Phil Collins's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Phil Collins. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Phil Collins is a highly successful English musician, known as the drummer and later lead singer of the rock band Genesis and for his prolific solo career. During the 1980s, Collins achieved more US Top 40 singles than any other artist through his work with Genesis, collaborations, and solo releases. Notable hits include "In the Air Tonight," "Against All Odds," "One More Night," and "Another Day in Paradise," solidifying his status as a pop icon.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1975: The 1975 Championed Collins

In 1975 indie rock groups the 1975 championed collins. It is more likely 2010s as that is when they gained popularity and championing an artist is a retrospective action.

1984: Collaborations and Charity Work

In 1984, Phil Collins contributed to Philip Bailey's album Chinese Wall, including the duet "Easy Lover", which was successful in both the UK and the US. He also produced and played on tracks for Eric Clapton's Behind the Sun. Additionally, Collins participated in Band Aid, playing drums on "Do They Know It's Christmas?" for Ethiopian famine relief.

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February 1985: Release of 'No Jacket Required'

In February 1985, Phil Collins released his third album, No Jacket Required, which became a huge worldwide success, reaching number one in several countries and becoming the most successful album of his career.

1985: Commercial Success and Grammy Wins

In 1985, Phil Collins had three US number one songs, the most by any artist that year. No Jacket Required won three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, solidifying his success and impact on the music scene.

1985: Grammy Win and Academy Award Controversy

In 1985, Phil Collins won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male for "Against All Odds". Despite being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, he was not invited to perform it at the ceremony, leading to controversy.

1987: Grammy Award for Genesis

In 1987, Genesis received a Grammy Award, their only one, and a nomination for the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year for "Land of Confusion", highlighting the group's continued success and recognition.

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1987: Pop/Mainstream Rock Drummer of the Year

In 1987, Modern Drummer readers voted for Phil Collins as Pop/Mainstream Rock drummer of the year.

1987: Honorary doctorate of fine arts

In 1987, Phil Collins received an honorary doctorate of fine arts at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

February 1990: Performance and Award at the Brit Awards

In February 1990, Phil Collins performed "Another Day in Paradise" at the 1990 Brit Awards, where it won British Single of the Year.

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1990: ...But Seriously best-selling album in the UK

In 1990, Phil Collins's album ...But Seriously became the best-selling album in the UK.

1991: Pop/Mainstream Rock Drummer of the Year

In 1991, Modern Drummer readers voted for Phil Collins as Pop/Mainstream Rock drummer of the year.

1991: Honorary doctorate of music

In 1991, Phil Collins received an honorary doctorate of music at the Berklee College of Music.

1991: "Another Day in Paradise" wins Grammy Award

In 1991, Phil Collins's song "Another Day in Paradise" won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

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1993: Genesis wins American Music Award

In 1993, Genesis, featuring Phil Collins, won the American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo, or Group.

1994: Appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order

In 1994, Phil Collins was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) in recognition of his work on behalf of The Prince's Trust.

June 1999: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In June 1999, Phil Collins was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1999: Received star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 1999, Phil Collins received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1999: Oscar Win for "You'll Be in My Heart"

In 1999, Phil Collins won an Oscar for "You'll Be in My Heart", defeating "Blame Canada" from South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut.

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April 2000: High Court ruling on royalties

On 19 April 2000, the High Court in London ruled that two musicians would receive no more royalty money from Phil Collins. The amount that Collins was seeking was halved. This related to five tracks they were involved in, including the hit "Sussudio".

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2000: Big Band Drummer of the Year

In 2000, Phil Collins was voted as Big Band drummer of the year by Modern Drummer readers.

2000: Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for "You'll Be in My Heart"

In 2000, Phil Collins won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for "You'll Be in My Heart" from the movie Tarzan. He also performed at the ceremony and the Disney-themed Super Bowl halftime show.

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2003: Inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 2003, Phil Collins was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2004: Collins praised as a great vocalist

In 2004, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie and The Postal Service described Phil Collins as a "great vocalist", contributing to the growing appreciation of Collins among various artists and musicians.

2004: Collins recognized as an incisive songwriter

In 2004, J. D. Considine wrote in The New Rolling Stone Album Guide that despite his lumpen-pop appeal, Phil Collins is an incisive songwriter and resourceful musician, highlighting his talent beyond his mainstream popularity.

2005: Ranked Fifth Greatest Rock Drummer

In 2005, Planet Rock listeners voted Phil Collins the fifth greatest rock drummer in history, recognizing his contributions to the genre.

2007: Genesis Tour and VH1 Rock Honors

In 2007, Genesis, including Phil Collins, toured in Europe and North America, performed at the Live Earth concert in London, and were honored at the VH1 Rock Honors in Las Vegas.

May 2008: Sixth Ivor Novello Award

On May 22, 2008, Phil Collins received his sixth Ivor Novello Award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, receiving the International Achievement Award.

March 2010: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In March 2010, Phil Collins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis at a ceremony in New York City.

2010: Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as member of Genesis

In 2010, Phil Collins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis.

2010: Ranked Among Greatest Drummers

In 2010, Phil Collins was ranked number nine in a list of "The 20 greatest drummers of the last 25 years" by MusicRadar.

2011: Strong states Collins has undeniable talent

In 2011, Martin C. Strong stated that Phil Collins has had his fair share of mockers and critics over the years, but one thing is sure, and that is his dexterity and undeniable talent, highlighting his musical abilities.

May 2012: Honorary doctorate of history

On 12 May 2012, Phil Collins received an honorary doctorate of history at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, for his research and collection of Texas Revolution artefacts and documents.

2012: Appearance at brother's investiture ceremony

In 2012, Phil Collins attended his brother Clive's investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where Clive was awarded an MBE for services to art. Phil shared a memory of their childhood, noting Clive's early artistic talent.

2012: Induction into Hall of Fame

In 2012, Phil Collins was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

2012: Inducted into Modern Drummer Hall of Fame

In 2012, Phil Collins was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame.

2013: Inducted into Classic Drummer Hall of Fame

In 2013, Phil Collins was inducted into the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame.

2014: Voted Influential Progressive Rock Drummer

In 2014, readers of Rhythm voted Phil Collins the fourth most influential progressive rock drummer for his work on the 1974 Genesis album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.

2014: Diane Birch comments on Collins's music

In 2014, soul singer Diane Birch commented on Phil Collins's music, noting his ability to walk a fine line between cheesiness and sophistication, and praising his awesome production values and rich sound.