Cliff Richard dominated the 50s and 60s music scene below a reputation he wasn’t born with.
Cliff Richard chnaged his title in maturity (Picture: Getty)
Cliff Richard burst into the highlight in 1958 along with his chart-topping single, Transfer It. Since then, the rock and roll icon has offered over 21.5 million singles within the UK and, as of 2026, is the third-most profitable artist in UK singles chart historical past, behind the Beatles and Elvis Presley. The 85-year-old has loved a profession spanning 65 years with success within the movie trade, together with Expresso Bongo, The Younger Ones, Summer time Vacation and Great Life, and his self-titled selection present on the BBC.
By the late 90s, Cliff had offered greater than 250 million information worldwide, making him one of many best-selling music artists of all time. Unbeknownst to many, the legend launched into his stage and TV profession below a stage title. Though he famously modified his title in 1995 after receiving a knighthood and have become Sir Cliff Richard, this isn’t his first title change.
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may occasionally embrace adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You may unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Cliff Richard shot to stardom in 1958 (Picture: Getty)
The truth is, his knighthood is technically connected to a very completely different title, although he modified it very early in his profession.
The younger Sir Cliff was born on October 14, 1940, as Harry Rodger Webb.
It seems his start title was not as rock and roll as a younger Sir Cliff needed to be, so he modified it after he began changing into well-known to emulate the style’s icon, whom he admired.
After a childhood in India, the place his father, Rodger, labored for an organization servicing the Indian Railways till 1948, however after the Indian independence his household returned to the UK.
They then settled in Essex after a protracted journey by sea, earlier than shifting to Hertfordshire, the place they lived collectively in a council residence.
Sir Cliff Richard modified his title publicly in 1995 (Picture: Getty)
After being impressed by the likes of Elvis, Little Richard and pursuing music with a band of schoolmates, Cliff adopted the brand new moniker as his profession took off, earlier than altering it by deed ballot in 1980.
The stage title was created by his bandmate and supervisor to offer him a punchier, rock-and-roll persona. The primary title, Cliff, was recommended by membership promoter Harry Greatorex as a pun on a cliff face, which is actually manufactured from rock.
He was the supervisor of The Shadows, who helped Cliff to search out fame as a youngster.
In the meantime, the title Richard got here from his band’s guitarist, Ian Samwell, in tribute to his musical hero, Little Richard.
Leave a Reply