Answer the following question: Facts: - instrument: vocals , drums - years active: 1963 -- present - birth name: david albert cook - label: columbia , lamplight records - genre: pop , musical theatre - birth date: 23 july 1947 - name: david essex - image size: 220px - background: solo_singer - image: david essex.jpg - birth place: plaistow , essex , england - occupation: musician , singer-songwriter , actor Based on these bullet points, write a short biography describing the life of david essex .
Answer:
david essex , obe -lrb- born david albert cook ; 23 july 1947 -rrb- is an english musician , singer-songwriter , and actor .since the 1970s , he has attained 19 top 40 singles in the uk -lrb- including two number ones -rrb- and 16 top 40 albums .he has also had an extensive career as an actor .