Global InformationRick Astley information
Rick Astley | |
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 Astley at Glastonbury Festival 2023 | |
| Born | Richard Paul Astley 6 February 1966 Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, England |
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Lene Bausager (m. 2003) |
| Children | 1 |
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| Discography | Rick Astley discography |
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| Website | rickastley |
Richard Paul Astley (born 6 February 1966) is an English singer. He gained fame through his association with the production trio Stock Aitken Waterman, releasing the 1987 album Whenever You Need Somebody, which sold 15 million copies worldwide. His debut single "Never Gonna Give You Up" was a No. 1 hit in 25 countries, winning the 1988 Brit Award for Best British Single.[1][2] His 1988 single "Together Forever" became his second song to top the US Billboard Hot 100 and was one of his eight songs to reach the Top 10 on the UK Singles Chart. The title track, "Whenever You Need Somebody", was also a No. 1 hit.
In 1988 Astley followed up his debut album with Hold Me in Your Arms which achieved Platinum and Gold certifications internationally. The lead single "She Wants to Dance with Me" became a worldwide Top 10 hit. In 1991 he left Stock Aitken Waterman moving his musical direction towards soul, which he explored on his other albums. His 1991 single "Cry for Help" was Astley's last single to reach the Top 10 in either the US or UK. In 1993 he retired from music to focus on spending time with his partner and daughter. He returned to the music industry in 2000 and released 50 to celebrate his 50th birthday in 2016, with the album debuting in the UK at No. 1.[3] His most recent studio album Are We There Yet? was released in 2023.[4]
By the time of his brief retirement, Astley had sold approximately 40 million records worldwide.[5][6] He became an Internet phenomenon in 2007 when the music video for "Never Gonna Give You Up" became integral to the Rickrolling meme,[7] and his performance career was revitalised by the meme's popularity. A year after the Rickrolling meme began, he was voted "Best Act Ever" by Internet users at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2008.[8] His song "Never Gonna Give You Up" reached 1 billion views on YouTube in July 2021, becoming the fourth 1980s song to reach this milestone. Astley has occasionally worked as a radio DJ and a podcaster.[9]
- ^ "Biography". Mike Stock Music. Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
- ^ Rickastley.com – Biography Retrieved 28 April 2010. Archived 10 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
50no1was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Rick Astley's best songs that aren't 'Never Gonna Give You Up'". Tone Deaf. 2 June 2020. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ Shropshire Star.com – 7 June 2008 Archived 10 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 January 2010.
- ^ Liverpool Echo – 12 November 2007 Archived 5 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 January 2010.
- ^ Rick Biografia Archived 21 May 2009 at the Wayback Machine. VH1 Spañol (undated). Retrieved 27 December 2006.
- ^ "Astley shortlisted for MTV award". BBC News. 2 October 2008. Archived from the original on 18 July 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2008.
- ^ "Rick Astley to join Greatest Hits Radio for special New Year's Eve show". Greatest Hits Radio. Retrieved 5 January 2022.