May 18 2024
VALE FRANK IFIELD (1937-2024)
From the Facebook page of the CMAA:-
Vale FRANK IFIELD
30 November 1937 – 18 May 2024
The board of the Country Music Association of Australia would like to express its deep sadness at the news of the passing of Australian music idol Frank Ifield. Much has been said and written of Frank’s achievements during his illustrious career, spanning over 60 years. He was one of Australia’s very first international superstars, and despite his world-wide acclaim he was described by all who worked with him as being a genuine, gentle man. His promotion and support for Australian country music performers was legendary, which has been evidenced many times over the past few days of those young artists paying tribute on Facebook.
We have asked one of Frank’s dearest friends and fellow entertainers Bob Howe to share his thoughts on the passing of his long-time friend:
“In 1982 I was playing in Donna Fisk’s band when we were asked if we would play some shows with Frank Ifield. It was a dream job, playing all of Frank’s number one hit songs with him and, for me personally, to play the iconic harmonica intro to his most memorable…’I Remember You’. By then, he had been a ‘hillbilly’ star in Australia in the Fifties and a huge pop star in the U.K. in the Sixties. This led to worldwide fame and in the Seventies, a move back to Country Music, his original passion.
Frank Ifield and Bob Howe in Corby, U.K. 1985 – Photo by Peter Gwilt
By 1984, I was on the road with Frank in the U.K. and he would pick me up from my Grandma’s house in his Rolls Royce and off we would go, playing for his many fans across the country – fans that he had endless time for, no matter how far we travelled. Frank loved to tell stories and he charmed everyone he met – notably my Grandma in Rugby, who he would visit for a cup of tea and a chat, even if I wasn’t there!
We played all over the country with top U.K. band ‘Barbary Coast’ who accompanied him for many years, including at all the top British country music festivals. I continued to tour with Frank, via the Far East and then back to Australia in the late Eighties.
Frank had a deep-seated desire to help other Australia artists achieve exposure overseas and for this he created the ‘Frank Ifield International Spur Award’. For 23 years, with the support of Galston Rotary Club and ‘Canterbury Country’ in Sydney, the award fostered widespread International airplay for its talented recipients.
My wife Karen and I were privileged to celebrate lots of special occasions with Frank and his wife Carole and the Ifield family – each event a treasured memory. Frank was a man of boundless enthusiasm and a zest for life. We are all better for having known him. Rest In Peace Frank. ” – Bob Howe
We offer our heartfelt thanks to Bob for his contribution. The board of the CMAA send our sincere condolences to Frank’s wife Carole and his family at this sad time, on behalf of the Australian country music industry.
Bob talked with Michael Pavlich on ABC Radio’s Overnights program , in the early hours of Tuesday 4th June 2024.
CLICK HERE to hear the entire show, or listen to the extract about Frank Ifield below:-
At the June Canterbury Country show, we paid tribute to our dear friend, FRANK IFIELD with this video :-