Cliff's Biography

1940

October 14th - Harry Rodger Webb, born Lucknow, India. Lucknow was a garrison town and home of an Indian division which was fighting for Britian in the western desert. By the time the family moved to Calcutta, the Webb family was five, with Harry’s sisters Donella (known fondly as Donna) and Jacqueline.

1948

It was when India gained independence that the Webb’s chose to move to England and in the Autumn of 1948 and when Harry was almost 8 years old, they all boarded S.S. Ranghi and sailed to Tilbury. Joan, Harry’s 3rd sister was born just before the family moved to Hargreves Close in Cheshunt.
Schools Attended Stanley Park Road Primary School in Carshalton, Surrey, Kings Road Primary in Waltham Cross and Cheshunt Secondary Modern in Herts.
Became a Prefect at his secondary school and was a reliable right back in the county’s under 14 football team. He swam, played badminton and proved he was good at javelin by setting a school record which wasn’t broken for many years afterwards.
Harry stayed on in school and took his O-levels, passing in English.

1955

Harry discovers Elvis and his sister Donna and he become fans.

1958

Cliff Richard was ‘born’ when Harry changed his name by deed poll, thanks to Sammy Samwell. August 29th - ‘Move It’ released. Reached number 2 in the charts. September 13th - Cliff made his first TV debut. Also released ‘High Class Baby’ (7).

1959

Released ‘Living Doll’ and ‘Travellin’ Light’; both reached number 1. Made two films: ‘Serious Charge’ and ‘Expresso Bongo’ Also released ‘Livin’ Lovin’ Doll’ (20) and ‘Mean Streak’ (21) and his first albums ‘Cliff’ (4) and ‘Cliff Sings’ (2).

1960

Released ‘Please Don’t Tease’ and ‘I Love You’; both reached number 1. ‘I Love You’ was Cliff’s first CHRISTMAS number 1! Released album ‘Me And My Shadows’ (2). Also released singles; ‘Fall In Love With You’ (2) and ‘Nine Times Out Of Ten’ (3) Had first trip to USA to promote movies.

1961

Starred in movie ‘The Young Ones’ with the title track making number 1. Topped album charts with an album released to coincide with his 21st Birthday called “21 Today’. ‘Please Don’t Tease’ (1).

1962

Filmed ‘Summer Holiday’ which meant that Cliff had to learn to drive a London red double decker bus. Filmed in 5 countries, Cliff travelled over 3000 miles! Album released ’32 Minutes And 17 Seconds With Cliff Richard’ (3). Three single releases: ‘The Young Ones’ (1), ‘I’m Looking Out Of The Window’ (2) and ‘It’ll Be Me’ (2).

1963

January 10th – ‘Summer Holiday’ premiered. The album was released the same year as the film, reaching number 1. A second album ‘Cliff’s Hit Album’ reached number 2. 5 singles were released; ‘The Next Time’ (1), ‘Summer Holiday’ (1), ‘Lucky Lips’ (4), ‘It’s All In The Game’ (2) and ‘Don’t Talk To Him’ (2). Third album of the year – ‘When In Spain’ reached number 3.

1964

Cliff starred in the film ‘Wonderful Life’ and also starred in a Christmas pantomime ‘Aladdin And His Wonderful Lamp’. Another year with 5 singles: ‘I’m The Lonely One’ (8), ‘Constantly’ (4), ‘On The Beach’ (7), ‘The Twelfth Of Never’ (8) and ‘I Could Easily Fall In Love With You’ (9).

1965

Cliff voted ‘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: ‘Cliff Richard’ (9), ‘More Hits By Cliff Richard’ (20), ‘When In Rome’ and ‘Love Is Forever’ (19); together with FIVE singles: ‘The Minute You’re Gone’ (1), ‘Angel’ (Export), ‘On My Word’ (12), ‘The Time In Between’ (220 and ‘Wind Me Up (Let Me Go)’ (2). Cliff made 3 television specials and made another trip to the USA to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show.

1966

June 16th - Cliff announces to the world his new found faith in Christianity, much to the dismay of his fans who thought that it was the end of his career. However, it was quite the contrary! 1966 saw 2 albums; ‘Kinda Latin’ (9) and ‘Finders Keepers’ (6); and 4 singles; ‘Blue Turns To Grey’ (15), ‘Visions’ (7), ‘Time Drags By’ (10) and ‘In The Country’ (6). Cliff also released the movie ‘Finders Keepers’ and starred in pantomime ‘Cinderella’ at London’s Palladium Theatre. Cliff was also featured in the cult puppet show ‘Thunderbirds’.

1967

Cliff proved his fans completely wrong in their fear of him slowing down because of his faith and announced a new film deal ‘Two A Penny’. Also released were 3 albums; ‘Cinderella’ (30), ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ (23) and ‘Good News’ (37); and 4 top 30 singles; ‘It’s All Over (9), ‘I’ll Come Running’ (26), ‘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! The sale of the single, which reached number 1, gave Cliff his 5 gold disc. It was also his 10 anniversary in showbusiness! No slow down in the album releases; ‘Cliff In Japan’ (29), ‘Two A Penny’ and ‘Established’ (30); or in singles; ‘I’ll Love You Forever Today’ (27), ‘Marianne’ (22) and ‘Don’t Forget To Catch Me’ (21).

