“Sir Cliff Richard: British Music Legend, Storied Career, Chart-Topping Hits, Enduring Influence, Captivating Audiences Worldwide in a Dynamic Journey.”
Born Name : Harry Rodger Webb
Born : 14 October 1940 (age 83)
Place : Lucknow, United Provinces, British India
Citizenship : United Kingdom ; Barbados
Occupations : Singer ; Song writer ; Actor
Years active : 1958–Present
Genres :
Rock and roll pop rockabilly ; pop rock ; CCM
About
Cliff Richard OBE, born Harry Rodger Webb in 1940, is a British singer and actor known for selling over 21.5 million singles in the UK. He ranked third in the history of the UK Singles Chart after the Beatles and Elvis Presley in 2002.
Originally marketed as a rebellious rock and roll artist akin to Presley and Little Richard, Richard, along with his group, the Shadows, dominated the British music scene in the late 1950s to early 1960s. His 1958 hit single, “Move It,” is considered Britain’s first authentic rock and roll track. His career spanned 65 years, earning numerous awards and records, including 67 UK top ten singles and 14 UK No. 1 singles.
By the late 1990s, Richard’s global record sales surpassed 250 million, making him one of the best-selling music artists ever. Despite eight US Top 40 singles, including hits like “Devil Woman” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” he didn’t achieve the same success in the United States. He continues to maintain a strong fan base in various countries and shifted between residences in Barbados, Portugal, and New York.
Cliff Richard remains a revered figure in music, film, and television, captivating audiences worldwide for over six decades.
Biography
1940–1958: Childhood and adolescence
Cliff Richard, born Harry Rodger Webb on October 14, 1940, entered the world in Lucknow, British India. His parents, Rodger Oscar Webb and Dorothy Marie Dazely, worked for the Indian Railways and later relocated to Britain due to unrest after Direct Action Day.
Growing up in Maqbara near Hazratganj, the Webb family moved to England in 1948 aboard the SS Ranchi. They transitioned from a comfortable life in India to settling in Carshalton, then Waltham Cross, and finally Cheshunt. Harry attended various schools in Surrey and Hertfordshire, completing his education at Cheshunt Secondary Modern School.
Despite leaving school, Harry pursued further education and worked as a filing clerk for Atlas Lamps. His musical journey started with a passion for scuffle.
1958–1963: Success and stardom
Harry Webb, later known as Cliff Richard, led the rock and roll group, the Drifters (distinct from the US group). Renamed “Cliff Richard” by entrepreneur Harry Greatorex, the group debuted in 1958 and gained attention with hits like “Move It.” They transitioned to “Cliff Richard and the Drifters,” and “Move It” soared to No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
Initially likened to Britain’s Elvis, Richard’s early performances mirrored Elvis’s style. Hits like “Living Doll” marked the Drifters backing Richard. The group evolved, changing members and becoming “The Shadows,” collaborating with Richard on his hits.
Richard’s music shifted to softer sounds, yielding hits like “Travellin’ Light” and “A Voice in the Wilderness.” The Shadows pursued independent recordings, securing their own successes.
Though touring the US and appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show, Richard and The Shadows faced challenges gaining lasting recognition in America. Yet, in the UK, they thrived, starring in iconic films like “The Young Ones” and “Summer Holiday,” cementing Richard’s status as a significant pop entertainer during the 1960s.
1964–1975: Changing circumstances
Cliff Richard’s career encountered the Beatles’ emergence and the rise of the Mersey sound in 1963 and 1964, impacting his popularity. Despite ongoing chart success in the 1960s, particularly in the UK, he didn’t experience the same level of acclaim as before. He struggled to gain traction in the US market and wasn’t regarded as part of the British Invasion, although he did secure a few Hot 100 hits.
In 1964, Richard embraced evangelical Christianity, significantly influencing his career. Initially contemplating leaving rock ‘n’ roll, he opted to continue with advice from Christian friends. Balancing secular and Christian music, he participated in Christian performances and recording while still collaborating with the Shadows.
In 1965, Richard’s streak of consecutive top ten UK hits concluded with “On My Word,” marking 23 successful hits.
He continued to achieve international success, including the hit “The Day I Met Marie” in 1967. Acting in the film “Two a Penny” and singing for the Eurovision Song Contest with “Congratulations” also marked this period.
Post the Shadows’ split in 1968, Richard pursued a solo career, delving into television hosting and shows. He starred in his program, “It’s Cliff Richard,” and engaged in various musical collaborations, including duets with Olivia Newton-John.
His involvement in Eurovision, both as a contestant and presenter, showcased his multifaceted talents. Additionally, he had roles in films like “Take Me High” in 1973. Notably, his 1973 performance of the British Eurovision entry, “Power to All Our Friends,” earned him third place.
1976–1994: Renaissance
In 1976, Cliff Richard’s career took a significant turn when Bruce Welch revamped his image as a rock artist, producing the album “I’m Nearly Famous.” This release featured “Devil Woman,” Richard’s first major success in the United States, alongside the ballad “Miss You Nights.”
Melody Maker’s Geoff Brown hailed the album as Richard’s revival, exciting fans and garnering support from music icons like Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Elton John, thrilled to see Richard return to his rock roots.
Despite this shift, Richard continued to weave contemporary Christian music into his repertoire. Albums like “Small Corners” from 1978 featured Christian-themed tracks like “Yes He Lives.” In 1976, he performed “Hey, Mr. Dream Maker” on BBC1’s A Jubilee of Music, celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee.
