Cliff Richard's Real Name: Cliff Richard

Quick answer: The singer and actor is known professionally as Cliff Richard. AllMusic's artist header and a BBC Cumbria profile both give the name Harry Roger Webb and place the birth on October 14, 1940, in Lucknow. AllMusic's biographical essay, on the same site, instead spells the name Harry Rodger Webb.

Real name and early life

AllMusic's artist header lists him as also known as Harry Roger Webb and places the birth on October 14, 1940, in Lucknow, United Provinces, British India. A BBC Cumbria profile independently gives "b. Harry Roger Webb, 14 October 1940, Lucknow, India." AllMusic's biographical essay, however, says he was born Harry Rodger Webb in Lucknow, India, on October 14, 1940, and that Lucknow was then part of the British Empire. The same essay names his father as Rodger Oscar. The professional name Cliff Richard appears in both accounts; the BBC profile says EMI producer Norrie Paramor intended to record "the newly christened Cliff Richard" as a solo artist.

Career highlights

Both accounts say he emerged as a rock-and-roll singer in the late 1950s and that "Move It" was a breakthrough recording. AllMusic dates the debut single to 1958. The BBC profile says the record swiftly rose to number 2 in the U.K. charts, and that he appeared on the television showcase Oh Boy! AllMusic independently describes "Move It" as a smash hit in 1958, made with his backing band, later known as the Shadows. The BBC says a recording of Lionel Bart's "Living Doll" gave him a U.K. number 1, followed by "Travellin' Light," and that he starred in two films within 12 months, including Serious Charge. AllMusic independently says "Living Doll" and "Travellin' Light" were back-to-back number ones, that he starred in Serious Charge in 1959, and that 1961's The Young Ones confirmed his film appeal, with 1963's Summer Holiday and 1964's Wonderful Life also popular. AllMusic also says he was made a Knight Bachelor in 1995.

Name notes for searchers

People looking up Cliff Richard, Harry Roger Webb, or Harry Rodger Webb are looking for the same singer and actor, including the later song Move It and the film The Young Ones most often associated with his name. Search traffic often uses the professional name Cliff Richard.