Phil Collins honored by Songwriters Hall of Fame, which gives him with Johnny Mercer Award

Phil Collins honored by Songwriters Hall of Fame

NEW YORK — Phil Collins, one of the honored recipients at the Songwriters Hall of Fame gala, says that he hopes such accolades are not foreboding.

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

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

Collins says 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 also were recognized, with Taylor Swift receiving the Hal David Starlight Award.