Who Is Steve Harley? Age, Biography and Wiki
Steve Harley was born on February 27, 1951, and tragically passed away in 2024. He was renowned as an English singer-songwriter, best known for his role as the frontman of the rock band Cockney Rebel. His music fused rock and pop, yielding hits like "Sebastian" and "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)." A charismatic performer, Harley’s distinctive voice and theatrical style left a significant mark on the British music scene.
| Occupation | Rock Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 27, 1951 |
| Age | 73 Years |
| Birth Place | Deptford, London, England |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 17 March, 2024 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Steve Harley's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Steve Harley stood at an impressive height of approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). Throughout his career, he maintained a slim physique, though his weight varied owing to the demands of touring and performing. His dynamic stage presence was often complemented by his stylish attire, reflecting the glam rock era of the 1970s.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Steve Harley was a private individual concerning his personal life. He was known to have a close-knit family and was dedicated to his craft. As of his passing, details regarding his relationship status have been kept relatively private. There were no confirmed reports of a significant romantic relationship or a marriage, suggesting that he focused primarily on his music and career pursuits over personal connections.
During the summer of 1953, aged two, Harley contracted a severe case of polio and the doctors told his father he was going to die. He survived, but spent four years in hospital between the ages of three and 16. He underwent major surgery in 1963 and 1966. After recovering from the first operation, aged 12, Harley was introduced to the poetry of T.
S. Eliot and D. H. Lawrence, the prose of John Steinbeck, Virginia Woolf and Ernest Hemingway, and the music of Bob Dylan, which pointed him to future careers involving words and music. While in hospital he wrote poetry, finding inspiration in Dylan's ballads.
Net Worth and Salary
Prior to his untimely death, Steve Harley's net worth was estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million. Most of his earnings came from his successful music career, including record sales, concert tours, and royalties from his songwriting. His legacy continues to contribute to his estate, making him a lasting figure in the world of music.
Career, Business and Investments
Steve Harley's career spanned several decades. He formed Cockney Rebel in the early 1970s, quickly achieving fame with their debut album. Over the years, he released multiple albums as a solo artist and with the band. Beyond music, Harley was involved in various business ventures related to entertainment and arts. His investment in music royalties has ensured a steady income stream, securing his financial future even after his passing.
Harley started his musical career in 1971 playing in bars and clubs, mainly at folk venues on open-mike nights. He sang at Les Cousins, Bunjies and The Troubadour in London on nights featuring John Martyn, Ralph McTell, Martin Carthy and Julie Felix, who were popular musicians in the London folk scene.
In 1971, he joined the folk band Odin as rhythm guitarist and co-singer and there met Jean-Paul Crocker, who became the first Cockney Rebel violinist. He also recorded a number of his own songs as demos that year using his classical guitar at Venus Recording Studios in Whitechapel.
Harley then began busking around London in 1972, including on the Underground and in Portobello Road, while also writing songs. He left the folk scene and formed the band Cockney Rebel in 1972, as a vehicle for his own work. The name was taken from an autobiographical poem he had written at school.
Social Network
Steve Harley actively engaged with his fans through social media throughout his life, providing updates on his music, personal thoughts, and upcoming events. He had a presence on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he shared snippets of his performances and connected with followers. Even in 2025, his legacy continues to resonate through fan pages and tribute accounts dedicated to his work and influence.
In 1968, at the age of 17, Harley began his first full-time job, working as a trainee accountant with the Daily Express, despite having gained only 24% in his mock O-level maths exam. From there he progressed to become a reporter, having wanted to be a journalist since the age of 12.
After being interviewed by several newspaper editors, Harley signed to train with Essex County Newspapers. Over three years, Harley worked at the Essex County Standard, the Braintree and Witham Times, the Maldon and Burnham Standard and the Colchester Evening Gazette.
He returned to London to work for the East London Advertiser (ELA), where he covered the story of the Kray murder at The Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel.
At the age of 21, unwilling to write a story about a woman who had taken two tins of food from a shop, Harley determined to get sacked, an objective he achieved by not wearing a tie and growing his hair long.
Among Harley's peers who made successful careers in national journalism were John Blake and Richard Madeley, who took over Harley's desk at the ELA in 1972.
Education
Steve Harley's education background indicated a passion for the arts from a young age. He attended various schools with a focus on music and performance, eventually honing his craft and developing a unique artistic identity. His educational journey played a significant role in shaping his future as an accomplished musician and songwriter.
Harley was a pupil at Edmund Waller Primary School in New Cross, London. He attended Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham Boys' Grammar School until the age of 17. Aged 15, he took his O-level exams in his hospital bed. He left school without completing his A-level exams.
