2015 NEWS ARCHIVE

by | Aug 2, 2024 | Uncategorised

santa


Merry Christmas wishes from Frank Ifield and all at frankifield.com
May the New Year 2016 bring you happiness and joy!

Don’t forget, it’s not too late to shop for Christmas!
Check out Frank’s DISCOGRAPHY
page to see his latest CD releases.

 

21 August 2015:
Just released in the UK on CD for the first time…
the 1962 Frank Ifield album ‘I Remember You’.
This was Frank’s first USA album, originally released on Vee-Jay Records.Track Listing:
1. Anytime
2. Gone
3. She Taught Me How To Yodel
4. Heart And Soul
5. The Glory Of Love
6. Unchained Melody
7. A Fool Such As I
8. Lovesick Blues
9. Oh Lonesome Me
10. That’s The Way It Goes
11. I Listen To My Heart
12. I Remember You Click here to order from Amazon U.K.CD cover

 

Frank appeared in the UK during September 2015
with his ‘I REMEMBER YOU-OO – An Audience with Frank Ifield’ show at the following venues:

  • THURSDAY 10th Sept. – WYLLYOTTS CENTRE, POTTERS BAR, HERTS
  • SATURDAY 12th Sept. – OAKE VILLAGE HALL, Saxon Close, Oake, Taunton, TA4 1JA
  • TUESDAY 22nd Sept. – EPSOM PLAYHOUSE, SURREY – 7:30 pm
  • WEDNESDAY 23rd Sept. – MARINA THEATRE, LOWESTOFT – 2.30pm

Frank recounted his amazing career, interspersed with some incredible stories of his life and work in show business.

 

Frank was guesting on ‘Paul Hazell’s World Of Country’ on Sunday 20th September 2015 on Uckfield FM. You can now listen on demand… 
The theme was ‘Pop sings country and country sings popular’ as Paul and Frank explored the roots and the edges of country music. Very interesting!!

 

Frank Ifield and Jimmy Shand Jr

 

Pictured left:

Frank with Jimmy Shand Jr
in Auchtermuchty, Scotland
in front of a statue of
the great Jimmy Shand,
legendary accordion player.

 

Photo taken by Gill Delaney on the 2015 MUSIC TOUR OF SCOTLAND AND IRELAND.

 

 

CD cover

CD REVIEW by Frank Ifield

If you were lucky enough to have been around in the 50s and 60s when instrumental hits were in vogue, topping the worldwide hit parades, then you will be as excited as I was on hearing the new album by BOB HOWE called
The Silver Collection‘.

It features twenty five unbelievably good and uniquely crafted tracks. Each tune from beginning to end paints its own musical picture.

Wait till you hear track eight which is a song mostly attributed to myself as being my greatest hit; but Bob will surprise you all, as he did to me, with a most imaginative version of I Remember You I have heard. It is sheer magic…as too are his interpretations of The Shadows tunes – Wonderful Land and Apache.

His rendition of Eric Clapton’s Tears In Heaven had me reaching for handfuls of tissues while Maria Elena made me feel warm and fuzzy as if I were transported to some exotic locale. Runaway has always been a favourite of mine – and Bob’s interpretation makes me feel happy. Even though Del Shannon’s lyric is melancholy, the music brings a smile to my dial. Whiter Shade Of Bach is a great classic and shines brightly again in the hands of Bob’s fine musicianship; as do all the tracks on this exquisite album.

Thanks for this Bob; it has earned a permanent place as music for journeys in my car.

You can purchase ‘The Silver Collection’ for $15 Australia Dollars (approx USD$11 or GBP£7) which includes postage CLICK HERE

 

Frank ifield and Tommy Moeller

 

14 July 2015:

At a Sydney showbiz luncheon, Frank chats with Tommy Moeller, lead singer and frontman for Unit 4 + 2.

Tommy surprised everyone with an impromptu rendition of that band’s 1965 number one hit Concrete and Clay which he co-wrote with group member Brian Parker.

(Thanks to Diane for the photo)

 

15 July 2015: Sad news that master of the harmonica HARRY PITCH has passed away at the age of 90 years old. Harry was best known for playing the theme of the TV show Last of the Summer Wine and his surprise 1970 hit Groovin’ With Mr. Bloe. What many people didn’t know, was that he played the four notes at the beginning of Frank Ifield’s I Remember You – a musical motif (based on the tune Waltzing Matilda) that was instantly recognisable forever more. The recording stayed at No.1 for seven weeks and sold millions of copies. Frank remembers Harry as nice gentle person and a very talented musician. Read more about Harry, who played on several more of Frank’s recordings: Click Here…

 

No doubt Frank will reminisce about his years touring England with the fabulous BARBARY COAST band. Here they are together early on, in the North-East of England during the late seventies. Thanks to Alan James for providing the photo…