1969

Cliff and The Shadows split. Even though fans were disappointed, The Shadows had gained their own following and had had success with their own career. Cliff pursued his solo career and got every more involved with various Christian activities such as a six part gospel TV series for Tyne Tees Television. There were 3 album releases this year; ‘The Best Of Cliff’ (5), ‘Sincerely Cliff’ (24) and ‘It’ll Be Me’. No let up on the single front either; ‘Good Times’ (12), ‘Big Ship’ (8), ‘Throw Down A Line’ (7) and ‘With The Eyes Of A Child’ (20).

1970

This year saw Cliff voted ‘Mr Valentine’ and ‘Britain’s Best Dressed Star’. Cliff starred in his first serious acting role: ‘Five Fingered Exercise’. More albums that singles were released this year. His albums were: ‘Cliff Live at the Talk of The Town’, ‘About That Man’, ‘His Land’ and ‘Tracks 'n' Grooves’ (37). His singles: ‘Joy Of Living’ (25), ‘Goodbye Sam, Hello Samantha’ (6) and ‘Ain’t Got Time Anymore’ (21).

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. As popular as ever, Cliff is awarded ‘Top Male Singer’ by readers of NME. However his record making sees a change in that first the first time in his career, we see no album releases at all. There are 4 single releases however; ‘Sunny Honey Girl’ (19), ‘Silvery Rain’ (27), ‘Flying Machine’ (37) and ‘Sing A Song Of Freedom’ (13).

1972

Cliff was refused admittance into Singapore because his hair was too long and his 1971 single ‘Sing A Song Of Freedom’ was banned in South Africa and Mozambique. He hosted another 13 week series for the BBC and did a 26 date tour of the U.K. Just one album release this year; ‘The Best Of Cliff Richard Volume 2’ (49); and 3 single releases; ‘Jesus’ (35), ‘Living in Harmony’ (12) and ‘Brand New Song’. The latter of those three, ‘Brand New Song’ was Cliff’s first non charting single.

1973

Cliff represented Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest with ‘Power To All Our Friends’ and again failed to win for his country, coming third. The song became his biggest hit since his last Eurovision entry in 1968. He also starred in another film; ‘Take Me High’ which also spawned an album of the same name which reached just 41 in the charts. Cliff still released 3 singles though: ‘Power To All Our Friends’ (4), ‘Help It Along’ (29) and ‘Take Me High’ (27).

1974

Cliff hits the headlines with rumours that he’d had asked Olivia Newton-John to marry him – which he denied. To date Cliff had received 19 silver discs for singles selling in excess of 250,000 and 3 gold discs for singles selling more than one million copies. It was not a good year for his health and he suffered from bronchitis, laryngitis and back problems. However he did give a Gospel tour – reinforcing his Christian belief further. Just two album releases; ‘Help It Along’ and ‘The 31st Of February Street’. Surprisingly, there was just the one single release; ‘(You Keep Me) Hanging On’ (13).

1975

Cliff had a 13 part Gospel series on BBC Radio 1 and he toured extensively. A slow year with no album releases and just two single releases – neither of which hit the charts; ‘It’s Only Me You’ve Left Behind’ and ‘Honky Tonk Angel’.

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), the ever popular ‘Devil Woman’ (9), ‘I Can’t Ask For Anything More Than You’ (17) and ‘Hey Mister Dream Maker’ (31). ‘Devil Woman’ gave Cliff his first hit in the USA.

1977

Cliff received the annual Music Therapy Silver Clef Award for his services to the music industry. He also published his autobiography "Which One's Cliff?" signing 333 copies of it in Selfridges, London.. In October the fan club organised a National Cliff Week in Britain. He shows everyone he’s well back on his musical track by releasing the chart topping albums ’40 Golden Greats’ and another favourite ‘Every Face Tells A Story’ (8). The two singles from album are ‘My Kinda Life’ (15) and ‘When Two Worlds Drift Apart’ (46).

1978

Cliff and The Shadows celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a few get-together concerts. Cliff defended allegations of retirement and maintained that he had no intentions of doing any such thing. He released the highly popular ‘Small Corners’ (33) album and ‘Green Light’ (25). Singles for the year were; ‘Yes, He Lives’, ‘Please Remember Me’ and ‘Can’t Take The Hurt’ – all of which were non charting.

1979

Cliff reached the magical 10th number 1 with ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’, his first number 1 single since 1968. He also celebrated 21 years with his record company EMI and was presented with a gold replica key to the company’s main London office. Singles also released this year were; ‘Green Light’ (57) and ‘Hot Shot’ (46). The album successes were a Cliff and The Shadows album; ‘Thank You Very Much’ (5) and ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Juvenile’ (3)

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); and 2 albums; ‘Love Songs’ (1) and ‘Wired For Sound’ (4). Cliff also toured the USA and Canada.

