Sir Cliff Richard, the veteran British singer, reflects on his enduring career as he prepares to release a new album later this month. At 86 years old, Richard remains committed to his music, demonstrating a wide vocal range and a competitive spirit that has driven his success for nearly seven decades.

Richard’s latest album, *Only Number Ones*, scheduled for release on November 27, features covers of classic songs from a variety of artists, including Roy Orbison, George Harrison, The Monkees, Elvis Presley, and the 1976 hit “Don’t Give Up On Us” by David Soul, known for his role in *Starsky & Hutch*. The release will coincide with new albums from artists such as Bjork and The Rolling Stones, putting the seasoned singer in competition with contemporary acts.

Reflecting on his status in the music industry, Richard emphasized the importance of fans and the collaborative efforts of numerous musicians throughout his career. “You can’t be any good if you have not got an audience. The audience is a part of anybody’s success,” he said. Despite his long tenure in the industry, Richard remains driven by a desire to achieve chart success, noting, “You can’t be in our business unless you are competitive. I never made a record to get to number 30. You want to have a big hit, as it means more people are accepting you as a singer.”

He also acknowledged the challenges of maintaining his voice over time. “I am always amazed that I can open my voice up and sing,” he remarked, crediting a falsetto technique as an important tool for sustaining his vocal performance. He admitted, however, that managing his voice can be difficult at times, attributing some of his ability to luck and natural talent.

Richard also spoke candidly about his youthful admiration for Elvis Presley, whose music deeply influenced him. “When I first heard ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ I was like ‘what the heck is that?’ It was such a new thing,” he recalled.

While *Only Number Ones* focuses on reinterpretations of other artists’ material, Richard has declined to include any of his own compositions on the album, despite having 14 number-one hits during his career. He explained that space constraints on the album led to that decision.

The new single from the album, “Spirit in the Sky,” originally recorded by Norman Greenbaum in 1969, has already reached the top spot on Mike Read’s Heritage Chart. As Richard marks 69 years in the music business, he shows no signs of slowing down, underscoring his ongoing passion and gratitude for his fans and his craft. The album is set to be released through Parlophone.