In 1979, Richard collaborated with Bruce Welch again for the pop hit “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” a chart-topper in the UK and a breakthrough in the US. This success marked Richard’s presence across four decades on the Hot 100. Collaborating with artists like Kate Bush and Olivia Newton-John, Richard solidified his position in the music scene.
The 1980s saw Richard’s significant success in the US with hits like “Carrie,” “Dreamin’,” and “Suddenly.” His music videos for these tracks were among MTV’s initial plays upon its launch. Concurrently, his UK chart presence remained strong, with tracks like “Carrie” earning praise for its atmospheric quality.
In 1980, Richard officially changed his name to Cliff Richard and received the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to music and charity. He maintained his chart dominance with hits like “Wired for Sound” and “Daddy’s Home.”
Richard’s versatility extended to collaborations and theatrical roles. He teamed up with The Young Ones for a charity re-recording of “Living Doll” and starred in Dave Clark’s musical “Time.” His musical endeavors continued to flourish, releasing albums like “Always Guaranteed” in 1987, his best-selling album to date.
Richard’s 1988 Christmas single “Mistletoe and Wine” topped the charts, coinciding with the success of the compilation “Private Collection.” In 1989, he marked a milestone as the first British artist to release a hundred singles with “The Best of Me.” This achievement and his contribution to music earned him the Brits’ “The Outstanding Contribution award.” Richard’s influence spanned various concerts, including the mammoth event “The Event” at Wembley Stadium and the charity concert at Knebworth Park, raising millions for causes.
1995–2007: Knighthood
In June 1995, Cliff Richard was knighted, marking the first time a rock star received such an honor. He showcased his showmanship in 1996, leading Wimbledon’s Centre Court crowd in song during a rain delay. In the late ’90s, he co-founded the record label “Blacknight” with Clive Black, demonstrating radio resistance by anonymously releasing his remix “Can’t Keep This Feeling In” until his identity was unveiled. The single later charted at No. 10 when released under his name as part of the album “Real as I Wanna Be.”
In 1999, Richard faced radio reluctance again when his label declined to release “The Millennium Prayer.” Released independently, it topped the UK chart for three weeks, becoming his most recent No.1 single. His subsequent projects included the covers album “Wanted” in 2001 and “Cliff at Christmas,” which blended new and older recordings, featuring the hit “Santa’s List” reaching No. 5 in 2003.
Venturing to Nashville in 2004, Richard crafted “Something’s Goin’ On,” spawning three UK top-20 singles: the title track, “I Cannot Give You My Love” with Barry Gibb, and “What Car.” “Love… The Album,” released in November 2007, offered a mix of previously released and new tracks, including “When I Need You,” released as a single that peaked at No. 38. The album itself reached No. 13.
2008–present: 50th anniversary and Shadows reunion
In 2008, marking his 51st year in music, Cliff Richard commemorated his enduring career with the release of the expansive eight-CD box set, “And They Said It Wouldn’t Last (My 50 Years in Music).” Celebrating his golden anniversary in pop music, the single “Thank You for a Lifetime” soared to No. 3 on the UK music charts.
By November 2008, an exciting reunion was in the works: Cliff Richard and the Shadows reunited to honor their 50 years in the music industry, performing together at the Royal Variety Performance. This collaboration extended into 2009 with the “Golden Anniversary concert tour of the UK.
His musical diversity shone through in subsequent years with the release of the soulful album “Soulicious” in 2011, followed by a significant appearance at the Diamond Jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace in 2012 and his involvement in the Olympic torch relay that same year.
Richard actively campaigned for extending copyright on sound recordings in the UK, ensuring the legacy of his music. His career continued to thrive, marked by milestones like the release of his 100th album, “The Fabulous Rock ‘n’ Roll Songbook,” in November 2013.
Despite setbacks, such as the cancelled Morrissey concert in 2014, Richard persisted in entertaining his fans. His 2015 tour across the UK, including a notable stint at London’s Royal Albert Hall, received acclaim from critics, reaffirming his enduring presence in the music scene. In 2022, he graced the 2022 Wimbledon Championships with a performance of his 1963 hit “Summer Holiday,” further cementing his iconic status in the music industry.
Personal life
Throughout life, Cliff Richard encountered diverse relationships that shaped his personal journey but remained a lifelong bachelor. His father’s 1961 passing had a profound impact, regretting his absence during career milestones. His mother’s decade-long Alzheimer’s battle was a tough period for the family.
In a revealing 1961 letter to former girlfriend Delia Wicks, Richard expressed the conflict between music career, family duties, and a lasting relationship. He briefly romanced Una Stubbs and considered marrying Jackie Irving but prioritized his career.
Richard emphasized career, family, and faith over romantic pursuits. His link with tennis champion Sue Barker drew public attention but didn’t lead to marriage. Persistent rumors about his sexuality troubled him, clarifying he wasn’t gay and attributing his single status to career demands. Though not creating his own family, Richard valued his role in his extended family, witnessing and celebrating his sisters’ milestones. His career and artistic pursuits allowed him freedom to dedicate himself wholly.
Awards
Brit Awards
1977: Best British male solo artist
1982: Best British male solo artist
1989: Lifetime achievement: Outstanding contribution to music
TV Times
1980: Most Exciting Male Singer on TV
1987: Best Male Singer
1989: Favourite Singer
The Sun Reader Polls
1970: Male Pop Personality
1971: Top Male Pop Personality
1972: Top Male Pop Personality
