Phil Collins wins songwriting award

Phil Collins, one of the honoured recipients at the Songwriters Hall of Fame gala, said he hopes such accolades are not a sign that people think he is at the end of his career - or life!

Collins said on the red carpet that when artists his age start winning awards, “you think people have been in touch with the doctors”.

Collins was honoured with the Johnny Mercer Award, named after the legendary songwriter and founder of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Collins said he takes the award seriously, like an Oscar or a Grammy.

This year’s inducted songwriters include Leonard Cohen, Jackie DeShannon, David Foster, and Earth Wind & Fire.

Young songwriters were also recognised, with Taylor Swift receiving the Hal David Starlight Award.