Frank Ifield and Barbary Coast
L to R: Barry Fletcher, John Maloney, Frank, Tony Paul, Robbo Robinson, John Roche

 

Jim, Frank and Wayne at Stome The Crows Festival 2015
Backstage in Wagga Wagga for the ‘I Remember You-oo‘ show
at the ‘Stone The Crows Festival’ for an enthusiastic audience of over 800 people.
JIM HAYNES, FRANK and WAYNE HORSBURGH
(Photo by musical director GREG HOOPER)

 

Some nostalgia via musician Larry Still (former bandmate of Gene Bradley Fisk who is father to Spur Award-winner Donna Fisk!):

Soudley Carnival 1974

1975 Carnival Queen Mandy Turley

 

From a local newspaper office in Gloucestershire, a photo above from the Soudley Carnival in 1974.

The village hall had been recently built and officially opened and the annual village fete had a grand opening and a carnival queen competition.

Local benefactor Stanley Joiner (who paid for the village hall) invited Frank Ifield along to officiate.

In the clipping (left), Frank is pictured with carnival Queen Mandy Turley.

 

FRANK IFIELD RETURNS TO CARDIFF (NSW) & WAGGA WAGGA

On Friday 10th July 2015, the intrepid team of Frank Ifield, Wayne Horsburgh, Jim Haynes & Greg Hooper are back together again to make a triumphant return to Wests Cardiff club (in Cardiff NSW). The club has undergone refurbishments but it still remains the very first venue where we kick-started the original ‘I Remember You-oo‘ show.
The show starts at 1:30 pm so be sure to get in early to book your seat.

 


Wayne, Frank, Jim

“If you are in Wagga Wagga this Easter for the ‘Stone The Crows Festival’ make sure to come and see me on Saturday April 4th 2015, as I will be revisiting with our show called ‘I Remember You-oo‘ with my three buddies JIM HAYNES, WAYNE HORSBURGH AND GREG HOOPER and together we are sure to give you a show to remember. ”

NB: While the show is part of the ‘Stone The Crows Festival’, you can obtain tickets by contacting Don Tuckwell Audio in Wagga on (02) 6921 4862.

 

Frank on St Patrick's Day
Happy St Patrick’s Day from Frank! (Photo by Mez)

Frank Ifield - Donna Fisk - Richard Young

Thursday 12 March 2015:

Congratulations to DONNA FISK
– winner of the 2015 Frank Ifield International Spur Award
Here is Frank’s account of the night…

 What a fabulous time was had by all at The International Spur Award night at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL (who graciously co-sponsor the award). The atmosphere was electric and the packed house was full of friendly familiar smiling faces and unexpected surprises too, as we were graced by the presence of such Australian celebrities such as the legendary singers Col Joye and Ray Burgess.

The show kicked off with Bob Howe fronting the Hillbilly Heaven Band with their highly entertaining and professional performance, followed by multi-award winner from Victoria, Donna Fisk. Her presence lit up the room and her unique vocal style immediately captured every musical ear.

Next, the stage belonged to my 2010 Spur award winner, Johanna Hemara. I am always delighted when my conviction for each of my awardees becomes justified and once again Johanna proved worthy of my faith. Her yodelling is superb but the showstopper for me was her heartfelt rendition of Roy Orbison’s classic ‘Crying’ which features on her most recent CD called ‘I Yodel in my Dreams’. Except for Bob Howe and me, it was an all-girl show as the next artist was my 2009 winner, Nicki Gillis who is a regular co-host and singer on many of these monthly Canterbury Country shows. Nicki, with yearly tours to the UK and a plethora of European Country music top ten hits including a number one to her credit, has undoubtedly become our most successful Spur award winner and I regard her as a great role model for future aspiring young Australian talent.

Then I made my entrance on stage and spoke of how I was transported in my mind to the early 80’s. You see, in 1982 I came on one of my many tours of Australia and finished in Victoria. I rehearsed in Melbourne with a very impressive local Country band called ‘Hot Diggity’ and their lead singer was a dynamic young teenager named Donna Fisk. She is the daughter of well-known Australian Country Singer Gene Bradley Fisk and she had me captivated by the uniqueness of her voice from the very first time I saw her perform.

Again in 1984 I returned to tour ‘Down Under’ and found myself working again with the Hot Diggity Band at the Moomba Festival. I was to sing from a moving boat as it made its way down along the Yarra River. Trouble was, I could only hear myself sing intermittently as we passed the speakers on the shore line. The band leader was a young guitarist called Bob Howe who not only impressed me by his musicianship, but also his prowess as being totally unflappable in any crisis. I said “If ever you come to England give me a call and I will get you to work with me”. No sooner had I got back to the UK, Bob turned up and gave me a call. This was a moment that turned into not only a decade of touring together but also forged a lifelong friendship.

