Phil Collins bags prestigious Johnny Mercer song writing award

London: Phil Collins, former member of Genesis, has bagged the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame gala. This year`s inducted songwriters include Leonard Cohen, Jackie DeShannon, David Foster, and R&B band Earth Wind and Fire.

"For a songwriter, it`s a huge honour. I was very surprised when I got the news," the BBC quoted Collins as saying. The legendary musician said that that when organisers contacted him regarding the award, he thought he would be giving away the award, not receiving it. "That`s something that I never thought I`d be qualified to get, I still don`t think I`m qualified to get," he added. Previously, 59-year-old was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March. ANI