1982

A world tour for Cliff and also more chart success with the album’ Now You See Me…Now You Don’t’ (4). Single success also with ‘The Only Way Out’ (10), ‘Where Do We Go From Here’ (60) and the Christmas hit ‘Little Town’ (11).

1983

Cliff celebrated 25 years – his Silver Anniversary. A little normality in this year for Cliff with the release of 2 albums; ‘Dressed For The Occasion’ (7) and ‘Silver’ (7); and 5 singles; ‘True Love Ways’ (8), ‘Never Say Die’ (15), ‘Please Don’t Fall In Love’ (7), ‘She Means Nothing To Me’ (9) and ‘Drifting’ (64). As part of his "Silver" tour he played six weeks of sell-out concerts at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre.

1984

Cliff and the Shadows reunited for concerts at Wembley and Birmingham. The 2 albums released this year weren’t as successful as Cliff would have hoped: ‘Cliff And The Shadows’ (43) and ‘The Rock Connection’ (43). Singles weren’t much better: ‘Two To The Power’ had no chart placing, ‘Baby You’re Dynamite’ (27) and ‘Shooting From The Heart’ (51).

1985

Cliff toured Europe but due to health problems had to cancel 5 British concerts. It was the first time in his career that he’s had to do such a thing. Speculation about a West End musical that Cliff was due to star in lead to announcement that ‘Time – The Musical’ would open in April 1986. The singles ‘She’s So Beautiful’ (17) and ‘Its In Every One Of Us’ (45) were taken from the show. The other single release for this year was ‘Heart User’ (46). No albums were released.

1986

Time 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 The Young Ones, which went straight to number 1. He also released ‘Born To Rock ‘n’ Roll’ from time which failed to chart. Still manages to release two other singles: ‘All I Ask Of You’ (3) and ‘Slow Rivers’ (44).

1987

Cliff’s retirement from his year long stint from ‘Time’ was rewarded by a well earned holiday. However this year also saw him perform a Gospel Tour and a European Tour, the Birmingham NIA concerts selling out 6 nights straight and putting Cliff right into the record books for being the only artist ever to do that. Album release for 1987; ‘Always Guaranteed’ (5). 3 single releases; ‘My Pretty One’ (6), ‘Some People’ (3) and ‘Remember Me’ (35).

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. Other single release; ‘Two Hearts’ (34).

1989

The year of Cliff’s 100th single release ‘The Best Of Me’ (2) – the first British artist to ever release as many singles. Cliff receives an Ivor Novello award for ‘outstanding achievement to the music industry’. He also performs in 2 nights at Wembley Stadium, the biggest concert of his career, performing to a sell-out audience of 144,000 people in total. Releases his 53rd album ‘Stronger’ (7) and 3 more singles: ‘I Just Don’t Have The Heart’ (3), ‘Lean On You’ (17) and ‘Whenever God Shines His Light’ (20).

1990

Cliff does a huge tour of Australia and New Zealand. He returns to the UK to take part in the UK’s biggest ever open-air rock show at Knebworth. Cliff celebrates his 50th Birthday but only celebrates 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: ‘Stronger Than That’ (14), ‘Silhouettes’ (10), ‘From A Distance’ (11) and the Christmas chart topper ‘Saviours Day’. Given that Cliff had had two Christmas number ones so close to one another (the previous one was 1998) people now believe that Cliff has a Christmas single out every year – this is NOT the case. These last two hits were just very popular and as such have remained in the public’s heads! With ‘Saviour’s Day’ at number 1 in the singles chart, he also had ‘From A Distance-The Event’ at number 2 in the video charts and ‘From A Distance-The Event’ at number 3 in the album charts.

1991

Cliff does a Gospel Tour, his religion as important to him as ever. Cliff releases his first all Christmas album called ‘Together With Cliff’ (10). Other singles in the year; ‘More To Life’ (23), a Christmas single ‘We Should Be Together’ (10) and ‘This New Year’ (30).

1992

Cliff introduces ‘Cliff’s Tennis Trail’ to Primary schools in six U.K. towns were to be targeted during the summer months under this new scheme to introduce the game to youngsters who might otherwise never pick up a racquet. Only single release ‘ I Still Believe In You’ (7).

1993

Cliff releases ‘The Album’ which tops the album charts. Also released, a new publication of a biography written by rock write Steve Turner. Cliff took part in a sell out Gospel tour, with all proceeds going to charity as usual. A good year for single releases; ‘Peace In Our Time’ (8), ‘Human Work Of Art’ (24), ‘Never Let Go’ (32) and ‘Healing Love’ (19).

1994

‘Heathcliff’ was born and much of this year was taken up in the production of this venture that was very close to Cliff’s heart. The opening was scheduled for the autumn of 1996 and during the time in-between, Cliff was to perform the 31 days ‘Hit List’ tour covering the UK and Eire. The album to coincide with the tour reached number 3. A duet with Phil Everly ‘All I Have To Do Is Dream’ reached number 14 in the singles charts.