Now, many years later, I watched as Donna Fisk held the crowd in the palm of her hand, knowing that she was totally unaware that she was about to become the recipient of the 2015 International Spur Award. Sponsor of the trophy is the Rotary Club of Galston and their representative is Richard Young who had much to do with the running of ‘The Galston Country Music Festival’. He has been to many of these Award nights and offered his sincere congratulations on what he considered the best Spur Award show he had seen.

When I proclaimed Donna as the winner she was gobsmacked! However, she managed to compose herself and spoke in such glowing terms of me that in the end I was the one left speechless.

I was able to tell Donna and the audience that her song ‘Still In Love With You’ had just entered the European and the UK country music chart at number 39 after having only being released last week. 

 

Donna, Johanna, Frank, Nicki
Frank dancing with the girls during the finale!

**Listen to Donna Fisk talking to Graeme Gilbert on the 2SM Super Network just after the award annoucement:

Music Tour of Scotland & Ireland 2015
with Frank IfieldFrank says, “Come fly with me…”

***NEW*** A Personal Message from Frank and details which make this trip available to UK, European and American, as well as Australian travellers:

Tour banner Hi there my Internet friends and thank you all for your support.

Being in show business since I was 13 years old, not only allowed me to realise my ambition but also at the same time, achieve another of my desires…and that was to see the world. However, for the most part all I saw was the inside of airports; hotels; dressing rooms; or seeing the scenery through the car window on the way to a venue. I always promised myself to return one day and witness the wonders of all the places I had been to that had impressed me. Now that I am of an age to take on a few more leisurely pursuits, number one on my bucket list is to live up to that promise.

That is why, I was so delight when approached by fellow performer John Howie and Travelrite to be a guest host during August this year on the 2015 music tour of Scotland and Ireland: These are two magical countries, known for their natural beauty and the genuine friendliness of their folk.

I wanted however, to make sure that the people who have supported me over the many years should be given a chance to enjoy this unique adventure with me. So I approached the organisers for a special deal to include my UK and European followers and they have agreed to make arrangements. In such case, I can personally look forward to spending some quality time with you and maybe your friends too on what promises to be a wonderful experience.

So Let’s Get ‘Up Up & Away’!

FRANK IFIELD

CLICK HERE to download the PDF brochure that includes full details and prices
(including airfares from Australia)The prices for Euro, GB Pound and US Dollar are:
EURO 5300 pp twin share
GBP 3970 pp twin share
USD 6200 pp twin shareSingle supplements are:
EURO 1200
GBP 900
USD 1400
The prices include all the inclusions (detailed in the brochure)
except for international airfares.
(subject to change)

The sights of Scotland & Ireland by day –
The Music of Scotland & Ireland by night!

Including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Tour dates:
August 6th to September 1st. 2015

For more information, brochures and bookings, visit
Travelrite International or the John Howie Music Tours website
.

Brochure cover

 

 

***NEW*** Have you wondered if Frank Ifield ever recorded a particular song? Here’s how to find out! Check out ‘THE Complete Anthology Of Frank Ifield Recorded Songs’.
CLICK HERE to view the PDF file…

 

Harmony House

More nostalgia from the vaults – a story from Frank:

“In the era of 1956/7 there was a well known establishment known as Harmony House located at 177 George Street Sydney at Circular Quay. Its frontage was a record store while at the rear there was a direct to disc recording studio. This picture of the studio came to light by a chance meeting with Doug Cohen, proud son of Ron Cohen whom I knew as the owner of Harmony House. He provided a lot of music for entertainers at Kings Cross and was also well known on the club circuit. He can just be seen hiding behind the glass of the control panel.

Doug said he inherited the grand piano shown in the picture as being played by Ron Bailey. It used to belong to the famous opera singer – Joan Sutherland who also recorded at the studio. No prizes for guessing who the young man is playing guitar, but the girl at the mike was brought in to add glamour to the photo – she worked at the cake shop! Doug’s sister Alice has written a book on the days of Harmony House and of their talented dad entitled Direct Sound to Disc.”

 

In this photo from 1974 we see Frank with (from the left) OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN, SLIM WHITMAN, MIKI & GRIFF, ERIC HALL, GEORGE HAMILTON IV and MERVYN CONN.

Thanks to everyone who emailed to help solve this puzzle from the archives, especially David, Bud, Alan, Ian, John and Patricia.

Photo by Dominic McKenzie, P4920 in the George Hamilton IV Collection (20410), Southern Folklife Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

 

Frank Ifield and Brian Matthew

2014: During his U.K. tour earlier this year, Frank caught up with legendary broadcaster Brian Matthew at BBC Radio 2. They hadn’t seen each other for around 20 years and Frank and Brian had a great time reliving old memories. Frank tells that “…Brian looks just the same and his radio show is every bit as good as I remember it being!”

