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ThuFeb 6

Rick Astley

Richard Paul Astley was born on February 6, 1966. He’s a celebrated singer, songwriter, and media personality who has been keeping us entertained for several decades now. Astley started his music career as a drummer for a band called “FBI” in the mid-1980s and has given the world timeless hits. His act is still relevant in today’s music scene. Astley found success outside music as a radio DJ and a podcaster. His work is commendable, and we’re celebrating his special day!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Richard Paul Astley

Nickname:

Rick

Birth date:

February 6, 1966

Age:

58

Zodiac Sign:

Aquarius

Height:

5' 9"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$20 million

Richard's Social Media:

Background

Richard Paul Astley is not just a celebrated singer but an internet sensation. Born February 6, 1966, in Lancashire, Astley is of English descent. Astley’s parents got divorced when he was just a child. His father, Horace Astley, raised him. Astley maintained a close relationship with his mother despite the divorce. Both parents lived a few streets from each other. He joined the church choir at ten and realized his love for music. Astley is an Aquarius who played drums for multiple local bands during his school days. He met a guitarist called David Morris during one of these plays. At 16, he played drums on the Northern club circuit in the soul band “FBI” where he won several local competitions.

Astley assumed this position when the lead singer of “FBI” quit the band. Pete Waterman — a record producer — took note of him and encouraged him to work at his studio. This is where Astley received grooming as a record producer. In 1987, Astley released his first single, ‘When You Gonna.’ The song had no publicity or promotions, but it managed to chart at number 17 and number 20 in Netherlands and Belgium. By August 1987, his first solo offering, ‘Never Gonna Give You Up,’ was released. The song was immediately successful and spent five weeks atop the British charts. It even became the highest-selling single for that year and peaked in 24 countries. Astley even performed the song for a global audience of 100 million.

Astley’s success only increased from here. He was steadily dropping albums, and covers, touring countries, and grabbing awards. By 1990 he transitioned to soul music. By 1991, he dropped his third album, “Free.” He decided to retire from music at 27— after releasing his fourth album in 1993. He spent six years hiatus raising his daughter, Emilie, born in 1992 — the product of his marriage to Lene Bausager. When Astley returned to the scene in 2000, he released a new album, “Keep it Turned On,” in 2001. A series of songs, tours, and albums followed, and in October 2019, his album “The Best of Me” dropped.

Career timeline

1985
The “FBI” Soul Band

Astley is the drummer for “FBI,” with Morris as the guitarist.

1987
The First Single Drops

In May 1987, Astley releases ‘When You Gonna.’

1988
The First British Single Award

‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ wins the Best British Single at the British Single Awards.

1989
The Grammy Nomination

Astley is nominated for Best New Artist, at the Grammys — he lost to Tracy Chapman.

2019
The New Album

Astley releases “The Best of Me,” which features some of his original tracks.

Why We Love Rick Astley

  1. He’s crazy talented

    Astley’s distinctive voice is so rich. His talent for singing and producing is commendable.

  2. He’s a cat person

    Astley got two cats for his daughter and lived with them for 21 years. He became a cat person and loves cats.

  3. He loves his family

    Astley has revealed that he lives for his wife and daughter. He affectionately calls them ‘my girls.’

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He left school to pursue music

    Astley barely finished high school at 16 when he decided to pursue music.

  2. His favorite song is ‘Cry for Help’

    Astley has admitted that “Cry for Help” is his favorite song ever recorded because of the religious impact it has.

  3. He hates flying

    Having toured most of the world during his career, one would think Astley would get accustomed to flying — he hates it.

  4. He’s a handyman

    Astley is handy with repairs and he can build sheds.

  5. He loves chocolate

    Astley loves eating dark chocolate.

Rick Astley FAQs

What is Rickrolling?

Rickrolling is an internet meme that involves an unexpected appearance of the music video of Astley’s hit song ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’— once you click a hyperlink.

How much did Rick Astley make from Rickrolling?

Astley received $12 in performance royalties from “YouTube.”

How old is Emilie Astley?

Emilie is 30 years.

Rick Astley’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2025February 6Thursday
2026February 6Friday
2027February 6Saturday
2028February 6Sunday
2029February 6Tuesday

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