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With a net worth of $16 million, Richard Paul Astley is an English singer, musician, songwriter, drummer and a radio personality as well. He is often just referred to as Rick Astley. He was born on 6th February, 1966 in Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, England. Rick is best known by his song titled "Never Gonna Give You Up" that was released in 1987. It was a huge success in as many as 25 countries.

Astley has earned his fame and wealth by being a musician and singer, specifically from his singles. He has a unique record. The first eight of Rick’s singles have all been in the “Top 10” charts in the UK. In 1993, before retiring, he made a record of selling 40 million copies all over the world. After retirement he again joined the music industry in 2007 when his song titled “Never Gonna Give You Up” became popular on the Internet. This song received the “Best British Single” at the BRIT Awards in 1988. After his first solo, his next song was “Whenever You Need Somebody”. This too held the #1 position in 7 countries. Internet users voted Rick as the “Best Act Ever” in the “MTV Europe Music Awards” of 2008. His last release, "It Would Take a Strong Man" was also a big hit. Astley became the best artist in the world during his 5 releases.

Rick Astley is married to Lene Bausager who is a film producer. They live in Richmond, London and have one daughter named Emilie. She was born in 1992. Rick has been brought up by his father as his parents were divorced when he was just five years old.

Earnings & Financial Data

Date

Category

Description

Amount

2009

Royalties

Amount he received from YouTube for his performance share in the viral Internet meme known as rickrolling

$12,000

2001

Record Sales

Estimated earnings from his album 50 (certified platinum by BPI)

$300,000

1990

Record Sales

Estimated earnings from his album Free (certified gold by BPI)

$100,000

1987

Record Sales

Estimated earnings from his album Hold Me in Your Arms (certified 2x platinum by Music Canada, platinum by BPI, and gold by RIAA)

$1,500,000

1986

Record Sales

Estimated earnings from his album Whenever You Need Somebody (certified 4x platinum by Music Canada and BPI, 3x platinum by ARIA, and 2x platinum by RIAA)

$4,000,000