MAGDALERA JESSA L.

BACHELOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Cliff Richard is one of the UK’s most durable pop/rock stars –

gaining number one hits over five different decades. He has sold
over 260 million records and has achieved 14 number ones in five
consecutive decades – the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.

Cliff Richard rose to fame in the 1950s and cemented his position as
one of the leading rock acts before the advent of the Beatles.
Although the Beatles eclipsed his status, he maintained an enduring
appeal for many generations.

In the mid-1960s, he made a firm commitment to his Christian faith

and at one time considered giving up his rock career because it was detrimental to a spiritual life.
However, friends encouraged him to continue which he did, though much of his future work was
softer than his initial rock phase. In the 1980s and 1990s, he increasingly recorded songs with
explicitly Christian themes – these often proved very successful such as Mistletoe and Wine,
Saviours Day and Millennium Prayer – two of these were Christmas number ones.

Because of his Christianity, his records have not always been played on some radio stations
because he is considered un-cool. Cliff Richard observes that many histories of British pop
music fail to mention him, despite his status and impact
through five decades. Cliff Richard has said that his
lifestyle choice has, in a way, been a rare counterpoint to
the typical rock and roll lifestyle of sex, drugs and
alcohol.

Cliff Richard has been a lifelong bachelor. He currently

lives with John McElynn a former Roman Catholic
Priest; though he has denied he is gay and is supportive
of the idea of gay marriage. He once considered
marriage to tennis star Sue Barker.

Outside of music, Cliff is involved in numerous charities

and foundations. He donates 10% of his income to
charities, preferring charities involved in research into
better medical treatment.

He has also been involved in several films, of which, The Young Ones (1961) is perhaps best
known.
In 2014, Cliff Richard was the subject of false accusations which were later dismissed. However,
media coverage of the accusations and police interest caused considerable upset to Cliff Richard
who felt his name was tarnished by association.