 

September 2014 – “Frank’s Picks”:

The Preacher coverBack in June 1982, Frank was touring Australia and played three shows in regional Victoria. Appearing on those shows were DONNA FISK and the HOT DIGGITY BAND which included guitarist BOB HOWE. In March of 1984 they all performed together again and a few months later, Bob was in the U.K. and became Frank’s Musical Director.

Fast forward thirty years and now Bob and Donna have begun a recording project to salute the songwriting and recordings of fellow inductees in the Australian ‘Country Music Hands of Fame’. The first release in September 2014 is a pair of digital singles; Donna sings ‘Still In Love With You’ and Bob performs ‘The Preacher’.

 

Still In Love With You coverFrank: “…It’s a familiar melody ‘The Preacher’ – I enjoyed this bouncy tune immensely.

Donna has a very unique voice and ‘Still In Love With You’ is a very unique song. I played it several times as it intrigued me and I hope other listeners will also be as equally impressed. Lots of deserved success to you both.”

CLICK HERE to find out more about the project and watch the videos…

(Frank was indcuted into the Australian ‘Country Music Hands of Fame’ in 1978, Donna Fisk and Wayne Horsburgh both in 1989 and Bob Howe in 2014)

Songs of the Islands Vol. 2 cover

 

Bob has also produced the latest album for WAYNE HORSBURGH who appeared with Frank earlier this year as part of the ‘When Aussies Ruled Britannia’ show.

Wayne’s new album ‘Songs of the Islands Vol. 2’ has been on high rotation in Frank’s CD player. It is the follow-up to Volume One, released by Wayne in 2005.

Find out more by visiting Wayne’s website…

 

30 June 2014:

UK Frank Ifield fans were listening to Ken Bruce on Radio 2 that week. Ken invited Frank to choose the ‘Tracks of My Years’ every day.

Frank selected these ‘Tracks of my Years‘ and presented them with some personal stories:

  • Emile Ford & The Checkmates – What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For?
  • Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World
  • Bruce Channel – Hey Baby
  • The Beatles – Love Me Do
  • The Shadows – Apache
  • Matt Monro – If I Never Sing Another Song
  • Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons – Big Girls Don’t Cry
  • Brook Benton – Endlessly
  • Duane Eddy and The Rebelettes – Dance With The Guitar Man

21 June 2014:

While in the U.K. Frank was delighted to learn that his vintage Ovation guitar had a new owner… Mr Barry Dixon – son of Iris and brother of drummer Cozy Dixon.

Barry bought the guitar on eBay to add to his collection of music memorabillia plus he wanted the guitar to “come back into the family”.

This photo was taken at Dumbleton Village Hall.

2014
U.K. TOUR DATES!!
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26 May 2014 Monday
An Evening with Frank Ifield
Albany Theatre
Coventry

28 May 2014 Wednesday
An Evening with Frank Ifield
Epstein Theatre
Liverpool

 

10 Jun 2014 Tuesday
When Aussies Ruled Britannia
Queen’s Hall
Beaumont St
Hexham NE46 3LS
15 Jun 2014 Sunday
When Aussies Ruled Britannia
Princess Theatre
13 The Green, Hunstanton Norfolk PE36 5AH16 Jun 2014 Monday
When Aussies Ruled Britannia
Shanklin Theatre
Prospect Rd, Shanklin
Isle of Wight PO37 6AJ

Photos from the Road:

 

Frank on-air with BBC Merseyside
Frank on-air with BBC Merseyside, via BBC Northampton (photo by Nicki Gillis)
Frank Ifield - The Man Himself Albany Theatre Coventry
26 May 2014: ‘Frank Ifield – The Man Himself’ onstage at Albany Theatre, Coventry with BBC Coventry and Warwickshire’s Brody Swain (photo by Nicki Gillis)Tour party et al
Tour party et al…(photo by by William Bradley)
Dave Henderson, Lee Goodwin, Nicki, Tracy Dann, Mrs Dixon, Frank, Barry & Cozy Dixon
Frank enjoying the English sunshine!
Frank enjoying the English sunshine! (Photo by Barry Dixon)

Frank Ifield, Nicki Gillis, Ags Connolly
16 May 2014: Frank Ifield, Nicki Gillis, Ags Connolly
at the The Railway Inn, Culham on the first night of Nicki’s 2014 U.K. tour.

 

Congratulations Bob Howe!

On the 14th Anniversary of the Canterbury Country Show (8th May 2014)…

The longevity of this regular production has earned it the reputation of being the most influential supporter of Country Music in our great city of Sydney.

Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL has our appreciation for their high standard in staging these shows over the years. The wonderful musicians that make up the Hillbilly Heaven Band is another credit to Bob Howe who not only is the leader of the band but also comperes and produces the show, making sure that each show features a diversity of fine talent to delight the enthusiastic audiences.

