I settled on this topic because it's Wimbledon time. Some of you may wonder what the connection is. Well I'll tell you. We were watching a show about the history of Wimbledon and it featured as one of the top moments of Wimbledon a little clip featuring Sir Cliff himself. After we'd watched it, I asked Ross is I didn't know who Cliff was because I'm too American or because I'm too young. He answered that it was most likely due to my American-ness. The clip in question? An impromptu Wimbledon concert:
Though virtually unknown in America, Cliff has a fairly unique distinction of having had a UK number one in every decade from the 1950's to 2000's. He has also sold more singles than any other artist in the UK.
I asked Ross about which songs of note I should include in this post. You should know, he was unable to sing them for me without dancing around. It's pretty cute.
I'll now leave you with a few choice hits for your enjoyment.
In 1963 a cheesy movie musical was released called Summer Holiday. This song, from the soundtrack became a huge hit. It's fairly apropos, as Sir Cliff has never married.
In 1968, Cliff Richard's "Congratulations" took 2nd place at the Eurovision Song Contest- losing by just 1 point! At least one major restaurant chain uses this to herald patron's birthdays, rather than the traditional Birthday song.
And one final amusing tidbit:
In 1972, he was refused admittance to Singapore because his hair was too long.
I think Dawn French refers to Sir Cliff Richard in one of her Vicar of Dibley episodes... I never got the joke. next time I watch that episode I'll know who he is! :)
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