About the song
Why Cliff Richard Never Got Married
For more than six decades, Cliff Richard has been one of the most enduring figures in music. With a career that began in the late 1950s, he has sold over 250 million records worldwide and earned countless accolades. Yet, despite his extraordinary success and lasting fame, one question has always followed him: Why did Cliff Richard never get married?
A Life Devoted to Music
Born Harry Rodger Webb in 1940, Cliff Richard rose to prominence as Britain’s first true rock and roll star, often hailed as the UK’s answer to Elvis Presley. From his early hits like Move It to timeless classics such as Congratulations and We Don’t Talk Anymore, he quickly became a household name. But while his career was full of glamour, tours, and screaming fans, his personal life remained far more private.
In interviews over the years, Richard has admitted that music was his greatest love and his main focus. “I never felt I could give myself completely to both a career and a marriage,” he once revealed. “Music demanded everything of me, and I gave it everything.” His dedication meant that while many of his peers married, raised families, and sometimes even left the spotlight, Richard continued his relentless pursuit of excellence in entertainment.
The Question of Love
That is not to say Richard never experienced love. He has acknowledged past relationships, including a serious romance with tennis star Sue Barker in the late 1970s. However, he ultimately chose not to walk down the aisle. Speaking candidly, he explained that while he valued companionship, he believed marriage would have required sacrifices he wasn’t ready to make. “I didn’t want to hurt anyone by being absent,” he said. “Being on the road, being in the studio — it leaves little room for a traditional family life.”
He has also hinted at the importance of freedom and independence in his personal choices. To Richard, remaining unmarried did not mean being lonely; instead, it allowed him to form deep friendships and surround himself with people who shared his values and faith.
Faith and Purpose
One of the strongest influences on Richard’s decision has been his Christian faith. Since becoming a born-again Christian in the mid-1960s, he has often spoken about his belief that his purpose was greater than personal desires. For him, a life without marriage was not empty, but rather filled with meaning through spirituality, charity work, and his music. “I believe God had a plan for me,” he once said, “and maybe that plan didn’t include being a husband or father in the traditional sense.”
A Life Well Lived
At over 80 years old, Cliff Richard continues to perform, record, and inspire millions. While he never married, his life has been anything but solitary. He has filled the years with music, friendships, philanthropy, and faith. And though fans may forever wonder about the path he didn’t take, Richard himself has no regrets.
“Marriage is a beautiful thing,” he reflected, “but it wasn’t for me. My life has been blessed in other ways. I chose music, I chose faith, and I’ve never looked back.”