1995

October 25th – Cliff Richard receives his Knighthood from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for ‘his services to charity’. Cliff continues his ‘Hit List’ tour in the Far East, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Cliff also takes part in the VE Anniversary celebrations, performing in Hyde Park and in front of Buckingham Palace. Cliff recorded the album ‘Songs From Heathcliff’ (15) with Olivia Newton John being his ‘Cathy’. Cliff headlined in the Royal Variety Show. Singles this year were ‘Misunderstood Man’ (19) and a duet with Olivia, ‘Had To Be’ (22).

1996

‘Heathcliff’ opened in March, amongst 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 everyone wrong and played Heathcliff with his heart and soul, enjoying the chance to be ‘so wicked’! Ticket sales box office records were again broken by Cliff and this show. ‘Heathcliff’ - The Tour started in Birmingham. Singles for the year were ‘The Wedding’ (40) , a duet with Helen Hobsen. Cliff attended a rain soaked Wimbledon and is now famous for his impromptu entertaining of the crowds in Centre Court with his ‘sing-a-long’ with some famous Wimbledon stars as his ‘backing singers’.

1997

‘Heathcliff’ continued touring until it finally closed at The Labatts Appolo in London in May. The video of the show stayed at the top of the charts for 8 weeks. He began recording a new studio album. ‘Be With Me Always’ charted at just 52. ‘Heathcliff – Live’ charted at 41 in the album charts and ‘Cliff Richard At The Movies’ charted at 17.

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. Course as soon as the story broke, the single released under the ‘Blackknight’ record label (Cliff’s own), was dropped like a hot brick. This year also marked Cliff’s 40th anniversary in show-business which he marked with a sell out run of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. Tickets sold within 48 hours of the box office opening. Cliff 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. This year saw Cliff headline the ‘Route Of Kings’ open-air concerts in London’s Hyde Park. The weather was splendid and 40,000 people watched the shows. There was video release of the show for those that wanted a momentum. Cliff also performed at ITV’s ‘An Audience With..’, the now famous show that stars one famous person with an audience of celebrities, family and friends. It was in this show that 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! Another single released that year, ‘The Miracle’ reached 23 in the charts. 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. A live television transmission of one of the shows by Sky Box Office added to the high profile that Cliff has sustained for nearly half the century.

2000

A sabbatical year throughout 2000 - when Cliff hits 60 - seemed massively deserved. For the first time in his 42-year career, Cliff took the whole year off. Cliff did as he pleased and loved it! There were just a couple of things that Cliff decided to do and this included a local charity concert in Weston Super Mare - in memory of his great friend Jill Dando who had been murdered in 1999. Cliff spent much time overseas - often in the USA, where virtual anonymity allowed him the luxury of being able to shop, sight-see. He also 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, organised by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, which ended with a memorable week's cruise in the Mediterranean with 80 close friends and family. ‘The Whole Story – His Greatest Hits’ was released in time for Christmas.

2001

Cliff began this year by laying down tracks for his new album ‘Wanted’, scheduled for November release, which was to be produced by old friend and ever successful, Alan Tarney, Cliff had spent his sabbatical devising an 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 begins on his new mansion in Barbados and the house is 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 starting 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. Cliff spent as much time abroad as he could afford; overseeing his new wine crop in Portugal for the release of his own labelled wine and the completion of his house in Barbados. The wine release was a huge success, selling all 27,000 bottles released in to the UK faster than the suppliers could get it on to their shelves!

2003

It was mid-March before Cliff and the crew returned home from Australasia but despite itching to get back to Barbados, there was recording to be done - six tracks for a new Christmas album. Then it was back to Barbados for an extended holiday, combined with some recording work in Nashville for a 2004 album release. Cliff was home in time for daily visits to Wimbledon and later to receive an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University. During many summer weeks based at his home in Portugal, Cliff made a brief visit to Brussels for a spectacular tv show in the city's Grand Place. Through the autumn it was back to work mode with a heavy promotion programme for the new Cliff At Christmas album and the single Santa's List, both in the UK and Europe. A BBC TV documentary team followed him on many engagements for a special show transmitted in December. There was a brief interruption in the promotion schedule when Cliff travelled to Miami to record two tracks with legendary Bee Gee, Barry Gibb, for next year's American album release.

2004

Following a private visit to Australia at the beginning of 2004, Cliff returned via Cambodia where he visited a number of projects set up by the relief and development agency Tearfund. A promotional video was subsequently released by Tearfund, highlighting the impact of HIV/AIDS on the children of Phnom Penh. Fourteen sell-out concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall were presented in April, during which Cliff was able to debut seven tracks from his new album - albeit nearly six months prior to its release! Similarly, those new songs featured in the hugely successful and enjoyable 'Summer Nights' concert tour in July, staged outdoors at some of Britain's most impressive stately homes and castles. The Castles In The Air video, filmed at Leeds Castle in Kent, was released in the autumn and by Christmas had sold over 100,000 units. The long-awaited released of Cliff's Nashville-recorded album Something's Goin' On occurred in October and made the Top 10 the following week. Similarly the first single Somethin' Is Goin' On notched up another Top 10 hit for Cliff, though the second single I Cannot Give You My Love just failed to make it - at Number 11! The three months leading up to Christmas saw a relentless round of promotional commitments, both in the UK and Europe, one of the highlights being a performance at the Royal Variety Show when Cliff was joined for one song by Olivia Newton-John.

