n his heyday, he was billed as Britain's answer to Elvis Presley. But Cliff Richard became no such hero. Born Harry Rodger Webb, he began performing in 1957. Inspired by Elvis he even mimicked his trademark sideburns in his early years when he was a sensation with British teenagers.
Richard scored his first hit in 1959. In 1960, aged 19, he was on top of the charts with five singles, six EPs and an album. His ballad Schoolboy crush was already a hit when the influential television producer Jack Good thought Move it, sung to a catchy riff from guitarist Ian Samwell, was just the material to conquer America with.
But the 1970s started a downslide for Richard, whose smooth voice nevertheless established him as a regular studio presence, singing duets and seconds for many artistes, including Oliva Newton-John and Sarah Brightman, and collaborating with Elton John and Van Morrison.
Chart success eluded him though he remained a star in Britain -- he was knighted in 1995 and performed at a series of glittering concerts at Albert Hall in 1998.
Richard struck fame as a television artiste and a noted songwriter, one of the most popular songs he co-wrote being Bachelor boy. A devout Christian, he professed to abstain from premarital sex though he admitted to having a soft corner for many women.
Richard, even as he turns 63 today, continues to remain a bachelor boy. Quiz yourself on how well you know the songster.