Phil Collins Biography: Philip David Charles Collins, born on January 30, 1951, in Putney Hospital, southwest London, is an English musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. Collins gained fame as the drummer and later the lead singer of the rock band Genesis, and later achieved considerable success as a solo artist. He earned three UK number-one singles and seven US number-one singles throughout his solo career. Over the course of his work with Genesis, collaborations with other artists, and solo efforts, Collins had more US top-40 singles in the 1980s than any other artist.
Phil Collins Biography
Phil Collins was born in Chiswick, London, England, to Winifred Strange, a theatrical agent, and Greville Philip Austin Collins, an insurance agent. His early years in the entertainment industry were spent as a young actor and model. One of his notable roles was portraying the “Artful Dodger” in the West End production of Oliver!, alongside future film actor Jack Wild. Collins’s passion for music and drumming developed during his school years, where he played with a stage school band called The Real Thing. He later joined bands like Freehold and Flaming Youth. Flaming Youth recorded an album that garnered some critical acclaim, though the band disbanded shortly after. Collins eventually auditioned for Genesis and became their drummer, stepping into the role of lead vocalist when Peter Gabriel left in 1975. Following his separation from his first wife, Collins recorded his debut solo album, Face Value.
Philip David Charles Collins is an English musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. He was the drummer and later became the lead singer of the rock band Genesis and had a successful solo career, achieving three UK number-one singles and seven US number-one singles as a solo artist.
Born: 30 January 1951 (age 74 years), Chiswick, London, United Kingdom
Music groups: Genesis, Brand X (1975 – 1976), Band Aid (1984 – 1984), The Phil Collins Big Band, Flaming Youth (1969 – 1970)
Children: Lily Collins, Nicholas Collins, Joely Collins, Matthew Collins, Simon Collins
Height: 68 m
Early Life
Philip Collins was born to Winifred June (née Strange), who worked in a toy shop and later as a booking agent at the Barbara Speake Stage School, and Greville Philip Austin Collins, an insurance agent. He was the youngest of three children; his sister Carole became a professional ice skater and theatrical agent, while his brother Clive worked as a cartoonist. The family moved several times during Collins’s early years, eventually settling in Brentford and Chiswick, London.
Collins received a toy drum kit for Christmas at age five, which sparked his interest in music. Later, his uncles made him a custom set of drums that fit into a suitcase. As he grew older, Collins expanded his collection of drums and honed his skills by playing along to songs on television and the radio. At the age of seven, he entered a talent contest at a Butlin’s holiday camp, where he performed “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” and stopped the orchestra to correct them when they played in the wrong key.
Key Details
Full Name: Philip David Charles Collins
Date of Birth: January 30, 1951
Place of Birth: Chiswick, London, England
Nationality: British
Profession: Musician, Singer-Songwriter, Actor
Net Worth: Estimated at $300 million
Spouses: Andrea Bertorelli (1975–1980), Jill Tavelman (1984–1996), Orianne Cevey (1999–2008)
Children: Lily Collins, Joely Collins, Simon Collins, Nicholas Collins, Matthew Collins
Family Background
Phil Collins was born into a middle-class family in Chiswick. His mother, Winifred Strange, worked as a theatrical agent and introduced him to the entertainment industry at an early age. His father, Greville Philip Austin Collins, was an insurance agent. Encouraged by his mother’s connections in show business, Collins began acting as a child, with a notable role as the Artful Dodger in the West End production of Oliver!. His interest in music began when he was five, receiving a toy drum set that led him to practice by playing along to music on the radio and TV. He attended Barbara Speake Stage School but later shifted his focus to music, joining bands like Flaming Youth and The Real Thing during his teenage years.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Phil Collins’ big break came in 1970 when he joined Genesis as their drummer, answering a newspaper ad. He initially contributed drums and backing vocals, but following Peter Gabriel’s departure in 1975, Collins became the band’s lead singer. Under his leadership, Genesis transitioned to a more accessible pop-rock sound, with successful albums like Duke (1980) and Invisible Touch (1986). Collins launched his solo career in 1981 with Face Value, which included the hit “In the Air Tonight.” His second album, Hello, I Must Be Going! (1982), featured the popular track “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and No Jacket Required (1985) solidified his position as a global superstar.
Andrea Bertorelli (1975–1980): They have two children—Joely and Simon.
Jill Tavelman (1984–1996): They had one daughter, actress Lily Collins.
Orianne Cevey (1999–2008): They have two sons—Nicholas and Matthew.
His relationships have been high-profile, and though they have been tumultuous, his daughter Lily Collins has spoken publicly about her admiration for him despite their complex family dynamics.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
Collins is one of only three artists, alongside Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, to have sold over 100 million records both as a solo artist and as a member of a band.
He performed at both Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia on the same day in 1985.
His drumming style is famous for pioneering the “gated reverb” sound.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Collins has supported numerous charitable causes, including Live Aid and various children’s charities. Despite health setbacks, including spinal injuries that led to multiple retirements, his influence on music remains profound.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
While Collins retired from touring after Genesis’ final reunion tour in 2022 due to health reasons, his music continues to inspire new generations of artists. His legacy endures not only through his timeless hits but also through his contributions to film soundtracks, such as Disney’s Tarzan.
Phil Collins Net Worth 2025
Phil Collins has an estimated net worth of $350 million. In 2015, he purchased a lavish 11,000-square-foot waterfront mansion in Miami for $33 million. He later listed the property for $40 million in December 2020, ultimately selling it for $39 million to private equity billionaire Orlando Bravo. Regarding the sale, Collins mentioned that his ex-wife, Orianne Cevey, refused to leave the house unless she was paid $20 million, despite receiving a $45 million divorce settlement. Collins also owns property in England.
