Collins Stunned By Hall Of Fame Honour

The former Genesis frontman will be presented with the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award, in recognition of his lyrical prowess on classics such as Against All Odds and In the Air Tonight, at a ceremony in New York on Thursday (17Jun10).

Collins admits he was taken aback by the honour - and initially assumed he was simply being called on to present the prize to another artist.

He tells the Associated Press, "That's something that I never thought I'd be qualified to get; I still don't think I'm qualified to get it."

The 59-year-old star was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003.

First-time Hall of Fame honorees on Thursday (17Jun10) will include Leonard Cohen, Earth, Wind & Fire, songwriter/producer David Foster and late reggae great Bob Marley.