Devil Woman

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some wicked vibes as we spin "Devil Woman" by Cliff Richard from his 1976 album I'm Nearly Famous! This track is a gem with some wild stories behind it. According to Cliff Richard Song Database, Cliff was initially hesitant to record the song due to its eerie, occult-themed lyrics, but producer Bruce Welch convinced him to give it a go. Cliff later shared a story that made him proud: a fan in Australia, dabbling in the occult and feeling lost, heard "Devil Woman" and was inspired to turn away from it, becoming a devoted Christian. Cliff has recounted this tale in many interviews, highlighting the song’s unexpected impact. Songwriter Christine Holmes, who also recorded it as "Kristine," revealed that Cliff thought the song was about stray cats because of a lyric about "neighborhood strays," not realizing it was about a seductive fortune-teller with mystical powers!

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s creation. Terry Britten, the composer, had the music ready but needed a lyrical spark. Christine Holmes stepped in, giving the song its title and crafting the story of a man cursed by a stray cat’s evil eyes, only to find the psychic he consulted was the curse’s source. The track’s guitar-driven sound, with Terry Britten on guitar and Hank Marvin of The Shadows adding intricate riffs, marked a shift for Cliff into a harder-edged rock vibe. Fans on The Cliff Richard Fan Club often rave about how this song, which hit #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100, was Cliff’s biggest stateside success, selling over two million copies worldwide. Its spooky vibe even earned it a spot in the 2017 film I, Tonya, as the theme for Allison Janney’s character, LaVona Golden, giving it a modern resurgence.

Now, let’s dive into how Cliff Richard got his start. Born Harry Rodger Webb in 1940 in India, Cliff moved to England as a child and fell in love with music during the skiffle craze of the 1950s. Inspired by Elvis Presley, he formed a band called The Drifters (later The Shadows) and burst onto the scene in 1958 with his debut single "Move It," a raw rock ‘n’ roll track that’s often called Britain’s first true rock hit. His hip-shaking energy and good looks made him a teen idol, and by the early ‘60s, he was the UK’s biggest star, churning out hits like "The Young Ones" and starring in films like Summer Holiday. Despite a dip in the early ‘70s, I’m Nearly Famous and "Devil Woman" marked a major comeback, proving his staying power. Cliff’s career spans over six decades, with more than 130 UK Top 20 singles and albums, making him one of the best-selling artists ever.

Want to keep up with Cliff? Check out his official website for tour dates and news. He’s active on Facebook, sharing updates and throwback photos, and you can catch his posts on Instagram and X for fan interactions and music snippets. Fans gather at Cliff Richard Song Database, a treasure trove of song info, and on The Cliff Richard Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can join discussions about his epic catalog. So, crank up "Devil Woman" and let’s keep the groovy vibes flowing!