I personally would like to thank you Bob for putting on the ‘International Spur Award Show‘ each year over the total 14 years. This also helps to encourage Australian Country Artists by displaying their talents to international markets.

GOOD ON YOU BOB – KEEP ON, KEEPING ON!    – Frank.

BOB and NICKI with the cake
BOB HOWE and co-host NICKI GILLIS with the Canterbury Country 14th birthday cake.

Dennis Locorriere and Frank Ifield

 

27 April 2014:

Dennis Locorriere was a founding member and lead vocalist for Dr Hook. Frank was in the audience to enjoy his one-man show at the Evan Theatre in Penrith and they spent a long time swapping stories backstage.

Frank was particularly taken by the revelation that he was the first U.K. singer to come to Dennis’ notice in the U.S.A. at the start of ‘The British Invasion’. Frank’s I Remember You was riding high on the charts and made such an impact that when Dennis heard The Beatles for the first time, he pictured them as four Frank Ifields!

STUIE FRENCH AND CAMILLE TE NAHU
Thursday 13 March 2014:
Congratulations to STUIE FRENCH AND CAMILLE TE NAHU,
winners of the 2014 Frank Ifield International Spur Award!
in association with Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club and Galston Rotary Club.
(Photo by Eyegraphics)

 

Tony Page and Frank Ifield with the 2014 plaque
Pictured above, Tony Page from Galston Rotary Club and Frank Ifield.
Unfortunately Stuie and Camille were airborne on the night, so their plaque
will be presented to them in-person at a later date.The ‘SPUR AWARD WINNERS SHOW’ was held at Canterbury Country and featured STEPHANIE JANSEN (2013 Winner), NICKI GILLIS (2009 Winner),
WAYNE HORSBURGH (2000 Millennium Winner)

and GRAHAM TOOLE (2004 Winner).
Surprise guest for the night was KEITH POTGER (from The Seekers), who, with Frank, Nicki and Wayne, made up the cast of the recent ‘When Aussies Ruled Britannia’ tour.
STEPHANIE, WAYNE, FRANK, GRAHAM, NICKI
STEPHANIE, WAYNE, FRANK, GRAHAM, NICKI

STOP PRESS:
Stuie and Camille’s track The First Time entered the UK Country Chart at #22 and rose to #14 in its second week and then reached #8.

 

STUIE FRENCH & CAMILLE TE NAHU receiving their award from Bob on behalf of Frank Ifield
8th May 2014: Winners of the 2014 Frank Ifield International Spur Award,
STUIE FRENCH & CAMILLE TE NAHU receiving their award from Bob on behalf of Frank Ifield, in association with Galston Rotary Club and Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club

 

March 2014: At the showbiz ‘Arrows’ lunch, Frank was delighted to catch up with many long-standing friends:

Bobby Rydell, Pete Graham, Frank Ifield
Fellow 60s singing star Bobby Rydell, 2UE broadcaster Pete Graham and Frank.

 

Darby Wilson, Frank Ifield, Ron Martin, Laurie Bennett

When ‘I Remember You’ hit the top of the charts in 1962, Frank took his Aussie band to the U.K. for a hit tour. They were reunited here; Darby Wilson (guitar), Frank, Ron Martin (bass), and Laurie Bennett (drums). Steel player Kenny Kitching was to have been on the tour but had just become a father. Although not pictured, he was also at this ‘Arrows’ event which Frank proclaimed “…was a great reunion as this is the first time in many years that we had been all together”. (Photos courtesy of John Charter)

Here are some photos from the recent ‘When Aussies Ruled Britannia‘ show…

Tamworth Capitol Theatre: Nicki Gillis, Frank Ifield, Keith Potger, Wayne Horsburgh
(photo by Greg Sylvia)

Frank reminisces on stage about his first recordings

Opening night at the Dame Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith
Glenn A. Baker, Nicki, Tracy Dann, Frank, Keith, Wayne

Frank Ifield and Keith Potger live on stage – Jan/Feb 2014
poster

Lockhouse Productions is pleased to announce that Mr Frank Ifield will be returning to the stage in January 2014 in a new stage production called ‘When Aussies Ruled Britannia‘.

The show features Frank and fellow 60s superstar Keith Potger (The Seekers) presenting stories and songs from the era when they were top of the pop charts across the world. Included will be the stories behind all of Frank’s hits (sung by Wayne Horsburgh) and hits from The Seekers and The New Seekers (sung by Nicki Gillis and Keith himself).

