With his six-foot frame, blue eyes, and blonde hair, Frank Ifield became the heartthrob of many young women in the 1960s. His sun-kissed Australian looks and charm made him an instant favorite.
One of the most remarkable stories that showcases Frank Ifield’s influence is how he played a pivotal role in promoting one of the world’s most famous bands. At the height of his career, he was approached by manager Brian Epstein with a special request.
Epstein asked Ifield to consider adding a band from Liverpool to his tour, explaining that they had no experience outside their hometown. Intrigued, Ifield asked, ”Well, who are you talking about?” Epstein replied, ”It’s a new group called The Beatles.”
In 1962, Frank Ifield welcomed The Beatles as his support act, a decision that catapulted the band into superstardom.
Frank played a key role in igniting the country music trend in Britain. However, as pop songs began to dominate the charts, his star dimmed somewhat.
In 1966, Ifield moved to Nashville and recorded two albums, fulfilling a childhood dream by performing at The Grand Ole Opry, where he was introduced by his childhood idol, Hank Snow.
”The Americans were hungry for new artists and they lapped us up because we did a lot of original material. They were great times,” Ifield said.
The 1970s were a relatively quiet period for Ifield, but his popularity remained strong in many European countries. He continued to perform at country music festivals and in cabarets.
