Sir Cliff Richard burst on to the rock ‘n’ roll scene with his hit single Move It in 1958.
At that time, he was marketed as Britain’s answer to Elvis Presley; a happy coincidence as the Devil Woman singer is a huge fan of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Over the decades, the lifelong bachelor has starred in numerous hit films and been at the helm of several TV shows. He is one of Britain’s few enduring pop icons, yet he remains something of an enigma.
We showcase some of Sir Cliff’s top quotes and also, what other pop stars have said about him.
What Sir Cliff has said over the years
On his fans…
“If you have got the public in the palm of your hand, you can be sure that is where they want to be.”
On his religion…
“I will go as far as I can into rock and roll carrying my Christian banner.”
On children…
“The nice thing about having relatives’ kids around is that they go home.”
On his sexuality…
“I’m aware of the rumours, but I am not gay.”
On the music industry…
“Rock ‘n’ roll can manage without the sex and drugs.”
On his achievements…
“Nobody’s going to catch me now. I’ve had number ones in five decades. Who’s going to do that? First of all, they’ve got to be around for five decades. Many of them barely make five years.”
On music critics…
“My only gripe is when critics writing the history of rock’n'roll leave me out altogether.”
What some stars have said about Sir Cliff
Bob Geldof
“It’s never been said, but without Cliff and The Shadows, there’s no English pop business. As George Harrison said: ‘No Shadows, no Beatles’.”
John Lennon
“The first English record that was anywhere near anywhere was Move It by Cliff Richard. Before, there’d been nothing.”
Sting
“Cliff Richard is, in my opinion, one of Britain’s finest singers technically and emotionally. I’ve been a fan since Living Doll. Long may he sing.”
Queen’s Freddie Mercury
“A tremendous influence on my early days as a performer.”
Queen’s Brian May
“When Cliff Richard and The Drifters made their first recording, they brought the stirrings of the new American rock ‘n’ roll to England.”
The Who’s Pete Townsend
“Cliff has survived and become an artist who cuts across all boundaries making great pop records.”
Sir Mick Jagger
“Cliff Richard did have some talent and lasted, whereas others didn’t.”
Status Quo’s Rick Parfitt
“Cliff Richard: my childhood hero.”
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