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Richard Paul Astley is most known for the catchy songs of the 1980s and the cross-generational phenomenon known as the Rickrolling meme. He was born in Lancashire, England, and throughout his career, Astley has seen success, a pause, and a stunning comeback that has cemented his status in popular culture
Career
Ashley’s musical career began when he joined the soul group FBI as a drummer in his post-school years. However, his major break came from a chance meeting with the production firm Stock Aitken Waterman. The collaboration resulted in the 1987 album “Whenever You Need Somebody,” which catapulted Astley to international stardom.
With albums like “Free” (1991) and “Body and Soul” (1993), Astley explored a move from dance-pop to soul after leaving Stock Aitken Waterman in 1991. His famous song “Cry for Help” from 1991 marked a shift in his sound. But in 1993, Astley took a hiatus from music to focus on his family.
In 2000, Astley made a comeback to the music industry with the song “Sleeping,” and in 2001, he released the album “Keep It Turned On,” after a six-year absence. Then, in 2007, the music video for “Never Gonna Give You Up” became the focal point of the Rickrolling meme, which is a joke in which users of the internet are abruptly sent to the song’s video.
This was the beginning of his unanticipated comeback. The main song from the album, “Never Gonna Give You Up,” went on to become a worldwide hit, peaking at number one in 25 countries and winning him the 1988 Brit Award for Best British Song. Astley became well-known due to his charming youthful demeanor and beautiful voice.
Following his triumphant debut, Astley went on to write other songs, including “Together Forever,” which reached the top of the US Billboard Hot 100. Featuring the hit single “She Wants to Dance with Me,” his second album, “Hold Me In Your Arms” (1988), served as a showcase for his abilities.
The single “Lights Out” was released in 2010 to commemorate his fiftieth birthday, and six years later, the album “50” landed at No. 1 in the UK. An example of Astley’s ability to change with the times was the internet phenomenon that revitalized his performance career.
In 2008, Astley won the MTV Europe Music Awards as “Best Act Ever” because of the surprising success of the Rickrolling phenomenon.
How old is Rick Astley?
Rick Astley was born on February 6, 1966. As of 2023, he is 57 years old.
Rick Astley Height
Rick Astley stands at a height of 5 feet, 10 inches (1.7 m).
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