17 January Dame Joan Sutherland PAC Penrith NSW
Box Office (02) 4723 7600 www.jspac.com.au

20 January Capitol Theatre Tamworth NSW
Box Office (02) 6767 5300 www.capitoltheatretamworth.com.au

23 January Capitol Theatre Tamworth NSW
Box Office (02) 6767 5300 www.capitoltheatretamworth.com.au

24 January Q Theatre Queanbeyan NSW
Box Office (02) 6285 6290 www.theq.net.au

25 January Wollongong Town Hall NSW
Box Office (02) 4227 5088 www.wollongongtownhall.com.au

29 January Westside Performing Arts Centre Mooroopna Vic
Box office (03) 5832 9511 www.riverlinksvenues.com.au

30 January Royal Theatre Castlemaine Vic
Box Office (03) 5412 1196 www.theatreroyal.info

1 February Drama Theatre (2 Shows) Geelong Vic
Box Office (03) 5225 1200 www.gpac.org.au

 

 

Earlier in 2013, Frank Ifield recorded an extra three hours for ‘Paul Hazell’s World Of Country’ on Uckfield FM. This show aired for the first time in the U.K. on the evening of Boxing Day. It is now available for you to ‘Listen Again’ on demand from the station’s website, along with many of Paul’s specials. Click here to Listen Again…

 

Dec 2013: The photos below are from The Coventry Music Museum which is currently ranked #1 of 31 attractions in Coventry by TripAdvisor.co.uk.

 

bannerdisplay case
Click on the photos to enlarge..

VALE
COLIN IFIELD
1943-2013
Dear Departed Brother and Irreplaceable Friend
Passed Away with Cancer – 12 November 2013

From Frank’s eulogy:

Colin lived a multi-faceted life as a singer; hydraulic engineer and Deep Muscle Therapist. His stature was of a tall handsome man with an engaging smile and outwardly very friendly but he was essentially quite shy. His deep resonant quality of voice made him a natural for a career as a singer and in 1963 he appeared on Sydney’s top rating Television shows such as Australian Bandstand and ABCTV’s Six O Clock Rock Show with the legendary Johnny O’Keefe.

Colin then turned his hand the family business in Dural of Hydraulic engineering and then took on the management of its highly successful Queensland division when he met with an automobile accident which almost took his life but Colin fought his way back against all odds.
Due to these experiences, bouts of ill health and dealing with adversity Colin found a new strength. His underlying passion to help others deal with their suffering found him establishing himself as a Deep Muscle Therapist in Glenorie where his great empathy for others ensured there were many satisfied clients.

If a life well lived can be measured by the amount of true and loving friends one has in life then my brother is truly blessed both here and in the great beyond.
Farewell my friend; May you rest in peace.

 

Rarities - CD cover

 

‘Frank Ifield Rarities’ is now released globally on Parlophone Records (a Warner Music Group Company) and is available from Amazon UKAmazon USA and iTunes.

You can also still order a limited autographed copy of the double CD right here at Frank’s website! Click here for more…

On Monday, 30th September, legendary singer Frank Ifield re-launched the Uckfield Volunteer Centre at Uckfield, East Sussex in South East England to listen to a replay of the live broadcast or watch a video of the opening and view photos. There are also more photos here…

Frank Ifield and Paul Hazell
Frank cuts the ribbon at Uckfield Volunteer Centre while Paul Hazell broadcasts the event.
(Photo by Ron Hill)


award

Uckfield FM presented Frank with a commemorative plaque (pictured left) “In recognition of the 60th anniversary of his first commercial recording and his continuing influence in the music industry”.

 

On the previous night Sunday 29th September 2013, Frank Ifield was on air for the full three hours of ‘Paul Hazell’s World Of Country’ on Uckfield FM. The theme for the night was ‘The International Pioneers Of Country Music’ and you can hear a replay of the entire show at via the station’s website!

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!

‘Frank Ifield Rarities’

Track Listing:

Disc 1
1. Fireball Mail
2. Cold Cold Heart
3. (Yes) I’m Hurting
4. Dark Moon
5. Roses From A Stranger
6. Devoted To You
7. Take Good Care Of Her
8. Long Gone
9. Love Song Of The Waterfall
10. Who Cares (For Me)
11. Lights Of Home
12. After The Heartaches
13. Here Comes My Baby Back Again
14. Rovin’ Lover
15. Wolverton Mountain
16. Just Let Me Make Believe A While
17. I’m Learning Child
18. Give Myself A Party
19. Before This Day Ends
20. Good Morning Dear
21. Long Gone Lonesome Blues
22. Don’t Forget To Cry
23. I’d be A Legend In My Time
24. Rainbows And Roses
25. You’ve Still Got A Place In My Heart
26. In A Mansion Stands My Love
27. Cool Water
28. Rover No More
29. Streets Of Laredo

