Richard Paul "Rick" Astley (/ˈrɪk ˈæstli/; born 6 February 1966) is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and radio personality. He is known for his 1987 song, "Never Gonna Give You Up", which was a No. 1 hit single in 25 countries. Astley holds the record for being the only male solo artist to have his first 8 singles reach the Top 10 in the UK and by retirement in 1993 had sold approximately 40 million records worldwide.After retiring from the music industry in 1993, Astley made a comeback in 2007 when he became an Internet phenomenon, as his video for "Never Gonna Give You Up" became part of a popular Internet meme known as "rickrolling". Astley was voted "Best Act Ever" by Internet users at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2008.
Having finished his Freshman year at Columbia, Ricky is catching up on badly needed sleep and looking for summer work. He continues to compose his own music, critique movies, go on auditions, and hang out with friends. [June 2008]
2
Finished his first semester at Columbia University. During the semester he was in the University's production of "Pippin", playing the title role. [December 2007]
3
On May 3rd, HE performed in a reading of "College, the Musical" at the Princeton Club of NY, it was written by 2 Princetonians(a grad and a student). It was directed by Jeremy Dobrish, musical director was Mark Hartman and casting director Mark Simon. [May 2007]
4
Finished his leading role in the Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown's World Premiere of "13" at the Mark Taper Forum in L.A. 13 was a limited run and closed to rave reviews from the Daily News, Variety, Trade Papers, Internet sites, etc. [February 2007]
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Musical Director of "A New Brain" which was held at the Black Box Theatre, at Columbia University. He was also the piano player throughout the production. [May 2008]
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Rehearsing for "13" in L.A. [October 2006]
7
Member of a band named "The Curbside Legends" since his senior year of High School. He is the keyboard player and a vocalist. He was asked to join this band when he returned to his regular High School, after finishing his run in "13" in California. There are 3 other members of the band, that Ricky has known since early childhood, Shawn Small, Greg Oxenberg and Max Rosen.
8
Went to French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts Camp for 9 summers.