Country legend Frank Ifield – who also is credited with helping to launch The Beatles into stardom – has died. He was aged 86.
The musician took the UK by storm in the ‘60s, and was once a household name in the country for his catalogue of music. He was born in the UK and grew up in Australia, before heading back to England in 1959 to take his career to the next level.
His death was announced by close friend, music historian and journalist Glenn A. Baker, who stated that the 86-year-old died “peacefully” on Saturday night (May 18). He also described him as a “remarkable man” (via 7News).
Ifield was reportedly given a guitar at the age of 13 and self-taught when it came to playing and writing songs. As per The Sun, the musician released 44 records in just six years and was the top recording artist in Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania.
After moving to the UK, he introduced his fans to soon-to-be rock legends The Beatles, as the band acted as the opener for him at his live shows. He also famously performed to the late Queen in 1965 as he appeared at the Royal Variety Show.
ARIA hall of famer Frank Ifield – who had four No. 1s in Britain – dies aged 88 in Sydney, reports Glenn A. Baker. Once had a soon-to-be famous support act known as … The Beatles. pic.twitter.com/S0jCNV6VEo
— Neil McMahon (@NeilMcMahon) May 20, 2024
During his career, he had four chart-topping singles in the UK – ‘I Remember You’, ‘Lovesick Blues’, ‘The Wayward Wind’, and ‘Confessin’ That I Love You’.
“Very Sad to hear that Frank Ifield has passed away. He was instrumental in the music scene during the 1960’s. Although a bit before my time, I used to love playing this song on the radio… Sleep Tight Frank, I Remember You,” wrote radio host Luke Davies in a post online, remembering the late musician.
Columnist and close friend Pete Chambers also paid tribute, writing: “RiP to my great friend @FrankIfield we will always remember you, your legendary talent as a musician and above all your kindness as an extraordinary human being”.
Artist John Henry Horne added: “Very sad news to hear of legendary singer Frank Ifield has died, loved his songs, what an amazing voice he had. My favs are ‘I Remember You’, ‘Wayward Wind’ & many others. My condolences to his family, friends and us his fans on this sad loss of a Legend”.
Find more tributes below.
Very Sad to hear that Frank Ifield has passed away. He was instrumental in the music scene during the 1960’s. Although a bit before my time, I used to love playing this song on the radio. Just Timeless and Relaxing.
Sleep Tight Frank, I Remember You. pic.twitter.com/vNf93PVc8l
— Luke Davies (@TheLiveLuke) May 20, 2024
RiP to my great friend @FrankIfield we will always remember you, your legendary talent as a musician and above all your kindness as an extraordinary human being.@BBCCWR @BBCBreakfast @BBCBreaking @live_coventry @WhatsOnWarwicks pic.twitter.com/mn3zk1LLAn
— Pete Chambers BEM (@PeteChambersCov) May 20, 2024
Very sad news to hear of legendary singer Frank Ifield has died, loved his songs, what an amazing voice he had. My favs are I Remember You, Wayward Wind & many others. My condolences to his family, friends and us his fans on this sad loss of a Legend. @bbcnews @itvnews pic.twitter.com/yN9wtN3gHx
— John Henry Horne (@johnhorneartist) May 20, 2024
Sad to hear Aussie/Brit Frank Ifield has left us. He had three consecutive UK chart toppers in 1962/63, before Gerry & the Pacemakers and the Beatles did the same. He was also tied into the British invasion with this bizarre 1964 US release. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t “on stage.” pic.twitter.com/tZbQ4TU2C2
— Stuart Penney (@StuartPenney1) May 20, 2024
RIP Frank Ifield
He was actually part of the British invasion.
I like this cover of Johnny Mercers standard written about Judy Garland. It is a favourite early 60’s singlehttps://t.co/Jlfuh31ZJe
— RW Hedges (@HedgesRw) May 20, 2024
His health decline started in 1986, when he was diagnosed with pneumonia and soon rushed into surgery to remove part of a lung.
The procedure led to his vocal cords being damaged, according to his 2005 autobiography, and meant he was forced to put his career on hold for years.
Four years later, Ifield was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the arts as an entertainer. Following his death, he leaves behind his wife Carole Wood and two children.
The post Country legend Frank Ifield, who helped launch The Beatles, dies age 86 appeared first on NME.
