Biography
Who is Cliff Richard?
Early life and real name
Cliff Richard was born Harry Rodger Webb on October 14, 1940. His birthplace was Lucknow, British India, at King George's Hospital. His father, Rodger Oscar Webb, worked for a catering contractor for the Indian Railways. His mother was Dorothy Marie Dazely. The family lived in a modest home in Maqbara.
Following Indian independence in 1948, the family moved to Britain. They traveled by sea to Tilbury, Essex, on the SS Ranchi. The family eventually settled in a council house in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. Harry Webb attended Kings Road Junior Mixed Infants School and later Cheshunt Secondary Modern School. He finished his formal education in 1957 and briefly worked as a clerk for Atlas Lamps.
Musical beginnings and stardom
During his teenage years, he developed an interest in skiffle music. His father purchased a guitar for him when he was 16. In 1957, he started a vocal group called The Quintones and later performed with the Dick Teague Skiffle Group. Soon after, he became the lead singer for a rock and roll band called the Drifters.
An entrepreneur named Harry Greatorex advised him to adopt a stage name. He chose Cliff because it sounded like rock, and his bandmate Ian Samwell suggested the surname Richard to honor Little Richard. The group performed at the Regal Ballroom in 1958. Their debut session produced the song Move It, which became a significant hit. John Lennon later identified this track as the first authentic British rock record.
Career achievements and records
Cliff Richard dominated the UK music scene in the late 1950s and early 1960s with his backing band, the Shadows. He achieved numerous hits, including Living Doll, Travellin' Light, and Please Don't Tease. Over his extensive career, he amassed many gold and platinum discs.
He holds a record with Elvis Presley for charting in the first six decades of the UK singles charts. He achieved 14 number-one singles in the United Kingdom. Three of his songs reached the top spot during the Christmas season: I Love You, Mistletoe and Wine, and Saviour's Day. He also participated in the 1989 Band Aid II recording. His awards include multiple Ivor Novello and Brit Awards.
Film and later career
Beyond his music, Cliff Richard pursued a successful career on screen. He appeared in films such as Expresso Bongo, The Young Ones, Summer Holiday, and Wonderful Life. He also hosted his own television programs on ITV and the BBC.
By the mid-1960s, his musical style shifted toward a softer sound, and he occasionally recorded contemporary Christian music. Although he never achieved the same level of popularity in the United States, he maintained a strong following in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. He has lived in various locations, including Barbados and Portugal, before relocating to New York in 2019.
Birthday and age
Cliff Richard was born on October 14, 1940, which makes Cliff 86 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Cliff shares the date with 46 other famous people.
Explore more
