David Essex

David Essex OBE (born David Albert Cook, 23 July 1947) is an English singer-songwriter and actor who rose to fame in the 1970s. He achieved 19 UK Top 40 singles—including two number ones—and 16 Top 40 albums between 1973 and 1994. Internationally, he is best known for his 1973 hit "Rock On", which reached No. 5 in the US and earned a Grammy nomination. Born in Plaistow, East London, Essex initially pursued football and played for West Ham United Juniors before turning to music.