2005

During a three-month stay at his home in Barbados early in the year, Cliff performed a charity concert with his band in aid of the Barbados Children's Trust. On his return to the UK in April, there were a number of media promotion commitments around the release of his What Car single. In May Cliff took part in the spectacular VE Day concert in London's Trafalgar Square, performing the new single and Sentimental Journey. There were further tv appearances, mainly in Europe, and in June an outstanding radio concert performed with the Metropole Orchestra in Amsterdam's Carre. Theatre and broadcast in many European countries. With the Wimbledon Championships over, Cliff headed to his home in Portugal for several weeks, though his holiday was interrupted by a flying visit to Germany in August, to sing at the Catholic church's World Youth Day in Cologne. Over a million people were gathered there to take part in the Papal Mass which preceded the concert. In October Cliff celebrated his 65th birthday in Portugal with a group of friends.

2006

2006 began quietly but built to a frantically busy conclusion. Taking part in Dionne Warwick's 45th anniversary show in Los Angeles was a January highlight, and in the spring Cliff was honoured by Portugal who, at a ceremony at the Portuguese Embassy in London, bestowed their equivalent of a knighthood in recognition of his personal and business involvement in that country over 40 years. Recording tracks for Two's Company - an album of duets - enabled Cliff to share studios with the likes of Brian May, Barry Gibb and Daniel O'Donnell, and the release of the album by EMI in November registered another Top 10 chart success. After a house move in the summer, Cliff began rehearsals for the UK leg of his Here & Now tour, which played to arenas around the UK and Ireland through November and early December. Immediately after the final concerts in Dublin, Cliff began a short but intense media promotion schedule for the duets album, the Here & Now show DVD, and a new single 21st Century Christmas. Although the latter just failed to make the No 1 spot in the downloads chart, it nevertheless went to the top of the 'over the counter' sales chart!

2007

After a few weeks in Barbados at the start of the year, Cliff took to the road again, with the resumption of his Here & Now tour in overseas territories South-East Asia, South Africa, Europe and Iceland. Following a visit to the US in April, Cliff returned to Barbados where, during the next two or three months, he recorded some tracks in Eddie Grant's studio for the 'Love Songs' album, and also spent several days talking to Penny Junor, who had been commissioned to co-write a new Cliff autobiography. After a brief return to the UK for part of the Wimbledon Championships, Cliff spent the rest of the summer in Portugal. While there he recorded 50 Bible stories for three CDs to accompany a children's book to be published early in 2008, and also filmed the television advertisement for the album release later in the year. Cliff was in America again for the US Open Tennis in New York at the end of the summer. Later in the year he returned to the UK for a flurry of television and radio commitments to promote the EMI release of Love... The Album, plus more conversations with Penny Junor for the autobiography. Christmas was spent in New York.

2008

Cliff spent the early months of the year in Barbados, before travelling to Brazil in early March to visit Tearfund projects. He was accompanied by Penny Junor, gathering more material for the new book, plus a camera crew from the BBC's Songs of Praise, filming for a special programme later in the year. After returning to Barbados for a few weeks, Cliff flew to China in mid-April to take part in Olivia Newton-John's Great Walk To Beijing, a walk on the Great Wall of China to raise funds for her special cancer unit at a hospital in Melbourne, Australia. This was followed by travel in the Middle East, Europe and the USA, during which time Cliff recorded a track with the Olsen Brothers (a Danish duo) and had the photo-shoot for his 2009 calendar. He returned to the UK for the second week of the Wimbledon Championships, before spending the rest of the summer at his home in Portugal. Cliff arrived back in the UK in early September to launch his autobiography My Life, My Way and to undertake several book signings around the country. There were several media interviews to promote not only the book, but also his forthcoming Time Machine tour, and the 8CD box set - And They Said It Wouldn't Last - released by EMI to mark his 50th anniversary in the music business. September also saw a 50th anniversary Tribute Lunch for Cliff, given by The Variety Club, and the unveiling of a plaque at Elstree Film Studios to mark his film work there in the 1960s. The 14-date Time Machine tour ran through November to enthusiastic audiences. EMI released a double CD Cliff Richard 50th Anniversary Album, and Universal released a DVD of the Time Machine tour which spent over two months in the DVD Top Ten. In December Cliff reunited with The Shadows to perform at the Royal Variety Show, a 'taster' for their UK and European tours in 2009.

