From: "Colin Kilgour" Date: Mon Oct 14, 2002 2:51 am Subject: Born To Be With You : Cliff Richard CLIFF RICHARD (by Colin Kilgour) Cliff Richard, born Harry Rodger Webb, 14 October 1940, Lucknow, India, of British parentage (now Sir Cliff Richard) Bear with me readers ....... this is a loooooonnggg career, so it takes a little telling Cliff Richard has been a musical icon for more than four decades and is indisputably Britain's most successful solo vocalist. When he burst into prominence on the music scene in 1958, his raw teenage energy was a breath of fresh air, establishing him as Europe's first authentic rock 'n' roll star. Some have judged the sound of Cliff and his backing group to be a little too sterile in the studio but it did have a dynamism lacking in virtually all the competition, at the time, on this side of the pond. 44 years and a staggering 250 million record sales later incl. more than 80 charted hits, Cliff continues to delight his fans with new music and spectacular live performances. Indeed it is impossible to think of any British entertainer who has spanned the years and the generations and had more hits all over the world than this unique and much loved man. 1940 Lucknow, India was a garrison town and home of an Indian division which was fighting for Britain in the western desert. By the time the family moved to Calcutta, the Webb family numbered five, with Harry's sisters Donella (known fondly as Donna) and Jacqueline. 1948 It was when India gained independence that the Webbs chose to move to England and in the Autumn of 1948 when Harry was nearly 8, they boarded S.S. Ranghi and sailed to Tilbury. Joan, Harry's 3rd sister was born just before the family moved to Cheshunt, Herts. 1955 Harry discovers Elvis and his sister Donna and he become big fans of the King. In these early days, a significant step in the growth of his ambition to become a pop singer was the day in 1957 he went to see a stage show by Bill Haley and the Comets. Harry would never forget that special night, when he and his friends were overwhelmed with excitement. The electrifying performance and the fantastic acceptance of the teenagers convinced him to pursue a career in singing. 1958 The first group he had joined whilst at school had been the 'Quintones' then he moved onto The Dick Teague Skiffle Group. He left to form The Drifters and early in 1958 following a suggestion by their manager, Johnny Foster, Harry Webb became Cliff Richard. The Planets had been a name suggested for his backing group. However The Drifters they became, unaware that in the U.S.A there was a famous soul group of the same name. The Drifters with Hank B. Marvin and Bruce Welch, were joined by guitarist Ian Samwell after an appearance at Soho's famous 2is Coffee Bar and eventually they changed their name to The Shadows, losing Ian en route. Cliff was signed by EMI to their Columbia label on August 9th. His first single (written by Samwell and released August 29th) has remained an all-time classic - "Move It" reached No. 2 in the British charts, although the tame Schoolboy Crush (covering Bobby Helms) was intended as the 'A' side. Cliff made his television debut on September 13th and began his first UK tour on October 5th. It was not long before film parts were being discussed. Cliff is guided by record producer Norrie Paramor. He appears on the Oh Boy Show. The eccentric Jack Good, the show's producer, sees Cliff's enormous potential and guides Cliff away from being just another carbon copy of Elvis. Cliff joins The Kalin Twins on their tour of England. 1959 Livin' Lovin' Doll / Steady With You then Mean Streak / Never Mind are released after which Cliff has two million selling No.1 hits, Living Doll and Travellin' Light, songs which see him broaden his career to family entertainer. He was involved with two films: "Serious Charge" in which he played the part of young delinquent and "Expresso Bongo" playing a drummer tipped for stardom. The then major British teen music paper - New Musical Express - gave Cliff his first award - fans had voted him "Best New Singer". Britain made him "Show Business Personality of the Year". This year also sees the release of his first albums 'Cliff' (4) and 'Cliff Sings' (2). 