Disc 2
1. Maurie
2. When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again
3. A Stranger To Me
4. Cattle Call
5. Sweet Memories
6. Riders In The Sky
7. You And Me And Happiness
8. Just One Time
9. I’m A Fool To Care
10. Half As Much
11. Look What Thoughts Will Do (Tu Ne Me Verras Pleurer)
12. I Forgot What It Was Like
13. Blue Bayou
14. Innocent Years
15. Funny How Time Slips Away
16. Lost Love
17. A Hundred Days
18. Gonna Find Me A Bluebird
19. (I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle
20. San Antonio Rose
21. Hey Little Bird
22. If It Comes To That
23. Love Me
24. Happy Tracks
25. Tumbling Tumbleweeds
26. It Don’t Work That Way
27. I Just Can’t Lose The Blues
28. Nottingham Fair
29. Old Man Duff
30. Pecos Bill

 

Frank’s good friend Wayne Horsburgh was on air for the full three hours of ‘Paul Hazell’s World Of Country’ on Uckfield FM, Sunday 1st September.
The show featured Wayne and many special guests (including Frank during the last half-hour) and can now be heard again on demand….
Frank will be the featured guest of the show again very soon…watch this space for details!

John Waters and Frank ifield13 May 2013:

At the May ‘Break A Leg Lunch’, raising money for Support Act Ltd.

Pictured left: Frank with the guest speaker at the lunch – Australian actor and musician JOHN WATERS. John’s many roles include playing JOHN LENNON in the show he wrote himself, Looking Through A Glass Onion. He is currently playing Gomez in The Addams Family musical and Darcy Proudman in the television series, Offspring.

 

Pictured below:
(back row, L to R:) George Bruno, Frank Ifield, Jim White, Rachel Joy
(front row, L to R:) Wayne Horsburgh, Bob Howe and Karen, Meryl Gross

Wayne Horsburgh, Frank Ifield, Jim Haynes
10 May 2013 at Wests Cardiff: A great show by The Three Caballeros,
Wayne HorsburghFrank Ifield, and Jim Haynes

 

Farewell to Larry Memery

“Larry is an unsung hero who was both my friend and mentor and I treasure the times we spent together.
He brought many aspiring young talented performers to my notice and together we did what we could to help them on their way to realizing their dreams.
Whatever he tackled was done with passion, enthusiasm, and unselfishness; but most of all, in giving of himself, he inspired us all with love.”

Larry Memery

 

Frank on the radio:

Colin Bunyan presents Vintage Vinyl on BBC Tees. During April, the featured artist on the show is Frank Ifield and you’ll hear three of Frank’s tracks each week. Listen live on Sunday afternoons, 2 – 5pm UK Time via the BBC Tees website or check their  link for a replay.

Frank recently spoke to Louise Maher on 666 ABC Canberra and you can hear or download that excellent interview at their website…

Did you miss the fabulous interview when Frank Ifield appeared live on Paul Hazell’s ‘World Of Country’ on Uckfield FM back in June 2012? Never fear! Now you can hear the entire three hours again, complete with many rare recordings. Just 

Chloë and Jason RowethFrank onstage
Chloë and Jason Roweth (from Battlers’ Ballad) singing and Frank story-telling…

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Frank Ifield

In association with the
National Folk Festival

There are not many artists who can say they’ve had the Beatles as their support act or been the first to have three consecutive hits on the British charts. Frank Ifield can lay claim to both. Yet this world-renowned performer had his roots in Dural, 36 kilometres north-west of Sydney, where he learnt to play the ukulele, set Australian poetry to his own tunes and listened to the yodelling of Tex Morton—a true ‘folk’ background.

Frank Ifield performed with musicians Chloë and Jason Roweth and in conversation with folklore collector Rob Willis.

Thursday 28 March 2013, 12.30 pm
Theatre, National Library of Australia, Canberra

Frank talks to Rob Willis
Frank talks to Rob Willis (Photos courtesy of the National Library of Australia)

 Frank Ifield and Stephanie Jansen

 

Thursday 14 March 2013:

Congratulations to
STEPHANIE JANSEN

Winner of the 2013
Frank Ifield International Spur Award!

 

STOP PRESS: Stephanie’s track Shoes has moved up to #3 on the UK Country Chart, the spot previously occupied by Frank’s
Roses From A Stranger.

 

FRANK IFIELD, STEPHANIE JANSEN and TONY PAGE (Galston Rotary) onstage
FRANK IFIELD, STEPHANIE JANSEN and TONY PAGE (Galston Rotary) onstage
Photo courtesy of Mark Turnbull


onstage presentationMEDIA RELEASE – 15/3/2013: Stephanie Jansen Awarded the Frank Spur Award – ‘Shoes’ debuts at 9 on the UK Country charts.
On Thursday evening March 14, Stephanie Jansen was awarded the coveted Frank Ifield International Spur Award for 2013. Stephanie gratefully accepted the award last night at ‘Canterbury Country‘ from Frank Ifield OAM, in association with The Rotary Club of Galston and Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL. In a stealth manoeuvre with Stephanie’s management, Mr Ifield was able to release the single ‘Shoes‘ off Stephanie’s 2012 Australian debut E.P ‘Risky’ to over 1000 radio stations across the UK and Europe. Ms Jansen was bowled over, on receiving the award, to hear that her single had on the first week entered the UK and European Country Music Charts debuting at number 9.