2009

Cliff spent the first few months of the year in Barbados, with a few days in Florida at the end of March to record his vocals for the Cliff & The Shadows Reunited album. While in Barbados he recorded the audio version of his biography My Life, My Way, did the photographic shoot for the 2010 calendar, and filmed an interview with Piers Morgan which was screened on ITV in September. In early May Cliff recorded tracks for his swing album in Nashville, then flew back to the UK for an intensive week of meetings, interviews, and charity events. After a few days in France - taking in the Monaco Grand Prix - he returned to the USA for much of June, arriving back in the UK at the end of the month for the second week of the Wimbledon Championships. The rest of July and August was spent in Portugal. At the beginning of September he flew to Ireland for two weeks of rehearsals with The Shadows in Killarney, where their Final Reunion tour started on 19 September, moving on to Dublin, Belfast, London's O2 Arena, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, Newcastle, Sheffield, Manchester and finishing at Wembley Arena towards the end of October. Cliff & The Shadows took the tour around Europe throughout November, taking in France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Germany. September saw the only single release of the year - Singing The Blues from the Reunited album, which itself was released at the end of that month. A DVD of The Final Reunion tour was released in November and topped the DVD charts for two weeks; it remained in the Top 10 in the UK until well into 2010, and achieved No 1 status in many other countries around the world. After a few days in the UK in early December, Cliff flew to the US for Christmas.

2010

After a New Year break, Cliff and The Shadows continued their 'Final Reunion' tour through February and much of March, travelling around Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Cliff spent April and May at his Barbados home, though he did return to Europe for a brief visit when Queen Margrethe of Denmark invited him to sing Congratulations at her official 70th birthday celebrations. In June he spent a few days in Dublin, recording a duet with Majella O'Donnell while there, for her new album. A short visit to friends in France was followed by his return to England for a family wedding and, of course, the Wimbledon Championships. Most of the summer was spent in Portugal then, following a few days in New York in early September, Cliff took his keyboard player and a technician to Portugal, where he began rehearsals for his six nights of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in October. The Bold As Brass concerts ran across the week of Cliff's 70th birthday and also coincided with the release of his eponymous album.

2011

Following a New Year break in the USA and Barbados, Cliff flew in to the UK in March to a Press Conference in London announcing his collaboration with David Gest together with Lamont Dozier and Ashford & Simpson Producing tracks on his Soul Album which was to be named "Soulicious". Cliff returned to Barbados to prepare, and in April travelled to Memphis to record with Lamont Dozier Producing at Willie Mitchell's Royal Studios, Ardent Studios with the majority of the album's artists. Cliff took a short break at the end of April before travelling on to Orlando to shoot his 2012 Calendar at a number of well known locations. In Mid May Cliff flew in briefly to the UK to attend his nephew's wedding before spending a few days in France with friends. In May Cliff became a Knight of the Order of St John at a ceremony in Malta, and also received the Palma D'Oro (a Peace Award). Cliff returned to the USA after his trip to Malta, and in early June recorded the final tracks of the album with Nikolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson Producing at Above Asia Studios in New York. Once the album tracks were recorded, Cliff travelled to join friends on a European cruise, arriving back in the UK in time for the second week of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, but even his time at the championships this year was interrupted by the album photo shoot, an appearance on BBC1's "The One Show" and a close family friend's wedding. After Wimbledon, Cliff spent a few days in Dublin with friends. Cliff was invited to appear in a cameo role in Ray Cooney's new British film, so a day in London filming, was conveniently squeezed in before his appearance on ITV's "Loose Women" in mid-July, allowing Cliff to debut the track "Saving a Life" together with Freda Payne who flew in from Los Angeles to perform with Cliff. Cliff then travelled on to Portugal for the remainder of the summer, managing to accommodate a hectic week of promotion pre-recorded TV and Radio interviews and magazine articles for the album and imminent tour whilst there. Cliff even agreed to perform an acoustic set for a Charity concert fundraiser on the Algarve. Cliff had been invited to attend the US Open Tennis in Flushing Meadow in early September, so a short trip to New York was followed by more UK promotion on television and radio; Freda invited once more to perform with Cliff on ITV's "The Alan Titchmarsh Show". Cliff returned to Portugal to begin preparations with Keith Hayman for the tour. Cliff joined the Band and Dance rehearsals in Dublin in early October where the performances took shape. The full touring party, including the Guest Artists arrived in the UK in October to begin Production Rehearsals in Yorkshire. Cliff celebrated his 71st Birthday after rehearsals in Nottingham with friends and on 15th October "The Soulicious Tour" opened at the Nottingham Capital FM Arena to a great reception. The short UK tour of only 8 concerts ended in Newcastle on 28th October where Cliff bid farewell to his Guest Artists and took a few days break in Portugal. In November Cliff was awarded the Honorary German Sustainability Award in Dusseldorf, and performed a short musical set at the Gala evening. The next day Cliff was signing bottles of his Vida Nova wine range in Dusseldorf. Cliff spent a few days in Paris with friends before a week's promotion for the album and the Tour DVD release "Cliff Richard – The Soulicious Tour, Live at The 02". Cliff was a guest on BBC 1's "The Graham Norton Show", BBC's "The Festival of Remembrance" and ITV's "Loose Women", attended the exclusive fans screening of the DVD at The Odeon West End, Leicester Square and also signed DVD's at HMV, Birmingham. Following the whirlwind week of promotion Cliff flew to New York for Thanksgiving with friends, and then travelled on to his home in Barbados to work in his garden.