1960 Cliff makes his first tour of America. Heading the bill are Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell and Clyde McPhatter and Cliff appears on the Pat Boone show. Also in his first Royal Variety Show before the Queen. There were TV specials, more awards and a season at the famous London Palladium. Please Don't Tease goes to No.1 and in a handful of years Cliff has sold an amazing 5.5 million singles. Other single titles incl. A Voice In The Wilderness, Fall In Love With You, Willie And The Hand Jive, Nine Times Out Of Ten, 'D' In Love and I Love You (also a No. 1) 1961 At a cost of 10,000 pounds, an enormous sum in those days, Cliff buys out his own film contract so that he is free to do his own movies. He filmed "The Young Ones" which is a runaway success becoming the second biggest box office hit of that year. He became an international star and toured in many parts of the world while his backing group - The Shadows - were fast becoming stars in their own right. Cliff appears in his first T.V. series for ATV 1962 Filmed 'Summer Holiday' which meant he had to learn to drive a London red double Decker bus. Filmed in 5 countries, Cliff travelled over 3,000 miles! The single The Young Ones enters the charts at No.1 and goes on to sell a million He also wins Variety Club's Showbiz Personality of the Year. Jet Harris Leaves The Shadows and is replaced by Brian 'Liquorice' Locking. Cliff visits Graceland, but Elvis is in California filming so they do not meet. Other single releases: 'I'm Looking Out Of The Window' (2) and 'It'll Be Me' (2) 1963 Summer Holiday is another box office hit and the single hits No.1 on the British Charts. Other singles incl. 'The Next Time' (1) and 'Don't Talk To Him' (2). This year and 1965 saw trips to the USA which included appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show. Although this was the year that Beatlemania began, Cliff stole the limelight when "Summer Holiday" was premiered on January 10th - huge crowds prevented him reaching the cinema on time. He embarked on another tour, playing in Kenya and Spain amongst many other countries. 1964 Cliff still remains popular despite the emergence of The Beatles and Merseysound. Cliff and The Shadows perform at The Olympia in Paris. Cliff starred in the film 'Wonderful Life' filmed in north-west Africa and had singles incl. : 'I'm The Lonely One' (8), 'On The Beach' (7), and 'I Could Easily Fall In Love With You' (9). He had five Top 10 hits in the UK singles charts (compared to the Beatles' three) and although it was The Beatles who made the headlines, Cliff held his own as a British pop star. He ended the year by starring in a pantomime, "Aladdin And His Wonderful Lamp". 1965 Cliff voted 'World's Top Male Singer' by readers of NME, beating Elvis and The Beatles. These were the days when hit albums and singles were really churned out and 1965 saw FOUR albums. Singles incl. 'The Minute You're Gone ' his eighth No.1 single and 'The Time In Between' Cliff sells his private companies for a sum that is said to make him a millionaire. Although he talked about growing Christian awareness and was attending church regularly, few realised the major change it would make to him as a person and, to his career. 1966 Cliff and The Shadows begin their first season in cabaret at London's Talk of The Town. Cliff talks about quitting pop and becoming a teacher. At a Billy Graham rally at Earl's Court, Cliff declares his Christian faith to a packed audience much to the dismay of his fans who thought that it was the end of his career. This is probably the major turning point in his life. Singles incl. 'Blue Turns To Grey' (15), 'Time Drags By' (10) and 'In The Country' (6) and the following year 'It's All Over (9) 'The Day I Met Marie' (10) and 'All My Love' (6). 1968 Cliff represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest with 'Congratulations' where he lost the coveted top position by just 1 point to Spain's La La La. As a consolation, the sale of the single, which reached number 1, gave Cliff his 5 gold disc. It was also his 10 anniversary in show business. 1969 Cliff &The Shadows split. The best single was 'Throw Down A Line' (7) 1970 Cliff releases landmark 50th single Goodbye Sam, Hello Samantha which enters the top ten. Cliff speaks out against the permissive society and is praised by Mary Whitehouse. 1971 Cliff receives the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Services to British Music and stars in his own TV show running for the first three months of this year. Song of Freedom is banned in South Africa. 1973 Cliff represented Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest with 'Power To All Our Friends' but again failed to win, coming third. With Johnny Cash and Billy Graham, Cliff appears at Wembley in a Spiritual Re-Emphasis concert. 1974 Cliff reunite to do a series of shows at palladium in honour of Colin Chapman, the late producer of Top of the Pops. 1976 This year saw Cliff return to the charts with a highly successful album 'I'm Nearly Famous' (5) . Spawning his much loved single 'Miss You Nights' (15) and the ever-popular 'Devil Woman' (9) which also gave Cliff his biggest hit in the USA at 3. 1977 Cliff published his autobiography "Which One's Cliff?" 