He ruled the charts with his smooth vocals and signature yodel, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
He even played a key role in the rise of the Beatles.
But now, the voice of Frank Ifield has been silenced forever.
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: (AUSTRALIA OUT) Photo of Frank IFIELD (Photo by GAB Archive/Redferns)
Frank Ifield was one of the most unique country artists to emerge outside North America during the 1960s. His popularity was so immense that even before The Beatles became global icons, they opened for Frank at a show in London.
This British-born star wasn’t just known for his talent but also for his handsome looks and charming personality, which shone through in every note he sang. He had a voice that could sing in falsetto, and even yodel — a rare combination that made him unforgettable.
Grew up in rural Australia
Frank Ifield was born in England on November 30, 1937, but his story truly began to unfold when his family moved to Australia when he was just 11 years old.
Growing up in the Australian countryside, Frank developed a deep love for hillbilly music, which soon became his passion. He received a ukulele for his birthday and quickly taught himself how to play it.
”It accompanied me to school one day, where the headmaster encouraged me to adapt Australian poetry to my own tunes and then perform them to the class,” he said on his website.
As a teenager, he began performing and quickly made a name for himself in Australia. He became something of a star in his homeland and set his sights on achieving international success.
”I was still going to school, and my dad wasn’t giving me a lot of encouragement at that point as he thought showbusiness was too precarious. I pursued my dream, and what I wanted to do, and it worked. He was quite happy with it in the end,” Frank told the Westerner Magazine.
In 1959, Frank returned to England, and it wasn’t long before his unique talent captured the hearts of the British public. With chart-topping hits like ”I Remember You,” ”Lovesick Blues,” ”The Wayward Wind,” and ”Confessin’ That I Love You,” Frank soared to stardom, reaching the top of the UK charts and becoming a beloved figure in the music world.
With his six-foot frame, blue eyes, and blonde hair, Frank Ifield became the heartthrob of many young women in the 1960s. His sun-kissed Australian looks and charm made him an instant favorite.
One of the most remarkable stories that showcases Frank Ifield’s influence is how he played a pivotal role in promoting one of the world’s most famous bands. At the height of his career, he was approached by manager Brian Epstein with a special request.
Epstein asked Ifield to consider adding a band from Liverpool to his tour, explaining that they had no experience outside their hometown. Intrigued, Ifield asked, ”Well, who are you talking about?” Epstein replied, ”It’s a new group called The Beatles.”
In 1962, Frank Ifield welcomed The Beatles as his support act, a decision that catapulted the band into superstardom.
Frank played a key role in igniting the country music trend in Britain. However, as pop songs began to dominate the charts, his star dimmed somewhat.
In 1966, Ifield moved to Nashville and recorded two albums, fulfilling a childhood dream by performing at The Grand Ole Opry, where he was introduced by his childhood idol, Hank Snow.
”The Americans were hungry for new artists and they lapped us up because we did a lot of original material. They were great times,” Ifield said.
The 1970s were a relatively quiet period for Ifield, but his popularity remained strong in many European countries. He continued to perform at country music festivals and in cabarets.
Collapsed lung
In 1980s, Frank faced several difficult challenges that would greatly impact his life. First, he father died of cancer. Then, Frank contracted pneumonia, which led to the collapse of one of his lungs.
“To say that was devastating would be an understatement…my whole life came crashing down…the worse thing was, the story broke in the Press even before the doctor told me,” Frank told Go55s.
Doctors performed surgery to remove parts of his lung and informed him that he would never be able to sing again. The Aussie singer’s vocal cords were damaged, leaving him unable to sing or yodel.
“It really hit me a lot harder than I at first realised…it was not long afterwards when I had to return to the UK for another Palladium appearance and that resulted in another body blow when a bloke came up to me after the concert and handed me divorce papers. My first wife had naturally grown tired of my constant travelling,” the singer shared.
Fortunately, Frank managed to make a triumphant return to the stage. He diligently did vocal strengthening exercises and eventually regained his voice.
”When I finally started performing again, I had to go carefully,” he told the Daily Express in 2019.
Frank Ifield wife
One thing that couldn’t be saved was Frank’s marriage to his dancer wife, Gillian Bowden. The couple, who had been married since 1965 and had two children together, a son and a daughter, saw their 23-year marriage fall apart publicly.
In 1988, Gillian filed for divorce, citing that Frank’s behavior had made it impossible for her to continue living with him.
“I can’t credit Carole enough with helping me back on my feet and ensuring that I continued a career as a presenter on both TV and live concerts…which I’m doing to this day.’’
Frank Ifield with his first wife, former dancer Gillian are seen with their 6ib 12oz son at a London nursing home
After the divorce was finalized, Frank Ifield returned to Sydney. In 1992, he married Carole Wood, an airline hostess. Finally, things began to look a bit brighter.
“I can’t credit Carole enough with helping me back on my feet and ensuring that I continued a career as a presenter on both TV and live concerts…which I’m doing to this day,” Frank said.
Last days
In his later years, the 1960s pop sensation continued to tour, blending stories from his showbiz past with his musical performances. Frank also stayed active in the Australian music scene, supporting rising stars like country singer Nicki Gillis.
He carved out a new role in the entertainment industry by nurturing talents and initiating key events.
”During my career I have played all the places I dreamed of and more,” he said.
In, 2007 he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and in June 2009, Frank was presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia for ”service to the arts as an entertainer”.
Cause of death
In May 2024, we were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the beloved musician Frank Ifield. The news was shared by his friend, music historian and journalist Glenn A. Baker, who announced on Facebook that Frank had peacefully passed away in his sleep.
The legendary singer died in Hornsby Hospital, Sydney, of pneumonia on 18 May 2024, at the age of 86.
”Every person who came upon him, in any circumstance, was overwhelmed by his kindness and courtesy,” Glenn Baker wrote.
Frank leaves behind his devoted wife, Carole Wood; his two brothers, Bob and David; and his children from his previous marriage, Mark Philip and Sarah.
Frank Ifield’s legacy lives on in the hearts he touched and the music he shared. Though he might not have always received the recognition he deserved, his remarkable talent and kindness remain unforgettable.
His unique style and genuine artistry have left a lasting impact, reminding us all of the beauty in true musical restraint. RIP, Frank!
