Cliff Richard: Age, Songs, Career, and Personal Life of Britain’s “Peter Pan of Pop”
LONDON — Few names in British music history carry the weight and legacy of Sir Cliff Richard, the singer whose career has spanned more than seven decades and made him one of the best-selling artists of all time. With over 250 million records sold worldwide, Richard ranks as the UK’s third highest-selling singles artist, behind only The Beatles and Elvis Presley.
Early Life and Name Change
Born Harry Rodger Webb on October 14, 1940, in Lucknow, India, Richard’s early years were far removed from the glamour of the stage. His father, Rodger Oscar Webb, worked as a catering manager for the Indian Railways, while his mother, Dorothy Marie Dazely, kept the family home. After Indian independence in 1948, the Webb family moved to England, settling in Tilbury, Essex, after arriving aboard the SS Ranchi.
The young Harry’s life changed when, encouraged by entrepreneur Harry Greatorex, he adopted a stage name. “Cliff” was chosen to evoke the strength of a rock face, while “Richard” was suggested by songwriter Ian Samwell as a tribute to Little Richard, one of his heroes.
Career Highlights and Hit Songs
Richard’s first breakout came in 1959 with Living Doll, which became the best-selling single of that year in the UK. From there, he launched a remarkable career that bridged rock ’n’ roll, pop, disco, and inspirational music. Among his most celebrated songs:
-
The Young Ones (1962): A million-selling hit tied to his successful film of the same name.
-
Summer Holiday (1963): Another film theme, and one of his signature tunes.
-
Congratulations (1968): His Eurovision entry that lost by just one point but topped charts across Europe.
-
Devil Woman (1976): A rock-driven anthem and one of his biggest American hits.
-
We Don’t Talk Anymore (1979): A disco-influenced comeback that sold more than four million copies worldwide.
-
Mistletoe and Wine (1988): The year’s best-selling UK single, cementing Richard’s place as a Christmas chart favorite.
-
Saviour’s Day (1990): His 13th UK number one single and another festive classic.
-
The Millennium Prayer (1999): A controversial blend of The Lord’s Prayer and Auld Lang Syne that was banned on radio but still hit number one.
-
Wired for Sound (1981): A synth-driven pop single remembered for its roller-skating video.
Richard has scored 14 UK number one singles and remains the only artist to have charted hits in five consecutive decades.
Personal Life and Relationships
Known affectionately as the “Bachelor Boy,” Richard has never married, a fact that has intrigued fans for decades. In the early 1980s, he enjoyed a high-profile relationship with tennis champion Sue Barker, and he previously dated Australian dancer Delia Wicks. He has also admitted to having been in love with his close friend Olivia Newton-John during the 1970s.
Richard has often been reluctant to discuss his private life in detail, but in the late 1970s he publicly dismissed rumors about his sexuality, saying: “It’s untrue. People are very unfair with their criticism and their judgements. I’ve had girlfriends. But people seem to think that if a bloke doesn’t sleep around he must be gay.”
Since 2001, Richard has maintained a close friendship with John McElynn, a former American priest. In 2008, he described McElynn as a “companion,” noting that their bond was built on mutual support.
Legacy and Net Worth
Across his long career, Richard has sold millions of records, appeared in films and television specials, and built an enduring reputation as one of Britain’s most versatile entertainers. His annual Christmas releases became a national tradition, while his work with backing band The Shadows laid the groundwork for generations of pop acts.
According to The Richest, Sir Cliff Richard’s net worth is estimated at £70 million, reflecting not just his record sales but also his extensive touring and multimedia career.
At 83 years old, Richard remains one of the UK’s most beloved cultural icons — a figure whose music and faith have allowed him to transcend generations, earning him a permanent place in the soundtrack of British life.