1978 Cliff and The Shadows reunite to do a series of 20th Anniversary concerts at the London Palladium. Associated album hits No.5 on the charts. He sings at the 10th annual Tear Fund concert at the Albert Hall. 1979 Cliff reached the magical 10th number 1 with 'We Don't Talk Anymore' (his first number one single since 1968) and this climbs to No.7 on the US charts. He also celebrated 21 years with his record company EMI 1980 Cliff is 40! A great year for record sales with a successful album 'I'm No Hero' (4) and a couple of hit singles; 'Carrie' (4) and a duet with his good friend Olivia Newton John 'Suddenly' (15). Year made even more special by receiving his O.B.E from the Queen at Buckingham Palace. 1981 Another successful year for record sales with 3 singles; 'A Little In Love' (15), 'Wired For Sound' (4) and 'Daddy's Home' (2). Makes a gruelling seven week coast to coast tour of America and Canada. In Hollywood £40,00 pounds worth of equipment were stolen. Cliff starts dating tennis star Sue Barker. 1982 Cliff begins a two month world tour to Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, LA and New York. 1983 In the spring, Cliff does another tour to The Far East. Takes a gospel Tour across Europe. 1984 Cliff and the Shadows are reunited again albeit for specific concert dates only 1986 'Time' - The smash hit futuristic musical premiered at the Dominion Theatre, London and broke all box office advance booking records as Cliff's year long run completely sold out. Cliff's involvement in 'Time' meant little time for anything else but he still managed to re-record 'Living Doll ' as a charity single for Comic Relief with The Young Ones, which went straight to number 1, 27 years after it was last No.1! The single 'All I Ask Of You' (3) - with composer's wife Sarah Brightman, comes from musical (not his) Phantom of the Opera 1988 A 47 date UK tour and 200,000 tickets sold out within 72 hours of going on sale, ensured Cliff's popularity was as strong as ever. Cliff released his 99th single - a Christmas single - 'Mistletoe and Wine' which topped the charts and became the biggest selling single of the year. His 30th year in show business ended spectacularly with his single, album 'Private Collection ' and video all hitting the top spot simultaneously. Cliff starts a search for a star tennis scheme for youngsters in order to find a British Wimbledon Champion. Private Collection is No.1 and becomes his highest selling album of all time. 1989 The year of Cliff's 100th single release 'The Best Of Me' (2) - the first British artist to ever release as many singles. Releases his 53rd album 'Stronger' (7) 1989 Cliff celebrates his thirty years in show business with two sell-out Wembley Stadium shows performing to 144,000 people. Stars on Band Aid's hit Do They Know It's Christmas. 1990 Cliff does a huge tour of Australia and New Zealand. Celebrates his 50th Birthday but only for a short time as he prepares of another UK tour. With audiences totalling some 420,000, Cliff becomes the only artist to have filled the 12,000 capacity N.E.C and Wembley Arena halls for 14 and 18 concerts respectively within a single tour. Singles for the year incl. 'Silhouettes' (10) and 'From A Distance' (11) and the Christmas chart topper 'Saviours Day'. 1991 Cliff's main project of 1991 was a gospel charity tour. Toured Australia and New Zealand again. 1992 Introduces 'Cliff's Tennis Trail' to Primary schools in U.K. towns during the summer months to introduce the game to youngsters who might otherwise never pick up a racquet. Toured Britain with the Access All Areas Tour 1993 A new publication of a biography written by rock writer Steve Turner (CR The Biography) 1994 The musical of Wuthering Heights, 'Heathcliff' was conceived and much of this year was taken up in the planning of this venture that was very close to Cliff's heart. The opening was scheduled for the autumn of 1996. 1995 The Hit List Tour takes Cliff through South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Worldwide ticket sales for this tour exceeded half a million. After returning from his tour, Cliff takes part in the VE Day celebrations. October 25th - Cliff Richard receives his Knighthood from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for his services to charity 1996 His musical 'Heathcliff' opened to full houses and standing ovations and great interest from the world's media about Cliff playing the dark and evil character. Many speculated that Cliff could not carry off such a man but as usual, Cliff proved his doubters wrong and played Heathcliff with his heart and soul, enjoying the chance to be 'so wicked' 1997 'Heathcliff' continued touring until it finally closed in London in May. The video of the show stayed at the top of the charts for 8 weeks. 