Cliff Richard Biography: Sir Cliff Richard, born Harry Rodger Webb on October 14, 1940, is a renowned British singer and actor. With over 21.5 million singles sold in the UK, he ranks as the third-best-selling artist in UK Singles Chart history, surpassed only by The Beatles and Elvis Presley (as of 2012). Initially promoted as a rebellious rock and roll artist in the mold of Presley and Little Richard, Richard rose to fame in the late 1950s with his backing band the Shadows, dominating the British music scene before the arrival of the Beatles. His 1958 debut hit “Move It” is widely considered Britain’s first authentic rock and roll record. In the early 1960s, he enjoyed a successful film and TV career, appearing in hit movies like The Young Ones, Summer Holiday, and Wonderful Life, and hosting his own BBC show.
Cliff Richard Biography
Cliff Richard made a sensational debut on the rock’n’roll scene in 1958 with his breakout hit “Move It,” quickly earning the title of Britain’s answer to Elvis Presley. He transitioned to film shortly after, starring in his first movie, Serious Charge (1959), followed by roles in Expresso Bongo (1959), Wonderful to Be Young! (1961), and the widely successful Summer Holiday (1963). The latter two films became major hits both in the UK and internationally, solidifying Cliff’s status as a global pop star. However, his 1964 film Swingers’ Paradise didn’t achieve the same level of success. He went on to appear in additional films including Finders Keepers (1966), Two a Penny (1967), and Take Me High (1973). Despite limited success in the United States, Cliff Richard has maintained strong popularity.
Cliff Richard Biography 2025 Details
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Harry Rodger Webb
14 October 1940 Lucknow, United Provinces, British India
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| Years active | 1958–present |
| Origin | London, England |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Cliff Richard
Sir Cliff Richard is a British singer and actor. He has total sales of over 21.5 million singles in the United Kingdom and, as of 2012, was the third-top-selling artist in UK Singles Chart history, behind the Beatles and Elvis Presley.
Cliff Richard Wiki
- Born: 14 October 1940 (age 84 years), Lucknow
- Music groups: The Shadows (1958 – 1968), Band Aid
- Full name: Harry Rodger Webb
- Height: 1.79 m
Early Life
Cliff Richard was born at King George’s Hospital in Lucknow, then part of British India, to Rodger Oscar Webb, a catering contractor for the Indian Railways, and Dorothy Marie Dazely. The family spent time in Howrah, West Bengal, before moving to Britain in 1948, following the unrest of Direct Action Day and Indian independence.
The family resided in Maqbara, near Hazratganj’s main shopping district. His maternal grandmother worked at La Martiniere Girls’ School. Richard had three sisters—Joan, Jacqui, and Donna (who passed away in 2016). He is predominantly of English descent, with one great-grandmother of mixed Welsh and Spanish heritage. Upon relocating to England aboard the SS Ranchi, the Webbs settled in Carshalton, Surrey, moving from relative comfort in India to more modest circumstances in the UK. Richard attended Stanley Park Juniors, a local primary school, during his early education.
Cliff Richard at a Glance
- Category: Richest Celebrities › Rock Stars
- Net Worth: £70 million
- Birthdate: October 14, 1940 (84 years old)
- Birthplace: Lucknow, India
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.79 m)
- Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Performer, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur
- Nationality: Barbadian (naturalized)
Career Beginnings
Inspired by American rock ’n’ roll, Cliff formed a group initially called The Drifters (later renamed The Shadows) and adopted the stage name Cliff Richard. His debut single “Move It” (1958) became a smash hit and is widely credited as Britain’s first authentic rock and roll record. The track launched him into instant stardom as the UK’s answer to Elvis Presley.
Throughout the late ’50s and ’60s, Cliff Richard and The Shadows dominated British pop music. Songs like “Living Doll,” “Summer Holiday,” and “The Young Ones” became cultural staples, and Cliff’s success extended to the big screen with starring roles in hit musicals. His charm and catchy tunes made him a household name across the UK and beyond.
Reinvention and Continued Success
While many of his early peers faded, Cliff successfully reinvented himself across multiple decades. In the ’70s and ’80s, he embraced a more contemporary pop sound with hits such as “Devil Woman” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” He remained relevant into the ’90s and 2000s with songs like “Saviour’s Day” and “The Millennium Prayer.” he recorded a duet with Olivia Newton-John titled “Suddenly” for the film Xanadu, which charted in the UK Top 20. Cliff later revealed he had romantic feelings for Newton-John in the 1970s but chose not to marry, stating that relationships were difficult to maintain alongside the demands of an artist’s life.
Personal Life & Philanthropy
A devout Christian since the 1960s, Cliff Richard has dedicated much of his time and wealth to charitable causes, especially those supporting underprivileged children. He’s known for his humility, deep faith, and for maintaining a private personal life. Though he has never married, his close friendships—such as with tennis star Sue Barker and former priest John McElynn—have been widely reported. In 1995, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, becoming Sir Cliff Richard. He has addressed longstanding speculation about his sexuality by saying, “If I was gay, would it make any difference?”
Properties and Estates
Portugal Estate: In the 1960s, Cliff bought a 30-acre farmhouse in Guia, later transforming it into a vineyard named Quinta do Moinho (“Windmill Farm”). The property, featuring a working windmill, was listed for $7 million in 2017 and later reduced to $5 million in 2022. Barbados Estate: Cliff owns a 2.6-acre beachfront estate in Barbados named Coral Sundown, located in the prestigious Sugar Hill Estate. In 2022, he listed it for $8.5 million. The property features exclusive amenities including access to a clubhouse, tennis courts, and 24-hour security.
What Is Cliff Richard’s Net Worth 2025?
Sir Cliff Richard is a legendary British singer, musician, actor, and philanthropist with a net worth of £70 million. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has sold over 260 million records worldwide and once held the title of the best-selling singles artist in UK history. Currently, he ranks third, behind only The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Cliff has scored at least one #1 single in every decade for 60 years—a record that underscores his enduring popularity. Despite limited success in the U.S., his song “We Don’t Talk Anymore” did break into the Billboard Top 40 in the 1980s.
FAQs
What was Cliff Richard’s first hit song?
Cliff Richard’s debut hit was “Move It” in 1958, which is often regarded as one of the first authentic British rock and roll songs. It launched his career and earned him comparisons to Elvis Presley.
What was Cliff Richard’s first movie appearance?
Cliff Richard made his film debut in Serious Charge (1959), where he played a supporting role that helped bridge his music fame into acting.
Which Cliff Richard films were the most successful?
Two of Cliff Richard’s most successful films were Wonderful to Be Young! (1961) and Summer Holiday (1963). Both were major box-office hits in the UK and internationally.
Did Cliff Richard continue making movies after the 1960s?
Yes, Cliff Richard continued his film career into the 1970s, appearing in titles like Two a Penny (1967) and Take Me High (1973), although they were not as commercially successful as his earlier works.
How many UK hit singles has Cliff Richard had?
Cliff Richard has had nearly 150 hit singles in the UK charts, making him one of the most charted artists in British music history.
Why didn’t Cliff Richard achieve major success in the U.S.?
Despite his massive popularity in the UK and other countries, Cliff Richard never reached the same level of fame in the United States, where his singles only occasionally broke into the Top 40.