Take Me Home: A Phil Collins Retrospective

"Take me home tonight / Where I belong / I don't wanna be here anymore"

The Early Years: Genesis and Beyond

Phil Collins was born in London, England in 1951. He began playing drums at an early age and joined the progressive rock band Genesis in 1970. Collins became the lead vocalist in 1975 after Peter Gabriel left the band.

During his time with Genesis, Collins helped the band achieve commercial success with albums such as "Selling England by the Pound" (1973), "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" (1974), and "A Trick of the Tail" (1976). He also released several solo albums, including "Face Value" (1981) and "No Jacket Required" (1985).

The 1980s: Solo Superstardom

In the 1980s, Collins became one of the most successful pop stars in the world. His album "No Jacket Required" sold over 20 million copies worldwide and spawned the hit singles "In the Air Tonight," "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)," and "One More Night."

Collins continued to release successful albums throughout the decade, including "…But Seriously" (1989) and "Both Sides" (1993). He also collaborated with other artists, such as Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, and Robert Plant.

The 1990s: Personal Struggles and Creative Renewal

The 1990s were a difficult time for Collins. He divorced his first wife, Jill Tavelman, and struggled with alcoholism. He also disbanded Genesis in 1996 after a series of farewell concerts.

Despite his personal struggles, Collins continued to release music. He released his solo album "Dance into the Light" in 1996 and the Genesis album "Calling All Stations" in 1997. He also composed the score for the Disney animated film "Tarzan" (1999).

The 2000s: Reassessing His Legacy

In the 2000s, Collins began to reassess his legacy. He released a box set of his solo recordings in 2004 and embarked on a solo tour in 2005. He also reunited with Genesis for a series of concerts in 2007.

Collins has continued to release music and tour in recent years. His most recent solo album, "Going Back," was released in 2010 and featured covers of Motown classics.

The Impact of Phil Collins

Phil Collins is one of the most successful and influential pop stars of all time. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including eight Grammy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.

Collins' music has been praised for its catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and impeccable production. He has inspired a generation of musicians and continues to be one of the most popular artists in the world.

Phil Collins: By the Numbers

• 100 million records sold worldwide
• 8 Grammy Awards
• 2 Golden Globe Awards
• 5 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100
• 15 top-ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100
• 30 years as a solo artist

Tables

Table 1: Phil Collins' Solo Albums

Table 2: Phil Collins' Number-One Singles on the Billboard Hot 100

Table 3: Phil Collins' Grammy Awards

Table 4: Phil Collins' Golden Globe Awards