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. His early acting breakthrough came in Godspell (1971), followed by starring roles in That'll Be the Day (1973) and its sequel Stardust (1974). His teen idol status was cemented with chart-toppers like "Gonna Make You a Star" and "Hold Me Close".

Essex played leading roles 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-wrote and starred in the West End musical Mutiny!, producing further chart hits. He continued acting in film, theatre, and TV, including a 2011 role in EastEnders.

A respected figure in British pop culture, Essex was appointed OBE in 1999 for his charity work, notably with Voluntary Service Overseas. He is openly proud of his Irish Traveller heritage and has supported traveller rights. Married three times, he has five children and remains active in music and theatre, touring regularly and releasing work through his label.
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