2012

Cliff celebrated New Year 2012 in Paris with friends. He spent a short spell in NYC in January before his return to his home in Barbados. A holiday cruise in February followed by a few days with friends in Florida, and then back to Barbados. A brief trip to Germany was next, to perform with RTL AllStars at Sixt's 100 year celebrations in Berlin. He returned to Barbados to finish up work in the garden and begin to prepare for his upcoming performances. In May Cliff visited RHS Chelsea representing BHS Barbados exhibit "Summer Holiday" and enjoying the other gardens on show. He was honoured to be asked by Dionne Warwick to take part in the Hunger Project Charity Gala performance at the Royal Albert Hall in the same week, and then began his rehearsals for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert. Even when rehearsing Cliff managed to fit in a Patron visit to Shooting Star Hospice, Weybridge where he caught up with staff, patients and parents to witness the wonderful care the hospice provides. The Diamond Jubilee Concert outside Buckingham Palace was one highlight in an amazing 2012 for Cliff. Despite the weather he also managed to celebrate the Jubilee Boat Pageant with friends in London, catching a bus to beat waiting in the rain for a taxi amongst the crowds. A brief trip to Aalborg, Denmark followed to open the "Park of Singing Trees" (Cliff planted the first tree there many years ago). Cliff then managed to take a short Mediterranean cruise with friends before performing at another charity event, for St John's Beaumont School in Windsor raising essential funds for their sister school in Africa. Cliff was honoured to be asked by Samsung to carry the Olympic Torch in Birmingham and (ever one to combine events) he took the opportunity to visit staff and patients at the Birmingham Women's Hospital Neonatal Unit to see the equipment the Birmingham Fan Club have purchased through their fundraising in Cliff's name. Cliff then joined the bus of fellow torch bearers for a few hours en route to his designated spot in Birmingham for an uplifting and memorable run. Cliff's annual Wimbledon Tennis Championships visit enabled him to catch up with friends and fellow tennis fanatics before his annual Portuguese summer holiday. A brief return to the UK from Portugal for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics courtesy of friends, and then he spent an enjoyable month at his Quinta, enjoying the peace and quiet and catching up with local friends. Cliff performed at a cancer charity event in London in October before heading off to Thailand, Cambodia and Burma for a memorable and educational trip with close friends. Cliff was delighted to be the guest of honour at a charity Lunch given by The Lady Taverner's at the Dorchester in November, hosted by Judith Chalmers, then a return home to Barbados again to begin preparations for his 2013 Australasian Tour.

2013

Early 2013 saw Cliff travel to Australia to begin rehearsals for his Still Reelin' and A-Rockin' Tour. The tour kicked off in New Zealand and after 16 dates in New Zealand and Australia he travelled on to perform in Singapore and Manila. The Sydney Opera House concert was recorded for a DVD release later in the autumn. Cliff then spent a month or so at home in Barbados following the tour before moving on to Nashville, TN to record The Fabulous Rock 'N' Roll Songbook, some of the tracks having already featured on the concert tour. Whilst in Nashville Cliff was invited to perform at The Grand Ole Opry which was well received. A photographic shoot followed for the 2014 Calendar, and then another break back home in Barbados provided some well-deserved R&R. After a short holiday with friends in France Cliff began rehearsals for an unusually chilly and windy UK open air tour of 6 stately homes followed by 2 nights at the stunning Hampton Court Palace. A short cruise in the Med and a week at Wimbledon (the highlight was watching Andy Murray in his historic win) preceded Cliff's first return to Israel for over 25 years, performing 2 concerts in Tel Aviv. Whilst in Israel, Cliff took time to personally witness the work carried out by the Freddie Krivine Foundation that he originally helped fund, seeing children of all faiths playing tennis together. Cliff's annual summer break in Portugal provided a fabulous setting in which to catch up with family and friends before heading off in early September to catch the US Open Tennis. Cliff returned to a relentless promotion period late autumn, carrying out over 100 TV and radio interviews to announce his 100th album release and the DVD recorded in Sydney. Finally, a week of European promotion rounded off a very busy year, with Christmas and New Year spent at home in Barbados.

2014

2014 began where 2013 had ended with a well-earned break in Barbados. Cliff was asked to perform at a Give Back QC charity event in early February, fundraising to build a Multipurpose Sports Facility at Queen's College, Barbados, which he really enjoyed.

Cliff shot his annual Calendar images whilst in Barbados with the Photographer Alan Olley. After a brief time in the USA Cliff flew into the UK to join friends at The Aintree Grand National at the beginning of April. Time in Europe followed, with TV, radio and various other media interviews prior to rehearsals with his band for the European leg of his Still Reelin' and Rockin' Tour which kicked off early May in Hamburg and ended in Paris, and then 3 further dates in Ireland.