“This is an incredible surprise and completely unexpected. I feel so honoured to receive this special award. ‘Shoes’ is a song I hold particularly close. I wrote it with a dear friend (Allan Caswell) and it spins me out that right now our song is being heard by millions of people in the UK and all across Europe!” said Ms Jansen.

STOP PRESS: Stephanie’s track Shoes has moved up to #4 the UK Country Chart, while Frank’s Roses From A Stranger has moved up to #3.

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Canterbury Country
Thursday 14th March 2013
Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club
8pm in the Starlight Auditorium
‘AWARD WINNERS SHOW’
featuring
EMMA HANNAH (2012 Spur Winner)
JOHANNA HEMARA (2010 Spur Winner)
NICKI GILLIS (2009 Spur Winner)
TRAVIS LIST (from Nashville)
plus FRANK presenting the 2013 Frank Ifield International Spur Award (in association with Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club and Galston Rotary Club)
Hosted by BOB HOWE with the Hillbilly Heaven band.

FRANK, EMMA, NICKI, STEPHANIE, JOHANNA, TRAVIS
FRANK, EMMA, NICKI, STEPHANIE, JOHANNA, TRAVIS (Photo by Bob Howe)

 

Frank Ifield and Roy Cooper
Frank Ifield and Roy Cooper


From Frank: “On the evening Monday 4th of March 2013 we were cruising on Sydney Harbour for the Mo Awards Nomination Night. I met many of my old friends and after these many years I was sitting with my old pal Roy Cooper. Roy and I share a lot in common apart from both being survivors of Heart Attacks, we worked together at his Sydney recording studios on my CD released on ABC called ‘The Fire Still Burns’.

Bob Howe had done some wonderful guitar picking on the original tracks back in the UK and here Roy added some drum and guitar licks on other tracks in Australia. When we first met I was delighted to learn that he was the drummer for my favourite English star of the 50s & 60s Lonnie Donegan and I am so pleased to see Roy looking so well and happy with his wife Carol.

Also sitting at our table on the cruise was Wayne Horsburgh and the lovely Nicki Gillis who I thank for taking this picture and it thrilled me to hear that not only Nicki and Wayne but Bob Howe as well have been nominated for the coming Mo Awards – We wish you all good luck!”

 

Tamworth Festival 2013:

“What a great time I had at this years Tamworth Country Music Festival. One thing that made it a stand out was that apart from the very successful shows with John Stephan at the Town Hall, I learned that my friend WAYNE HORSBURGH had been duly inducted into the ‘Roll Of Renown’. Swept up with excitement, I could not wait to see it. So we made arrangements to meet up along with our mutual friends Bob Howe and his bubbly enthusiastic wife Karen to take pictures of the occasion so we could share the good news with you all.

Frank and Wayne at the Roll Of Renown

You will no doubt notice that Wayne and I appear together on the same chunk of rock albeit with ten years of separation and also appearing there is our mate; the legendary steel guitarist Kenny Kitching. There we stood in the blazing heat while our images were being photographed for perpetuity.

Meanwhile after working up a raging thirst that only could be quenched by a cold beer at the Longyard Hotel, Karen suggested going to visit The Big Golden Guitar – Gallery of Stars Wax Museum – so quickly I agreed to tag along. It had been many years since I last went there and I wondered had my wax dummy survived the ravages of time. Much to our mirth and surprise it had. So I had to put my smiling face, which shows the result of the intervening years in front of the dummy – Which is the real one?

Frank in Wax!

I also enjoyed visiting the effigies of many dear departed friends such as the man that gave me my first professional engagement Tim McNamara.

Then I looked up to see my idols Rick & Thel Carey who had left such a lasting impression with me and whose encouragement and advice set this young fourteen-year-old greenhorn on the road to making dreams into reality.

Tim McNamara in waxRick and Thel Carey in wax

Smoky in wax

 

As a young child I recall sitting with my Gran to hear the radio adventures of the great Smoky Dawson.

Next to him was the father of Australian Country Music Tex Morton and the Balladeer Bushman himself Buddy Williams.

 


Jimmy Little in wax

Last year saw the sad passing of my dear friend of over 60 years: Gentleman Jim – the unforgettable Jimmy Little. I could not help a moment of sadness sweep over me in wishing that they were all still flesh and bone instead of wax and we could sit a spell and chat once again for old times sake.”

(With thanks to the staff of The Big Golden Guitar – Gallery of Stars Wax Museum)

 

 

Raising a glass to Wayne!
Raising a glass to Wayne!
(Dulcie, Wayne, Karen, Bob, Frank)

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