through a divorce and channeled his emotions through his music. the musician explained to host Jimmy Fallon that the song was written at a very tumultuous time in his life. He was going through a divorce and channeled his emotions through his music. “In the AirTonight.” In an episode of the “Tonight Show,” the musician explained to host Jimmy Fallon that the song was written at a very tumultuous time in his life. He was going through a divorce and channeled his emotions through his music.

In 1984, Collins released his first solo album “No Jacket Required” which became one of the most successful albums of the year. It reached number one on both the US & UK charts and won three Grammy Awards. His most successful single from that album was "Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)."

He has since released eight more studio albums during his solo career including Face Value (1981), Testify (2002) and Going Back (2010). His albums have sold over 150 million copies worldwide.

He also recorded music for films like Tarzan (1999) including “Son of Man”, “Two Worlds”, and “You’ll Be In My Heart". He also wrote the soundtrack for Brother Bear 2 including the songs, “No Way Out”, “Look Through My Eyes”, and “On My Way”.

Phil as an Actor”

Phil also appeared in the 1995 version of Balto with Kevin Bacon, Bridget Fonda, and Bob Hoskins. He voiced the two lovable polar bears Muk and Luk who like to cause trouble for Boris the Goose (Bob Hoskins).

A lot of great musicians came out of the 80s like Belinda Carlisle from the Go-Gos, Steve Perry from Journey, and Peter Cetera from Chicago. These artists started out in popular bands and then opted for a solo career.