“The Shocking Truth Behind Frank Ifield’s Death Revealed!
Frank Ifield was famous for his smooth singing and unique yodeling, and he left a lasting impact on music.
He also helped the Beatles become popular.
But now, Frank Ifield’s voice is gone forever.
Frank Ifield was a one-of-a-kind country singer who became famous outside North America in the 1960s. He was so popular that before The Beatles became world-famous, they opened for him at a show in London.
Born in England on November 30, 1937, Frank wasn’t just known for his great singing but also for his good looks and charming personality. His voice was special because he could sing in a high pitch and even yodel, which made him stand out.
When Frank was 11, his family moved to Australia. Living in the countryside, he fell in love with hillbilly music. For his birthday, he got a ukulele and quickly learned how to play it.
“I took my ukulele to school one day, and the headmaster encouraged me to put Australian poems to my own music and perform them for the class,” Frank shared on his website.
As a teenager, Frank started performing and quickly became well-known in Australia. He became a local star and aimed for international success.
“I was still in school, and my dad didn’t support me much at first because he thought showbusiness was too risky. But I followed my dream, and it worked out. In the end, my dad was happy with it,” Frank told Westerner Magazine.
In 1959, Frank moved back to England. It didn’t take long for his unique talent to win over the British audience. With hits like “I Remember You,” “Lovesick Blues,” “The Wayward Wind,” and “Confessin’ That I Love You,” Frank became a huge star, topping the UK charts and winning the hearts of music fans.
With his tall height, blue eyes, and blonde hair, Frank Ifield became a heartthrob for many young women in the 1960s. His Australian looks and charm made him a favorite quickly.
One of the most interesting stories about Frank’s impact is how he helped promote one of the most famous bands ever. At the peak of his career, manager Brian Epstein asked Frank to let a new band from Liverpool join his tour. They didn’t have much experience outside their hometown. Frank asked, “Who are they?” Epstein replied, “They’re called The Beatles.”
In 1962, Frank Ifield agreed to have The Beatles as his opening act, a move that helped launch them into global fame.
Frank Ifield played an important role in making country music popular in Britain. However, as pop music started to take over the charts, his fame faded a bit.
In 1966, he moved to Nashville and recorded two albums. He also fulfilled a childhood dream by performing at The Grand Ole Opry, where he was introduced by his idol, Hank Snow. Frank said, “The Americans loved new artists, and they welcomed us because we had a lot of original songs. Those were great times.”
The 1970s were quieter for Frank, but he stayed popular in many European countries, performing at country music festivals and in cabarets.
The 1980s brought tough challenges for Frank. First, his father died of cancer. Then, Frank got pneumonia, and one of his lungs collapsed. He said, “It was devastating… my whole life fell apart. The worst part was that the news hit the press before my doctor even told me.”
Doctors had to remove parts of his lung and told him he would never sing again. His vocal cords were damaged, leaving him unable to sing or yodel anymore.
“It affected me more than I realized at first,” Frank shared. “Not long after, I had to go back to the UK for another show at the Palladium, and that hit me hard again. After the concert, a man came up to me and handed me divorce papers. My first wife had understandably grown tired of me being away all the time.”
Thankfully, Frank was able to make a strong comeback. He worked hard on vocal exercises and eventually got his voice back.
“When I started performing again, I had to be careful,” he told the Daily Express in 2019.
After his divorce was finalized, Frank Ifield returned to Sydney. In 1992, he married Carole Wood, an airline hostess, and life started to improve.
“I can’t thank Carole enough for helping me get back on my feet. She made sure I continued my career as a TV presenter and performing at live concerts, which I’m still doing today,” Frank said.
In his later years, Frank continued to tour, sharing stories from his showbiz days along with his music. He also stayed involved in the Australian music scene, supporting up-and-coming artists like country singer Nicki Gillis.
Frank Ifield found a new role in the entertainment world by helping new talents and organizing important events.
“During my career, I’ve played at all the places I dreamed of and even more,” he once said.
In 2007, Frank was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. In June 2009, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the arts as an entertainer.
In May 2024, we were deeply saddened to hear of Frank Ifield’s passing. His friend, music historian and journalist Glenn A. Baker, shared the news on Facebook, saying that Frank had passed away peacefully in his sleep.
The legendary singer died at Hornsby Hospital in Sydney on May 18, 2024, from pneumonia, at the age of 86.
“Everyone who met him was struck by his kindness and politeness,” Glenn Baker wrote.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Carole Wood; his two brothers, Bob and David; and his children from his first 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!
