Frank Ifield

Frank Ifield

by Pete Clemons

Frank Ifield was born in Coventry during November 1937, emigrated to Australia 1946 and made his home in the Hills district of Sydney.

Before he was 16 Frank had landed himself a recording contract and, as a consequence, made many appearances on television and radio in that country. It was said that Frank Ifield couldn't resist a challenge.

And that challenge came in the shape of tackling and conquering a new audience in the United Kingdom that drove him to leave Australia where, as a top drawer entertainer, his future was secure.

So in November 1959 Frank arrived in England virtually unknown but eager to start again and determined to succeed. Initially a chart topping record eluded Frank. That said his first single for Colombia Records 'Lucky Devil' did enter the top twenty.

Subsequent TV appearances and nation wide tours made him well known to thousands. Then Frank recorded 'I Remember You' and everything changed overnight. This song had a distinct flavour all of its own which immediately grabbed the attention of the record buying public and it soared to number one.

Even after four number ones singles, between 1962 and 1963, Frank's chart success would not last. The advent of the beat bands saw the singing stars of the late 1950s and early 1960s soon finding themselves in the shadows.

By late 1963 and through 1964 The Beatles, The Rolling Stones were beginning to dominate the music scene and Frank had to reinvent himself.

And that change of direction was by becoming an almost automatic choice on the all round family entertainment programmes that dominated the small screens. And Frank was a regular until that type of entertainment had run its course.

Frank was also an advocate of the theatre. Particularly his beloved Coventry Theatre. 1976 saw the future of Coventry Theatre being threatened. February 1976 saw Coventry Planning Committee grant permission for an application to extend the building. This would mean it could be used as a Bingo Hall.

However Equity launched a campaign to keep the Theatre a live theatre. Messages of support were received from, amongst others, stars of the day like Frank, Peters and Lee, Noel Gordon John Alderton and Kenneth Moore.

But, of course, it was a short lived victory.


Below is a non exhaustive list of some of Frank Ifield's highlights:

April 1960 Duane Eddy, Kathy Kirby, Frank Ifield tour of the UK

May/June 1960 Emile Ford and the Checkmates, Frank Ifield tour inc Rugby Granada Theatre

The Shadows, Frank Ifield Jan/Feb 1961

The Shadows, Frank Ifield April 1962 for a week in Liverpool

Everly Brothers, Frank Ifield late 1962


Headline tours:

Frank Ifield, Anita Harris late 1962

Frank Ifield, Lana Sisters early 1963 (inc Coventry Theatre)

Frank Ifield, The Springfields early 1963

May and again June 1963 Frank Ifield, London Palladium

By 1965 Frank was playing summer seasons at seaside towns such as Great Yarmouth and Bournemouth
Summer season 1964 saw Frank Ifield in Blackpool with Kathy Kirby

By end of 1965 and into 1966 Frank was starring in pantomime at the London Palladium alongside stars like Sid James, Arthur Askey and Roy Kinnear.

1967 holiday star time with Jimmy Tarbuck at Blackpool

A similar pattern of shows and regular television appearances continued.

I Remember You

Lovesick Blues

The Waywood Wind

She Taught me to Yodel