David Essex

David Essex

David Essex is an English singer-songwriter and actor from Plaistow, East London, born in 1947. He is associated with rock and soft rock, and he releases music through Rock On Music. He first comes to prominence in the 1970s and builds a career that spans pop singles, albums, film, theatre and television.

Music career

Essex records 19 UK Top 40 singles and 16 Top 40 albums between 1973 and 1994, including two UK number ones. His best-known song internationally is 1973’s “Rock On”, which reaches No. 5 in the US and receives a Grammy nomination. Other major hit singles include “Gonna Make You a Star” and “Hold Me Close”, which help establish his status as a teen idol in Britain.

He also performs in major stage productions, including Tommy, Evita as Che, and Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds as the Artilleryman. In the 1980s, he co-writes and stars in the West End musical Mutiny!, and continues to release charting material.

Acting

Before his music career fully develops, Essex begins to break through as an actor in Godspell (1971). He then stars in That’ll Be the Day (1973) and its sequel Stardust (1974). He continues to work across film, theatre and television, including an appearance in EastEnders in 2011.

Background and recognition

Born David Albert Cook, Essex first pursues football and plays for West Ham United Juniors before turning to music. He is appointed OBE in 1999 for charity work, especially his involvement with Voluntary Service Overseas. He is openly proud of his Irish Traveller heritage and supports traveller rights. He is married three times, has five children, and remains active in music and theatre.