1998 The new studio album 'Real As I Wanna Be' charted at number 10 and the single release 'Can't Keep This Feeling In' charted at 10 also despite the fact that radio stations world wide were refusing to play Cliff any longer. Cliff released the single under a 'white label' and clubs were playing the much-liked song, (to Cliff's delight) despite the fact that hadn't realised who was singing. As soon as the story broke, the single released under the 'Black Knight' record label (Cliff's own), was dropped like a hot brick. This year also marked Cliff's 40th anniversary in show-business kicked off with a sell-out tour of Australia and New Zealand, followed towards year end with a sell out run of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. Tickets sold within 48 hours of the box office opening. Cliff's popularity was as strong, if not stronger than ever before. 1999 After completing the box office smash run of 32 sold out concerts, Cliff was awarded to mark this amazing achievement. Cliff launched his controversial 'Millennium Prayer' single, which despite little or no airplay, and backed by a series of huge media campaigns which were launched by accident as Virgin Radio's Chris Evans had trashed the song on air, Cliff reached the coveted number 1 slot again. The 14th in his career! There was no way that Cliff would let the new Millennium arrive quietly - a series of ten 'Countdown' concerts, culminating in a charity gala spectacular on 31 December, all at Birmingham's NIA, made for a frantically busy end to the year. 2000 A sabbatical year throughout 2000 - when Cliff hit 60 - seemed massively deserved. For the first time in his long, long career, Cliff took the hole year off. Cliff did as he pleased and loved it! He spent time at his villa in Portugal enjoying the weather and contemplating life in general. However, the year's highlight was a 60th birthday celebration at the Grosvenor House Hotel, which ended with a memorable week's cruise in the Mediterranean with 80 close friends and family. 2001 Cliff began the year by laying down tracks for his new album 'Wanted' produced by old friend and ever successful, Alan Tarney. Cliff had spent his sabbatical devising the album which was a mix of old and new songs. The first single from the album was to be a unique mix of the classics 'Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World' (12). The album reached number 11 when released. During May a series of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall was, as usual, a huge success. It was clear that people had missed him during his year off. His schedule, less hectic than the past years, also included trips to Portugal, Barbados, Italy, France and America However, after a long summer break, he returned to a hectic schedule of media promotion for his new Wanted album, both in the UK and in Europe, including the filming of a major television special 'The Hits I Missed' for ITV. Work began on his new mansion in Barbados with the house sufficiently complete to enable him to spend his first Christmas out of the UK in years, taking with him many of his family and friends 2002 'Let Me Be The One' (12) was the second single to be released off the 'Wanted' album. Cliff was seen to be heavily promoting it, but without the airplay from the radios, it seems that getting large hits is becoming increasingly more difficult for him - despite the fact he is not going to retire. The fact that the single entered the charts just outside the top 10 is proof that Cliff still has a huge army of fans - a fact in which he finds great comfort. Cliff appeared in the Queen's Golden Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace in June and will be starts a world tour beginning with the UK in November. Tickets for the shows sold like hotcakes again, with people camping outside the venues for up to two weeks prior to the release date in order to secure their best seats. How's that for career longevity? Cliff spends as much time abroad as he can afford; overseeing his new wine crop in Portugal for the release of his own-labelled wine later this year and the completion of his house in Barbados. Whilst we didn't expect the day to arrive, time (the real deal not the musical) is at last catching up with the hitherto seemingly ageless entertainer. Cliff has recorded several duets and two I commend to you are Slow Rivers with Elton John and especially, the superb She Means Nothing to Me with Phil Everly. The latest albums although very competent, don't contain much to compel repeat plays. It can't be him can it ...maybe he just needs some decent new writers?? The SAO years produced the best stuff! Rodger and out: Recommended Listening: any one of dozens of compilations but with the SAO years in mind .......... Rock 'N' Roll 1958-1963 4 CD box set or for a single CD The Rock 'N' Roll Years and Cliff & The Shadows, Live at the ABC Kingston 1962 6 CD box set The Singles Collection Books: as mentioned in text + 'Celebration' Websites: http://www.cliffrichard.org/index1.html http://www.sir-cliff.com/ http://www.cliffrichard.com/ Colin Kilgour: