Today, 30 January 2026, the world celebrates 75 years of Phil Collins — a man whose music has echoed across stadiums, soundtracked blockbuster films, and touched generations with its honesty and emotional depth. Few artists have shaped modern pop culture quite like Collins, whose rare ability to blend musicianship, melody and raw storytelling has earned him a place among the most influential performers of all time.

Born in London in 1951, Collins began drumming as a child, long before he would go on to redefine rock and pop. His rise started with Genesis, evolving from drummer to lead vocalist after Peter Gabriel’s departure. Under his unmistakable voice, the band unlocked global success with hits like “Invisible Touch”, a song written during jam sessions that unexpectedly became their first U.S. No. 1.

“Sussudio,” one of his most upbeat hits, started as a playful nonsense word Collins used as a placeholder while experimenting on a drum machine. The placeholder stuck — and the song topped charts worldwide.

With “Another Day in Paradise,” Collins shifted into social commentary, writing about homelessness after being moved by people he saw sleeping rough near the studio. The song earned him a Grammy for Record of the Year, proving he could pair pop melodies with profound themes.

Collins also became a giant in film music. Writing and performing the soundtrack for Disney’s Tarzan, he composed the tender “You’ll Be in My Heart,” inspired by his daughter Lily — a song that earned him an Academy Award.

Over five decades, Collins has sold over 150 million records, won dozens of awards, and become one of the few artists to achieve massive success as both a band frontman and a solo act. Even as health challenges have limited his touring, his music remains timeless — a catalogue built on rhythm, heart, and humanity.

At 75, Phil Collins isn’t just a music legend — he’s the storyteller behind moments, memories and melodies that continue to shape lives worldwide.

References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Collins
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Collins_discography
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invisible_Touch_(song)
• https://americansongwriter.com/4-songs-you-didnt-know-phil-collins-wrote-for-other-artists/
• https://philcollins.com
• https://ew.com/phil-collins-under-24-hour-care-health-challenges-11889475