Cliff and friends enjoyed a short Mediterranean cruise before the eagerly anticipated Guest Appearance in NYC with Morrissey. Sadly, the event was cancelled at the last minute due to Morrissey's ill health, so as not to disappoint his loyal fans, Cliff and the CRO hastily reassembled to put on an intimate 'evening with Cliff' accompanied by Suzi and Keith from the band, and interviewed on stage by Phill Silverstone. It was a huge success, and most enjoyable for all concerned.

The annual Wimbledon Championships provided an opportunity to catch up with UK friends and family before Cliff's departure to Portugal for the summer months. Cliff performed at a charity concert at the Winery in early August.

Cliff visited Verona with friends in October after which he departed UK for the USA where he was to record his 2nd Rock 'N' Roll album with Steve Mandile in Nashville, TN. Christmas was spent at home in Barbados.

2015

The beginning of the year in Barbados provided a perfect setting to begin planning Cliff's 75th birthday concert. There was a short diversion with the new calendar shoot in various beautiful locations on the island with UK photographer, Alan Olley.

In May Cliff flew to Denmark for some wine signings which were extremely popular, and then he went on to Portugal to recharge his 'batteries' which, he says jokingly, 'get run down in Barbados.' Of course there was still further planning for the tour.

Cliff departed for Salzburg in June for a friend's wedding (four days of partying!) and this was followed by a Mediterranean cruise with a group of friends. Calm seas, bright sun and nothing to do but relax. He said on his return, 'I think I'm getting too old for partying.'

Tragically, after a brave fight with her cancer, Cliff's niece Linzi passed away in late June.  Cliff spoke at Linzi's funeral and also at the funeral of David Bryce, his former Manager. Both funerals were held the same week in July.  Two funerals were difficult enough, but as you know Cilla's passing was a huge shock for everyone and once more Cliff was called upon to participate. 'I don't think anyone 'likes' a funeral but the request from Cilla's family was too great an honour to pass up,' he said looking back to that dark day.

August was spent back in Portugal to prepare for rehearsals for the tour.

Cliff enjoyed a busy wine signing at the Adega do Cantor in early September and was serenaded by the fans singing Golden to him, the track having just been released by the Record Company.  

Rehearsals for Cliff's 75th Birthday Tour began in Killarney, Ireland, in mid-September where Cliff, the band and crew celebrated the general release of his 101st album - Cliff Richard 75 at 75 - another top 10 success!

Cliff's birthday tour, in more intimate UK concert hall venues, was a sell out with rave reviews, and showed such an overwhelming sense of fun both on stage and in the audience too.  The tour ended with a final 6 nights at the Royal Albert Hall.  Cliff's 75th birthday night was recorded for the DVD, and Cliff was subjected to a few surprises - Paul O'Grady introducing video tributes on stage, and Olivia Newton-John wheeling on a cake - he admits that he knew that Olivia was going to be there, but he knew absolutely nothing of the interruptions beforehand!   He said, 'I won't be forgetting my 75th birthday in a hurry. I loved being on stage with my band but I have to say that the welcome I received from my audience each night was an emotional experience that I will NEVER forget and although it seems inadequate to say just thanks, never-the-less...I must. So I say, thank you for your love and support'

Shortly after the Albert Hall concerts, he departed for a week's birthday celebration in LA with John and Pat Farrar and, of course, Olivia.  John was 70 and Cliff was the surprise guest.

The DVD made it to #1 in the UK DVD Music Chart.

Cliff ended 2015 celebrating Christmas in New York and then welcomed the New Year in Florida.

2016

Cliff's new year kicked off with friends in Florida, and he then travelled on for his annual rest and relaxation in Barbados, which was only broken by a short trip with friends to Oman in March then return to Barbados.

A family wedding in Italy in July provided a diversion before rehearsals in the UK for the tour dates in the Faroe Islands and on to Denmark. Both venues were enjoyed by fans and locals, and of course Cliff.

A new venture for Cliff - performing on a Mediterranean cruise in late August was well received and thoroughly enjoyed by Cliff and his sister Joan as well as countless fans joining him too.

Early September was spent in NYC enabling Cliff to attend the NY Open Tennis, and after a few weeks in the USA, Cliff returned to celebrate a special birthday with another friend, and a short Mediterranean cruise with close friends.

October was spent planning media opportunities and Cliff made a presentation at the Pride of Britain Awards to the Song and Dance Man, raising funds for Alzheimers.

After a brief sojourn to his beloved Portugal, Cliff returned in November to 2 weeks of whirlwind promotion for the Just...Fabulous Rock 'n' Roll album release with Sony Music. TV and Radio appearances and an HMV signing created the necessary buzz to lift the Gold Award winning album to chart success.

Cliff performed at and auctioned his personal Mercedes off at a NSPCC Charity Ball in early December, and he concluded his UK Promo with a Christmas appearance on This Morning making his legendary gravy and performing 2 tracks with his band.

Cliff spent Christmas in the USA before departing for sunnier climes and celebrating the New Year in Barbados.