Cliff Richard By Steve King - steveking@wgnradio.com - Posted October 30, 2002            We've had the good fortune to interview Cliff Richard several times and a nicer, more professional artist you'll never meet. While it can be argued that he doesn't fit the classic "Rockabilly" mold these days, his staying power and his ability to do a variety of music and do it VERY well is a testamonial to his talent.             Also, in a day and age when the drug excesses of 98% of the artists on the charts are celebrated, I don't see a whole lot wrong with a guy who shows that you can be incredibly successful and still stay sober and keep your feet on the ground. In one of our conversations, Cliff said that some of his advisors were against his going public with his Christianity, but he felt it was important to show that it was and is a part of who he is. There is a great song (I forget the title.) that Cliff does that has the line "Why should the devil have all the good music?" It's a pretty solid rocker.             Every time we've talked with Cliff he's been very quick to pay tribute to the early Rockabilly performers who inspired him and still play on his jukebox. If you ever get the chance to see a video of Cliff's Wembly Stadium concert give it a shot. You'll see a compilation of 2 nights with Cliff performing before about 70,000 people and doing everything from Rockabilly to some of his later hits like "Devil Woman" and "We Don't Talk Anymore" with guests like The Kalin Twins (who used to perform with him) and The Shadows (who were his back up group in the early days). It's as exciting in it's own way as any Elvis or Beatles concert and the audience reaction is just as fun to watch.            I didn't mean for this to sound like I'm some kind of Cliff Richard zombie, but I like him a lot and I think you have to respect any artist who's managed to stay that popular and stay on the charts from 1958 to 2002. Not a bad thing to have on your resume:-) Steve King/WGN-AM (Chicago). Back to the "Take Note" Main Page HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: CHECK ON THIS FINE PRINTING COMPANY: Promotional Products, Discount Labels, Post-it Notes, Rubber Stamps, etc.