Australian music legend Frank Ifield, a household name in Britain who was once supported by The Beatles, dies aged 86
Legendary Australian singer and guitarist Frank Ifield has died at the age of 86.
The iconic musician’s passing was announced by his friend, music historian and journalist Glenn A. Baker, who revealed on Facebook that Frank died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday night.
He is survived by wife Carole Wood and two children he shared with ex-wife Gillian Bowden.
Born in England but raised in Australia, Frank had a stellar music career that started when he was just 13 years old.
The teenager lived in the Sydney suburb of Dural at the time, where he worked on his parents’ farm and often listened to country music.
Legendary Australian singer and guitarist Frank Ifield has died at the age of 86. (Frank is pictured in 1965)
After receiving a guitar from his grandmother, the talented youngster taught himself to play and began writing songs, including yodelling.
By the time he was 19, Frank had released 44 records and become the number one artist in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania.
Frank took a risk at the height of his stardom Down Under and moved to London in 1959 and went on to release four number one hits on the British singles chart: his cover versions of the songs I Remember You, Lovesick Blues, The Wayward Wind. and Confess I Love You.
He is survived by his wife Carole Wood (right) and two children, whom he shared with ex-wife Gillian Bowden
Born in England but raised in Australia, Frank had a stellar music career that started when he was just 13 years old. (Frank pictured after being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007)
By the time he was 19, Frank had released 44 records and become the number one artist in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania.
Three of these hits came before the Beatles became famous, and for a time he even had the British band perform as his opening act.
Other achievements include performing for Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Variety Show in 1965, starring in his own film Up Jumped a Swagman, and receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the arts as an entertainer in 2009 .
In 1986, Frank was diagnosed with pneumonia and underwent surgery to remove part of a lung.
During the operation, his vocal cords were damaged, causing him to be unable to sing and yodel for years.
In 2005, Frank co-wrote his autobiography, I Remember Me: the First 25 Years.
Frank took a risk at the height of his stardom Down Under and moved to London in 1959 and went on to release four number one hits on the British singles chart: his cover versions of the songs I Remember You, Lovesick Blues, The Wayward Wind. and Confess I Love You