Today’s artist has sold 33.5 million certified units in the US and an estimated 150 million records sold worldwide, making him one of the world's best-selling artists. He is also the second richest drummer in the world behind Ringo Starr from the Beatles.
He has played drums from the age of five and completed drama school training, which secured him various roles as a child actor. He then pursued a music career, joining Genesis in 1970 as their drummer and becoming lead singer in 1975 following the departure of Peter Gabriel.
He is one of only three recording artists, along with Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, who have sold over 100 million records both as solo artists and separately as principal members of a band.
The original singer of this song, Cindy Lauper, had a good friend who had recently died of AIDS when she heard the demo of the song. The song took on special meaning in the gay community, which is represented by a rainbow pride flag. Lauper, always a supporter of LGBTQ rights, was thrilled when the song resonated with that community.
Today’s song, as we mentioned, is a cover of a Cyndi Lauper song. A song that has been covered and recorded 142 times! Today’s version and the one that Justin Timberlake & Anna Kendrick did in 2016 Trolls soundtrack were the only ones that were commercially successful.
TODAY’s version was recorded in 1998 for our superstar drummer singer’s Greatest Hits compilation. His version was released as a single and became very popular on Adult Contemporary radio stations (like K103!).
What is he up to today? He and his band put their tour on hold for the pandemic but plan to hit the road again when it’s safe. Until then you can catch the 6 episode podcast “the A-Z of Phil Collins.”
It's True Colors, by Phil Collins. I Know That Song!
Listen to our new I Know That Song! podcast daily right here.